Marine Institute has Documented 201 Sick, Injured or Dead Sea Turtles So Far This Year

The Maui Ocean Center’s Marine Institute has documented 201 sick, injured or dead sea turtles on Maui so far this year. According to the organization, 89% of the incidents involved turtles with injuries from fishing gear interactions.

The organization responds to reports, rescues, and rehabilitates sick and injured sea turtles on the island of Maui under a collaborative agreement with NOAA Fisheries.

“Interactions with nearshore fisheries are the primary threat to sea turtles on Maui,” said MOC Marine Institute’s Executive Director, Tommy Cutt in a newsletter update. “We all have the ability to make a difference. Our focus is to provide accessible environmental education and work with the recreational fishing community to develop collaborative, easily adaptable solutions to help reduce threats to sea turtles.”

To report sick or injured sea turtles on Maui, the public can call:

• 808-286-2549 – Maui Direct Line for the MOC Marine Institute
• 888-256-9840 – NOAA Statewide Marine Animal Response Hotline

MOC Marine Institute launched its Fishing Line Recycling Program in 2018 and has since installed more than 40 fishing line recycling bins at popular fishing locations across the island of Maui.

The MOC Marine Institute also offers volunteer opportunities for the public to participate in its Honu Hero Beach Cleanup Program.