What Should I Do If I See a Sea Turtle?

Give them space

  • Keep a safe distance: at least 10 feet (3 meters)
  • Do not touch, feed, or harass turtles
  • Keep dogs leashed and away from basking turtles and nesting areas

If you see a hawksbill sea turtle, please report ALL sightings to 1-888-256-9840. Send photos to: www.HIhawksbills.org.

Report it!

If you see a hooked, entangled, or injured turtle (or other marine wildlife species in distress), always report it immediately to the 24-hour NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at 1-888-256-9840 and keep your distance for your safety. Injured, sick or entangled animals can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Non-time sensitive reports or sightings can also be reported to the NOAA NMFS marine animal stranding website.

If you witness anyone (or pet) disturbing or illegally interacting with a sea turtle please call the following numbers:

  • NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964
  • Hawaiʻi DLNR’s Division of Conservation Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) Hotline at 1-643-DLNR (3567)

If You Accidentally Hook a Sea Turtle

IT’S OK TO HELP!

You will NOT be penalized for helping reduce injury. Steps to follow:

  1. Call 1-888-256-9840 to report the interaction and receive guidance.
  2. Carefully reel the turtle in.
  3. Hold gently but securely by the shell.
  4. Cut the line as close to the hook as possible (leave the hook in to not tear or damage tissue further by attempting to remove it).
  5. Gently release the turtle. The less line attached or trailing from the animal, the better.

(If possible and there is someone else present, have them support you by taking an image of the entangled turtle before and after the gear is removed and share these photos with respectwildlife@noaa.gov. Mahalo!)

Safety Tips for Fishermen

More ways you can help

No White Light at Night

  • Use wildlife-friendly lighting near the coast (yellow/amber and shielded lights).
  • Keep lights and beach fires to a minimum during nesting seasons (April – December).
  • If possible and you are camping on the beach in Hawaiian, please use the red-light setting on your headlamp.

Avoid Beach Driving in Nesting Areas

  • Sea turtle nesting season in Hawaiʻi runs from mid-April to November and sometimes extends into December.
  • Off-road vehicles can crush nests, create tire ruts that trap hatchlings, and may degrade coastal habitats.

Prevent Debris and Rubbish from Entering the Ocean

  • Participate in beach and reef cleanup activities and always clean up after yourself when you enjoy a day at the beach.
  • Pay particular attention to monofilament fishing line which is of particular risk to marine turtles.

Volunteer

Volunteer with a monitoring and conservation program such as: