Kailua Sea Turtle Watch

Mikko-Dakota and I recently signed on as volunteers for the Kailua Sea Turtle Watch.  Tuesday and Thursday mornings we walk to Lanikai Beach in search of Green sea turtle (Honu) and Hawksbill turtle (Ea) tracks and or nests.  Why are we doing this?





First, we feel fortunate to be able to live in and travel to some beautiful places so it is important that during our numerous relocations we find ways to give back to the community.   It is important for Brian and I to teach Mikko-Dakota that he is a part of something greater than himself and that his actions good or bad could impact an entire species.  He is already asking a million questions regarding the Honu and Ea.  Why do they need to be saved?  Why are we looking for eggs?  What are inside the eggs?  Why do the Honu come on the beach?  Are we going to save the Honu from the nets?  He amazes me with his endless curiosity.  The Honu are endangered and the Ea are Critically Endangered.  They need our help.  I have high hopes that we will find a nest and/or be able to see some hatchlings make their frantic run to the sea.  MD would absolutely love seeing the babies and/or the nest.  This is also a fantastic reason to get up and out early in the morning to watch the sunrise.

As for our first two shifts on "Honu Patrol" (our little nickname), we did not see any tracks or nests.  But oh boy did we have fun investigating everything else that was in reaching distance.  The crabs that copiously work through the night digging their tunnels and sculpting what look like mini Mokulua.  MD was a fan of knocking over their Mok piles.  We were able to poke and prod and learn the dangers of the hundreds of electric blue baby Portuguese Man-O-War jellyfish that washed up on shore.  Fyi.. Do not use vinegar on Man-O-War stings.  It makes them worse.  Glad we are learning this now and not after I dump an entire bottle on Mikko-Dakota.  Beautiful sunrises, nice chats with the neighbors, sea birds, fishing, dogs swimming, barnacles, and boats.  On the second day, MD seemed to be focused on picking up any trash he found on the beach.  He was very proud of himself.   I was proud of him too.

We will keep a photo journal of our finds during our Honu Patrol.

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