When you think of Hawaii, a great number of associated iconography springs to mind. The hibiscus flower. Blue rolling waves. Hula dancing. Sea turtles. All of these are cultural signifiers tied to the greater identity of Hawaii and Hawaiian culture. However, due to rising circumstances, man-made and organic, one of these things has been on the brink of disappearing, and it isn't hula dancing.
Sea turtles are marine reptiles endemic to the Hawaiian archipelago and exist in five main variations of species across surrounding waters. They are the Green Sea Turtle, the Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead & Olive Ridley. For millions of years, these majestic animals have teemed throughout the area and because of their uniqueness & specialty to Hawaii have become ingrained deep inside island culture and lore. Sea turtles and their likeness are inseparable to the islands. But over the past few decades, some alarming trends have risen, putting these critical species at great risk of extinction.
Though beloved in their native land, sea turtles, particularly Green sea turtles (known locally as Honu) were harvested for their meat alongside many of the fish, shellfish, and other edible sea life which began to dwindle the population over time. It only wasn't until 1948 when state protections were put in place requiring specific fishing licenses and catch reports to help conserve populations. Then in 1978, fishing and harvesting of sea turtle meat were made illegal altogether after an estimated 5,000 - 6,000 green sea turtles were reported to be hunted during those three decades of catch reports. In the same year, these sea turtles were officially deemed as endangered by the ESA.
The second leading cause of endangerment to the sea turtle population is due to the effects of habitat loss, pollution and degradation from the effects of climate change. Events such as construction projects along shorelines, man-made lighting and rising sea levels have obstructed normal breeding patterns, degraded locations for nesting and even affected hatchling genders to tilt more towards female turtles, offsetting the male to female ratio for more procreation.
With the help of various non-profits and increasing state protections, efforts to conserve green sea turtles and their relatives has led to recovering nesting populations and environmental clean-up and restoration to spur healthy habitats. Though much has been done to help protect the continued existence of these creatures, there is still plenty of work left for all players, state, private and local in ensuring these truly magnificent specimens of nature continue to thrive and be a living part of Hawaiian history. Linked below are just a few of the groups who've been helping keep these animals safe from outside harms. And if you can, donations, however small, would help these great organizations continue and expand their work.
To save the sea turtles is to save the spirit of Aloha!
HAWAII WILDLIFE FUND
HMAR CARE CENTER
