Kīhei, Māla Talk Story Sessions on Marine Protected Areas

This photo illustrates DLNR’s concern with people getting too close to green sea turtles (honu). Photo taken at Ali‘i Beach. File image 2014.

To help educate Maui’s ocean users about rules and conduct toward humpback whales, monk seals, sea turtles, and other marine protected species, state conservation officers will conduct talk story sessions at Kīhei and Māla boat ramps this weekend.

Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers will host the sessions on March 4 and 5 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

DOCARE officers will be joined by staff from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Coast Guard. Officers will also be able to answer questions on the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, bottom fishing rules and state fishing rules.

Robert Farrell, DOCARE Enforcement Chief, explains, “DOCARE and NOAA have a joint enforcement agreement that deputizes state enforcement officers to enforce federal fisheries and protected species laws. This partnership provides federal funding to DOCARE to help increase public awareness and enforcement efforts in areas of mutual responsibility.”