A Peak at the World Above

Beautiful Honu. One of my most favorite animals in the world. The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. You have to have patience and a quick camera to get a good shot of them sticking their heads out of the water. They don't do it often or for very long. lol
Taken - North Shore - O'ahu on Nov. 5, 2006
Nikon D70
Natural lighting - no filters
Edited with Photoshop CS
Copyright Aimee Sandifer 2006 *DO NOT COPY*

GREEN SEA TURTLE INFO:

Of the three native sea turtles, the Green Turtle (Honu) is the most common. These turtles, which can weigh up to 400 pounds, are primarily vegetarians. They eat algae or limu (Hawaiian seaweed) growing underwater on coral reefs and on rocks close to shore. Green turtles prefer to live near large "pastures" of limu that are located in near shore waters around the Hawaiian Islands.

In Hawaii, the green turtle is a threatened species. All sea turtles in Hawaii are fully protected under state law in addition to the Federal Endangered Species Act. These laws prohibit harassing, harming, killing, or keeping sea turtles in captivity without a permit allowing these activities for research or educational purposes. Divers should be aware that riding turtles is illegal and puts these animals under stress. When returning from foreign countries, U.S. citizens may not enter the United States with any sea turtle products. Violators may receive penalties of up to one year in prison and a $20,000 fine.

If you see turtles being captured, harmed or killed, please call:

Enforcement Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service - (808) 541-2727
Oahu - (808) 548-5918
Maui - (808) 244-4414
Big Island - (808) 961-7291
Kaua'i - (808) 245-4444
Lana'i - (808) 565-6688
Moloka'i - (808) 567-6618