Turtle Talk

Sea turtles may look calm as they glide through the water, but science tells a different story beneath the surface. Researchers have found that too much human contact can trigger real stress responses in Hawaiian green sea turtles. Before you head out to Turtle Canyon, here is what every snorkeler should know.

The Story of Hawaii’s Traditional Honu Harvest: Culture, Balance, and Renewal For generations, Native Hawaiians lived in close connection with the land and sea. One powerful example of this relationship is the traditional harvest of the honu, or green sea turtle. This practice was never just about food. It was guided by strict rules, cultural […]

Finding a dead honu on an Oʻahu beach can be confusing and emotional. This guide explains exactly what to do, what not to do, and why reporting matters for protecting Hawaii’s sea turtles.

Coral bleaching doesn’t just affect reefs. Around Oahu, heat-stressed coral is changing algae growth, reef fish behavior, and the feeding patterns sea turtles depend on. This is why reef loss is a turtle story too.

Oahu Sea Turtle Emergency Checklist: Injured, Hooked, or Entangled Sea turtles on Oahu can run into trouble fast, especially with fishing line, hooks, and other gear in the water. That’s why NOAA and DLNR keep reminding people to report problems right away and let trained response networks handle it. If you see a sea turtle […]

Photo ID turtle tracking is helping researchers monitor FP presence and recovery without tagging. Learn how responsible photography and citizen science play a growing role in sea turtle research.