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SEA TURTLES

FISHING AROUND SEA TURTLES

Practical Fishing Tips

 

Prevent the Event

  • Watch your gear & check your bait after every nibble to help reduce the potential for hooking or entanglement

 

  • Use “Turtle Friendly” gear such as barbless hooks

 

    IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY CATCH A TURTLE-

IT'S OK TO HELP!

 

  • DO NOT pull the line to bring the turtle in- this will result in further injury

  • Use a net or restrain the turtle by its flippers or shell

  • Remove the hook if safe to do so- DO NOT remove hook if swallowed

  • Cut line short near mouth and remove from flippers, head & neck

 

FOR DEAD OR INJURED TURTLES CALL:

  • (808) 725-5730 Marine Turtle Stranding Hotline

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center

www.pifsc.noaa.gov

There are five species of sea turtles found in the Hawaiian Islands, including the most commonly seen Green turtle (honu), and  the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle (honu’ea). Leatherback, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley turtles are species rarely seen in the main Hawaiian Islands, but are found more commonly in deep offshore waters.

 

THREATS TO SEA TURTLES

Entanglement in marine debris

Poaching or Harassment

Fishing gear interactions

Disease (fibrous tumors on eyes, neck, flippers, mouth and internally.)

Boat strikes

Habitat Loss

 

 

Sea Turtle are listed and protected under the U.S Endangered Species Act and wildlife laws of the state of Hawaii. All sea turtle living and dead are legally protected.

 

When observing sea turtles in the wild please give them plenty of room, NOAA and DLNR recommend for your safety and the animals' protection, that everyone stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) from all sea turtles. It is illegal to harass, harm or kill a turtle. It is illegal to sell any turtle parts or products. Please do not feed, touch or attempt to ride a turtle, this would be inappropriate and shows a lack of respect and aloha. Any of the above can result in citations and hefty fines.

 

 

 

 

 

    

 To Report dead, sick, injured or stranded sea turtles:​

 Honokohau -Hawi (808) 881-4200

 Wiamea (808) 887- 6196

 Kona (808) 327-4961

 Hilo (808) 327-7780

To report suspected law enforcement violations towards Sea Turtles:

 

​DOCARE - (808) 643-DLNR         

Department of Conservation & Resources Enforcement

Capt Cook- (808) 323-3141 

Waimea (808) 887-6196      

Kona- (808) 327-4961          

Hilo- (808) 974- 6208           

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