Which sea turtle species are found in the Pacific Islands region?
The Pacific Islands region, which includes American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and Hawai‘i, is home to five species of marine turtles: green turtle, hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle, olive ridley turtle, and leatherback turtle.
Are sea turtles protected?
All populations of sea turtles in the United States, including those in American Samoa, the Mariana Islands, and Hawai‘i are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Sea turtles are also protected under the Inter-American Convention for the Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles and various state and territorial regulations.
Specific ESA listing status for each population can be found on our website:
- Marine Protected Species of American Samoa
- Marine Protected Species of the Hawaiian Islands
- Marine Protected Species of the Mariana Islands
How far away should I stay from sea turtles?
NOAA Fisheries recommends remaining at least 10 feet (3 meters) away—on land and in the water—to avoid disturbing sea turtles in Hawai‘i.
Why do green sea turtles in Hawai‘i come out of the water to rest on the beach?
Honu (green sea turtles) in Hawai‘i exhibit a unique behavior called basking. They deliberately come out of the water and onto sand, beach rubble, and lava coastlines to rest, regulate their body temperature, conserve energy, and avoid predators (like tiger sharks). Hawai‘i is one of four places in the world where this occurs!
Basking sea turtles can be so still that they appear dead. They may breathe slowly or have sand on their shells. Give basking turtles space and observe them from a responsible distance of 10 feet (3 meters).
What should I do if I see an injured, entangled, or dead sea turtle?
If you find a turtle that is injured, entangled, or dead, call the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840.
What should I do if I see a number on a sea turtle’s shell?
If you spot a number etched on a green sea turtle's shell, maintain your distance, take a photo if possible from a responsible distance of at least 10 feet (3 meters), and report the sighting to Honu Count to help NOAA Fisheries scientists monitor the population in Hawai‘i.
How do I report a hawksbill turtle sighting in Hawai‘i?
Endangered honu ‘ea (hawksbill turtles) are a rare sight. You can identify them by their narrow, hawk-like beaks and the serrated (jagged) edges of their shells. Please report all sightings to respectwildlife@noaa.gov.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles Are Truly Hawaiʻi Locals
What should I do if I see baby sea turtles on the sand?
If you are lucky enough to witness sea turtle hatchlings emerging from a nest, stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) away, and report it immediately to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline: (888) 256-9840. Never pick up or “help” a hatchling to the water. The journey through the sand prepares them for when they mature and return to the same beach to nest as adults.
Why do some sea turtles have tumors on their bodies?
Green sea turtles in Hawaiʻi may have cauliflower-like growths on their skin or eyes. This condition is called fibropapillomatosis (FP). While these tumors are a health concern, FP has decreased in prevalence over time and does not currently appear to negatively affect the population status or recovery potential.
What should I do if I accidentally hook or entangle a sea turtle while fishing?
If you accidentally hook or entangle a sea turtle, call the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840 for guidance.
Fishermen can—at the moment an interaction occurs—help reduce further injury by reeling in the animal to cut the line as close to the hook as possible. Remember, safety first! Do not attempt to remove the hook, as this can cause further injury. Cutting and reducing the amount of trailing line is most important.
You can also help reduce the amount of lost or derelict gear on reefs and in the environment by properly disposing of old gear or trash in rubbish bins.
Tips for fishing around sea turtles
Is the harvest of sea turtles allowed?
In the United States, there are no federal regulations that allow the intentional take of sea turtles for food or personal use.
How can I help sea turtles?
The best way to help sea turtles is to:
- Give them space—maintain at least 10 feet (3 meters) from turtles on land and in the water.
- Protect nests by never driving on beaches and keeping nesting areas dark at night by turning off ocean-facing lights.
- When boating, go slow (5–10 knots) near harbors and boat ramps to prevent strikes.
- Get involved with local conservation partners or help by participating in marine debris beach cleanup activities.
- Properly dispose of old fishing line and rubbish.
- If you see a turtle that is entangled, injured, or dead, call the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840.
