HAWAII PREPARATORY ACADEMY

HPA/NOAA SEA TURTLE RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION PROGRAM

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Turtles are Tourist Attractions at Laniakea Beach

Navy News-Protecting Sea Turtles

 

 

 

How to Behave Around Hawaiian Green Turtles (Honu)

Over the last 30 years, the population of Hawaiian green turtles (Honu) has increased significantly. It is now common to see Honu along the shallow coastal areas of the leeward coast of the Big Island. Places tourists can get to (Puako, Mauna Lani Bay, Anaehoomalu Bay, Kiholo, Hualalai, Kaloko-Honokohau, Kahalu'u Beach Park, etc.) have large sub-adult populations that can be seen foraging close to shore. With the increased abundance of Honu, interactions between Honu and humans have increased. Usually, the Honu will keep their distance from people. On the other hand, people often want to get close to wild Honu to see them and, unfortunately, try to touch them. This usually results in the Honu rapidly leaving the area. Please take a look at the viewing guidelines below

Humans Feeding Honu

Feeding wild animals, in general, is a bad idea. This is true for our Hawaiian Honu! The food we select to feed turtles is usually inappropriate... I have witnessed people feed turtles papaya, magoes, lettuce, broccoli, dog food, In addition, feeding honu makes them feel comfortable around humans, not always a good idea. Honu that have been feed have been know to bite people, usually when they mistake clothing for food or people get their hands in their mouths while hand feeding.

BASICALLY, it is ecologically, ethically and behaviorly inappropriate to feed wild animals and this holds for the Hawaiian Honu.

SOME VIEWING GUIDELINES

1. Observe turtles from a distance-do not advance (swim) toward turtles.

2. Do not attempt to touch or ride turtles

3. Do not feed turtles

4. Do not corner a turtle by "crowding" it against a barrier like the shoreline

5. If approached by a turtle, remain calm and do not move rapidly or aggressively toward the turtle

 

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