Blog Post Twenty-Nine
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Hanau ka po ia honu kua nanaka….From the darkness of time came the sea turtle with its plated back. (Kumulipo: a Hawaiian creation chant)
This is a beautiful Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle gracefully swimming thru the reef. We, in Hawaii, call it a Honu. Scientists call them Chelonia mydas. They are a life form that have remained unchanged for 110 million years. They are endangered and protected in the Hawaiian waters.
There are Green Sea Turtles found throughout the world, but the Honu, or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, exist only in the Hawaiian archipelago. They are genetically distinct from the other areas. Turtles can live to be between 60-90 years of age. They can dive up to depths of 1500 feet, and hold their breath upwards of 5 hours. It is said that they have great eyesight while under the water. However, on land or above the water they have been reported to be near-sighted.
There are 7 different species of sea turtles worldwide. Honu is the most commonly seen species seen in Hawaii. They are the largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world. They can grow 3-4 feet in length and can weigh 300 pounds or more. The shell in not green as the name suggests. The upper shell, which is called the carapace, ranges from brown to yellow-ish with some brown, green, or black streaking. The bottom shell, which is called the plastron, is light yellow or cream-ish in coloration. Their name (Green Sea Turtle) actually comes from their diet. Due to all the algae consumed as adults, their tissue, fat, and meat are in fact green!
Some Hawaiian legends say that the Honu guided the Polynesians to the Hawaiian Islands. Some legends say Kauila, a giant sea turtle goddess would transform into a human girl to play with and protect the Keiki or children along the shore of Punalu’u on the Big Island. This is why they are considered by many as a form of ‘aumakua or ancestral spirit that offers guidance, protection, wisdom, and peace. They serve as link between man, land, and sea. They are often seen in early Hawaiian petroglyphs and artwork.
Once on the EDGE of extinction…..
Endangered. This means that there are less than 10% of the potential population left in the wild.
Difference. We need to make a difference in order to save our Honu population. Our actions will directly affect their future. We need to make sure not to alter their natural behaviors in any ways.
Gentle. These turtles are gentle giants. However, do not be surprised but if they want to evade a situation, they can swim upwards of 35 miles per hour. They are herbivores and this leads us to the last letter.
Essential. The turtles existence is essential to the life of the reef, and the reef is essential to the life of a turtle. They create a symbiotic relationship that helps to maintain a balance. Balance will keep coral, algae, turtles, and fish all happy and coexisting. With no turtles, algae will overgrow the coral and kill the reef…….no coral, no fish, no reef. The coral is not able to produce oxygen if it is being smothered in algae.
Our Green Sea Turtles are recovering but are still endangered. We hope to share and educate everyone so that future generations will be able to view these magnificent turtles in the wild, and not just in books.