HPA Sea Turtle Research and Conservation Program Activites: Fishing Line Entangled Turtle

2/23/2020
Sunday

Below is the information about a turtle that Ms Jim and I worked on Sunday afternoon. It was entangled in fishing line and we were able to remove the line and set it free.

Location: Hilton Waikoloa, Waikoloa, Hawaii Island, Hawaii

Responders: Marc Rice and Laura Jim

Date: 2/23/2020

Time: 1230 h

Grace from the Hilton Lagoon area called to say that they had a turtle entangled with fishing line. They had captured the turtle and put it into a secure area in the shade. We made our way down to the Hilton, arriving at 1350 hours. Security escorted us to the lagoon where we found the turtle in good condition.

We proceeded to remove what was left of the fishing line (they had removed most of it already). Because the left front flipper was seriously cut into and swolled, we looked carefully and deeply into the wound to make sure that there was no line left.. we removed a few lengths of line but there appeared to be no more line encircling the flipper. While it was swollen, it appeared that the turtle still had use of the flipper and there was no necrosis evident. Consequently, we decided that it was ok to release the turtle in the hope that with the restriction removed, the fin could heal.

In addition to the flipper entanglement, there was one strand of line going down the throat. Hook was not visible so the line was snipped off as short as possible deep in the throat regions.

The turtles was previously tagged so we measured it and put moto tool number HA101 on the 3rd left lateral scute.

Date: 2/23/20

Time of release back to water: 1430

Location: 19.925030 N 155.888020 W

Species: Cm

Tags: LH 4C3B400A3E

RH 4C3B601863

MT: HA101

CCL = 57.0

CCW = 49.5

Body Condition: Very Robust

Turtle was safely released at 1430 h and swam away vigorously.

Ms Jim transfers the hone to a carrier so that we can work at removing the fishing line. Note that the honu is very "plump".

The Fishing line had cut into the left front flipper about 1/4" to 3/8" but the honu still had use of the flipper. We were able to remove the line from the flipper but one strand was going into the mouth and we were unable to remove all of it. Hopefully, the turtle will be able to pass the line that was swallowed.

We added a moto tool number so that snorkelers could report when they see the honu.

An appreciative group of tourists watched as we tended to the honu. The honu was observed and captured by some guests at the hotel... we are very appreciative of their efforts and the wonderful cooperation and help we got from the hotel staff.