Protect Hawaiian Hawksbill Sea Turtles

                                                                                                                                  Photo:  Aimee Lemieux
Perhaps the smallest and most isolated population of hawksbill sea turtles in the world is found in Hawai'i.  So few exist here that they are rarely seen, yet they nest on popular beaches of Maui under cover of darkness.  Maui's hawksbills are protected and studied by Hawai'i Wildlife Fund and we need your help to continue our work.  

                                                                                                                 Photo: Carrie Robertson Meyer
Since 1996, our small but mighty nonprofit has protected more than 100 nests, tagged and tracked 11 of the females who laid them, and protected more than 10,000 hatchlings as they've incubated in the sand, and raced to the ocean once they've hatched.

                                                                                                                                Photo:  Nicole Mucnjak
Our researchers contribute to crucial knowledge about this rare turtle species and manage hundreds of volunteers each year who assist in the conservation of this species.  Sadly, this year federal funds have been cut in half!  We need your help to continue this important project during the next nesting season.


Our conservation team works round the clock in nesting season to make sure nests are protected and nesting mothers are not disturbed.  Predators such as ghost crabs, mongoose, rats, even cats and dogs can kill eggs and hatchlings, and lighting from coastal development can threaten their ability to find the ocean.  


Sea level rise has resulted in the loss of some nesting habitat and nests must sometimes be moved to higher ground. Our team is empowered by state and federal research permits to support and protect hatchlings and even relocate nests if necessary.


Maui residents and visitors alike help by walking nesting beaches to look for turtle tracks and by watching over nests 24 hours a day.  Your funds will assist our team in responding to every nest.


It is an intensive project and one that has proven highly successful in motivating the community and travelers to take care of Hawai'i's precious endangered species.  


Please join us, your contributions will support our fantastic community and agency partnership to protect Hawaiian hawksbills.
http://www.wildhawaii.org/index.html 
http://www.wildhawaii.org/adopt.html
all unlabeled photos courtesy Hawai'i Wildlife Fund
                                                                                                                                  Photo:  Aimee Lemieux