Starting Friday, August 1, and continuing through November, the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources said it is the peak season for sea turtles nesting in Hawaii.
Since 2020, nesting activity by Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, has increased each year across the Hawaiian Islands, a hopeful sign for this threatened species. This positive growth is accompanied by increased responsibility for beachgoers to help ensure the hatchlings make it safely to the sea.
During the summer months, adult female honu return to the Islands’ sandy beaches to lay their eggs. The weeks that follow are critical for the nests. Honu nests typically take about 60 days to hatch. However, the exact incubation period can vary depending on the temperature of the nest. Warmer temperatures can lead to a shorter incubation time, while cooler temperatures can result in a more prolonged incubation. The sex of the sea turtles is also dependent on temperature — warmer temperatures produce females, while cooler temperatures produce males.
“Because these are tiny little turtles in a massive ocean full of predators, only a very small percentage ever makes it to adulthood, which is why we can’t give all of these babies as much of a head start as possible,” said Charles Lee, the Education Specialist with the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources.
Once hatchlings emerge, they use the brightness of the stars and moonlight to navigate from the beach to the open ocean — a journey that can be disrupted by human activity such as driving on the beach, or distraction by lights. Small changes can make a big difference in whether these young turtles survive.
The DLNR offers tips on how humans can help the honu, including no driving on beaches. Vehicles compact the sand, which can trap hatchlings or crush unseen nests. Driving on the beaches is not only harmful, it’s illegal.
The DLNR also suggests giving turtles and nests plenty of space — if you see a nesting sea turtle, or a marked nest, stay back and observe quietly from a distance of at least 10 feet. Sea turtles in Hawaii are protected under federal law. Never pick up the hatchlings and place them into the ocean.
The crawl through the sand helps hatchlings prepare for maturity and their eventual return to the nest as adults. If hatchlings are seen, call the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hotline at 888-256-9840 so researchers can follow up. The hotline is where people can report injured, dead, or hatching turtles.
For residents living close to the shore, turn off beach-facing lights during nesting and hatching season. Artificial lighting disorients hatchlines, leading them away from the ocean.
If you must be on the beach after dark, use only red-filtered flashlights. Regular white lights can confuse hatchlings, drawing them away from the ocean.
Finally, no campfires on the beach. Campfires are illegal on Hawaii’s beaches and are especially dangerous during nesting season. In past incidents, disoriented hatchlings have crawled into the fire pits and perished.
Each hatchling faces long odds of survival, with only about one in a thousand reaching adulthood. Individual choices can help ensure more of these incredible animals make it to the sea.
On Oahu, Malama ina Honu is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that works with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect sea turtles during nesting season. The groups monitor known nesting sites, conduct evening and nighttime nest watches, and work with state and federal agencies to mark and safeguard nests.
Honu are an incredible and invaluable part of our community. Here in Hawaii,” Lee said. “They act as gardeners of the coral reef to ensure that it’s healthy. They’re an incredible draw for locals and tourists alike, and all we have to do to ensure their future is to provide a little bit of malama during this crucial time of their lives. Just a little bit of consideration towards them will go a long way.”
To report violations, dial 911 for beach driving, and 808-643-3567 for DLNR Enforcement.
For more information on sea turtles and volunteering opportunities, visit the website https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/species/sea-turtles/.
Source: The Garden Island
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