Sea Turtle Tag and Release Day, please don’t try this at the beach!
Park staff from Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, Research Biologist George Balazs with the National Marine Fisheries Service of NOAA, students from Hawaii Prepatory Academy, and staff from the University of Hawaii’s Marine Option Program worked together on June 28th to capture, weigh, and measure approxiamately 29 turtles that live within the south part of the park (‘Ai’opio fishtrap). Scientists study green sea turtles ( called Honu in Hawaiian), to learn about the biology and the life history of these fascinating animals that are endangered species. To learn more go to http://turtles.com
Each turtle captured was measured and weighed, then had thorough examinations to check for disease and injury. Finally each turtle had small identification tags (microchip PIT tags) inserted into their flippers. All turtles were released unharmed …….though slightly disoriented!
Park Ranger Jeanette Gillespie got to catch her first sea turtle for ‘Turtle Tagging Day! Please don’t try this at the beach as you will certainly get a citation!
