Green
Sea Turtles
 Information
Hawaii’s green sea
turtles, Honu (pronounced hoe-new),
are named for the color of their body fat, which is green from the
algae that they eat. They are primarily herbivorous.
These turtles migrate as far
as 800 miles
from their feeding areas along the coasts of the main Hawaiian islands
to their nesting beaches in the Northwestern Hawaiian islands.
Turtles are reptiles
- They are cold-blooded
- They breath air
- Their skin has scales
photo: Olve
Hoegh-Guldberg, U. of Queensland
Factors Affecting Population
- Marine
debris - plastics are particularly harmful
- Habitat
- coastal development and degradation
- Incidental
catch - in fishing gear and discarded nets and lines
- Fibropapilloma
-
a recent phenomena causing the growth of large bulbous
tumours.
Turtles do not appear to recover once stricken and the exact cause is
not known.
- Hunting
– prior to the Federal Endangered Species Act of
1973 green sea turtles were killed in large numbers for food
- Protection
-
Thanks to government conservation measures and local citizen support,
populations are now showing some recovery. Hawaii’s
turtles
are protected by Federal and International law with fines up to
$100,000.00
How to help a Turtle
If you spot what appears
to be a sick, injured or dead sea turtle stranded on land,
274-3521
241-6711 (Police dispatch)
651-7668 (Kauai Marine
Conservation Co-ordinator)
- Remember all marine
wildlife- sea turtles, seals, dolphins, and humpback whales require
distance, quiet, and respect
- Report any wildlife
distress or harassment
- Please keep dogs leashed
and away from wildlife
It is illegal to
ride a turtle.
Enjoy these
natural treasures of
Kaua’i. Your respect for their well-being and survival will
ensure their presence for your next visit and for generations to come.
Call Toll free 1.866.641.6900
or email us
Fax 1.808.742.7620
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