January 29, 2019
22 Puako Beach Road-
On January 29, 2019 we conducted a tagging trip at 20-22 Puako Beach Road, Puako, Hawaii.
We worked up 13 animals (3 recaptures and 10 new captures). Seven HPA students, Ms. Jim, Mr. Rice, George Balazs, Matt Ramsey (Conservation International) and three visitors from China participated in the day long event.
Several of our students are Chinese or speak Mandarin which was very helpful for our visitors. The students and guests did a great job working together to safely capture and tag the 13 honu. Overall the honu were is good health with only a couple of them showing signs of poor nutrition.
Below is a short note from Matt Ramsey, Hawaii Director, Conservation International:
In January 2019, Conservation International hosted a visit from high level officials from the Chinese Government’s Ministry of Agriculture. The delegation visited Hawaii to learn about the management of turtles, dolphins, and fisheries in our islands and collaboratively explore management practices that can address the declining resources in their country and throughout the world. Over a period of three days, the delegation met with Governor Ige, government resource managers, and representatives from the hospitality industry to learn about Hawaii’s sustainability initiatives and innovative resource management. On the last day of the visit, they had a tremendous opportunity to participate in a turtle tagging trip with Hawaii Preparatory Academy.
Under the careful guidance of Marc Rice, Laura Jim, and George Balazs, the delegation participated in the tagging of green sea turtles. This alone is an incredible opportunity for anyone to participate in, but this particular experience was special. This was an opportunity to catalyze global change. It was a chance for high level decision makers to physically interact with these special creatures and experience firsthand, how they can thrive. Throughout the experience, the smiles on the faces of the delegation were equally bright due to another factor…HPA’s local and international students. They recognized that it is critical for the next generation to become involved in these activities to ensure that progress is carried forward, not only locally, but also on a global scale. It is uncertain what messages the delegation will take home with them, but it is certainly one of hope.
A slide show of some of the activities during the day.
Below are some pictures of the HPA research team
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| The team photo at the end of the day. |
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| Mr. Rice explains the plans for the day prior to the arrival of our Chinese guests. |
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| Releasing a honu after it was weighed, measured and given a health assessment. |
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| Weighting one of our captured honu. |
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| Doing an oral exam of a honu. |
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| Some of the team controlling a honu. |
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| Getting ready to release a honu. |
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| Many hands make for good control of honu. The HPA team did good work. |
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| Julian helping to control a honu. |
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| Ivy taking down data. |
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| Moving a honu onto the table for measuring. |
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This was a plump little guy!
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