The Hawaiian Waters
Hey everyone!
Did you know that in the Hawaiian waters there is quite a number of green sea turtles swimming around. Unfortunately, they are threatened. These green sea turtles (chelonia mydas) are the Honu for the Hawaiians and are illustrated in the petroglyph of the Honu. However, the ali’i, chiefs and leaders in the year of the monarchy, feasted on the flesh, so millions of these trusting reptiles have ended up in soup pots worldwide.
But not only the sea turtles are threatened, also the almost extinct hawksbill turtle’s (eretmochelys imbricata) fate is linked to the continuing demand for its shining tortoise shell. No point of telling you, that this is illegal! It’s sad that prices in the hundreds of dollars lure silent hunters out of demands for decorative dishes, hair combs and jewelry. Not that I do not collect everything that is in connection with turtles. But my decorative turtles are made out of glass, stone, wood or they are soft toys.
Well, there are also the leatherback turtles (dermochelys coriacea), feeding away from the shores along their way to far away destinations. The leatherback is the giant of sea turtles, the largest of all sea reptiles in the world. Since they only feed off shore and do not nest in Hawaii, I haven’t had a chance yet to watch them closely.
Next time, I tell you more about ‘my girl friends’ again.
Talk to you soon, Honu
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