Turtle freed on Maui after spear removed
By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau
MAKENA, Maui — A green sea turtle was returned to the ocean yesterday, free of the spear that had pierced its neck and head and pinned its jaws shut.
Timothy Hurley • The Honolulu Advertiser
The 140-pound turtle was set free at Oneuli Beach, near the waters from which it was rescued Friday by state Aquatics Division workers. The turtle wasted little time lumbering into the waves.
State marine biologist Skippy Hau, left, and conservation enforcement officer Nalu Yen prepare to release a patched-up green sea turtle at Oneuli Beach in Makena.
"It looked like that baby was ready to hop in the water after two flights," said Lia Hannon, a state coral reef technician who helped with the release.
The turtle was flown back from O'ahu yesterday after surgery to remove a rusty 6-inch spear that prevented it from being able to eat.
"It's nice that we're able to talk about a turtle returning to the ocean," said state marine biologist Skippy Hau, who led Friday's rescue effort and helped with yesterday's release.
Hau and other state officials are concerned about a rash of recent reports from Maui about turtles stuck with hooks, lines and other ocean debris. In one case, a dead green sea turtle was found with a tethered noose around its neck on a Lahaina beach.
Deborah Ward, state Department of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman, said officials are looking for information to help their investigation. Call enforcement authorities on Maui at 984-8110 or 243-5294.
Anyone guilty of purposefully injuring a green sea turtle — a threatened species protected by state and federal laws — faces a fine of up to $5,000 per violation and administrative fees of up to $10,000.
Sightings of the speared turtle were reported as far back as July 31, but it was only Friday when authorities got a bearing on the creature. With a search involving five divers, the female finally was captured in 20 feet of water about 50 to 75 yards offshore.
The turtle was flown to Honolulu and the surgery was performed by Robert Morris, a National Marine Fisheries Service veterinarian. The animal was tagged and given an identification number, C5.
"Hopefully we'll see that turtle come back here and nest," Hau said.
