Beautiful
Hawaiian
Marine life
brought to you by
LET'S GO
SHORE DIVE'N'
on the
Kona Coast

GREEN SEA TURTLE (Chelonia mydas) The Giant Green Sea Turtle is a protected species and is not to be touched. The fine for harassing this reptile is too high to make it worth the thrill. People are tempted to ride this marine creature - and in the past, it was condoned. But, no longer - as this endangered species is dwindling precariously. There is a growing number along the Kona Coast, since the sanctions went into effect, so restrictions do work. This species is found all over the Pacific, but nowhere near as many as were once seen. Many countries are raising these turtles in aquaculture programs, for food and their shells (which make beautiful pieces of jewelry). They breed and lay eggs in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, far to the north and west of our inhabited islands - and some have been observed laying here on the Big Island.