05/28/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/28/2021 20:33
Between fishing, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or even sunbathing, there are myriad ways Hawaiʻi residents and visitors enjoy the beach. But marine animals abound in Hawai'i nei (beloved Hawai'i), and these animals use the same spaces we do. Here are some things we can all do to share the sea and shore so these animals can live their most wild lives.
Hawaiian monk seals may look cute, but as with many wild animals, getting close to them can be dangerous. An easy way to share the shore with them is to give them a thumbs up!
The exception to this rule is if you come across a mom and pup. Mother seals can be very protective of their pups, so give them at least 150 feet of space for your own safety.
It may be tempting to get up close and personal with sea turtles sleeping (basking) on the sand or swimming in the ocean. The truth about these ancient reptiles is that they need at least 10 feet of space on land and in the water. If you want to take a selfie with a sea turtle, just make sure to do it from at least 10 feet away or use your zoom feature.
Sea turtles (along with monk seals and other marine mammals) are protected by law. To report a suspected marine animal violation or animal emergency, please call the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840 (Enforcement is option 6 on the main menu). You can email photos and videos of suspected violations to [email protected]. You can also report sightings and photos of a sea turtle with a number on its shell to this email address.
Sleeping, socializing, and taking care of children are vital activities for many mammals, including humans and dolphins. So when we see nai'a swimming in shallow bays and coastal areas, they're likely engaging in these important survival activities. (Yes, they can sleep and nurture their young while swimming!) Whatever ocean activities you enjoy, be sure to give nai'a 50 yards of space. Do not attempt to swim with them so they can keep up with these important survival behaviors.
Your pup may enjoy sandy shorelines and swimming in the waves as much as 'īlioholoikauaua (Hawaiian monk seals). After all, 'īlioholoikauaua literally translates to 'dog that runs in the rough seas.' But dogs and monk seals can injure each other and transmit diseases, putting our pets and this critically endangered species at risk.
Hawaiʻi law requires all dogs to be leashed in public spaces, except in designated public dog parks. Be mindful of beach parks where dogs are not allowed (such as Ka'ena Point State Park or Kaimana Beach, Waikīkī). Seek out another locale for you and your canine companion to enjoy the outdoors together.
Marine wildlife, like all wild animals, may bite and inflict injuries to people who try to feed them. When humans feed wild animals, it can alter the animals' natural behavior, negatively impact their health, and make them dependent on handouts. It is against federal law to feed or attempt to feed marine mammals.
In Hawaiʻi, we love fishing and our local marine wildlife. But sharing the beach with honu (Hawaiian sea turtles) and 'īlioholoikauaua (Hawaiian monk seals) means that they can accidentally get hooked or entangled in fishing gear, causing death or serious injury. Follow FAST guidelines to keep on casting and prevent accidental interactions:
Accidents happen! If you accidentally hook a sea turtle or monk seal-try not to panic!
If you accidentally hook a turtle:
If you accidentally hook a monk seal:
Both residents and visitors alike enjoy beach recreation at night, but we're not the only species that uses the beach after dusk. At night, the sea turtles of Hawaiʻi nest on beaches and hatchlings make their way to the ocean. The horizon over the ocean is brighter than the land, so hatchlings use this visual cue to find their way to the deep blue sea. Reducing bright lights on beaches can help prevent hatchlings from becoming disoriented and wandering into dangerous situations on land when they should be swimming out to sea.
Go slow, there are sea turtles below. Boat propellers can cause fatal injuries to turtles, and hull damage from boat strikes can lead to sinking. Preventing a boat strike is a win-win situation! Preventive measures to avoid a vessel collision include:
Seeing wildlife like whales and dolphins in their natural habitat helps us better appreciate and understand these amazing creatures. There are a number of commercial operations in Hawaiʻi that provide safe viewing of whales and dolphins. But steer clear of operators that offer 'swim with' and other up-close opportunities. These activities can negatively impact the animals (and perhaps even violate laws in place to protect them from harassment and harm). If you're looking to have a safe and respectful experience with whales and dolphins, look for tours that are recognized by Dolphin SMART. Or ask what steps tour operators take to ensure they're compliant with the legal protections in place to help marine animals thrive.