I have never been one who steps in and speaks up when I see someone doing something they shouldn't (be it illegal, immoral, or just plain foolish). Or so I thought.
B and I went snorkeling on the North Shore last weekend, and while we were out we saw a little honu (green sea turtle) being harassed by some yokel. Before I had a chance to ponder the most effective action plan, I'd launched myself at these guys and no-so-delicately discouraged them from touching the turtle -- it was inelegant, perhaps, but it was effective. We explained that the turtles are protected and it's illegal to harass them -- this includes touching them. Any dive shop worth its (sea)salt would be publicizing this fact and certainly any tourism information that touches on turtles mentions their protected status. It's hard to imagine someone getting to the water with gear without knowing this, but it appeared this truly was news to these guys. They were stunned into leaving at least that turtle alone.
I was surprised by my adredalin-fueled response to seeing a turtle under pressure. I was just so outraged that this little fella (or gal) has had to put up with enough from humans without some yeehaw harassing it. What human arrogance to think that this wild animal is your plaything. Our turtle population has been much healthier as of late, and that is partly due to PR, rescue operations, and dedicated researchers. (I'm sure our actions would fall under "PR"...)
And while I like to think that locals know better, I've heard of locals speaking of "swimming with the turtles" -- grabbing onto their shells and being pulled along -- as though this is perfectly acceptable. (I am using "locals" in this instance to refer to residents, not necessarily Hawaiians.) But it is easy enough to enjoy the proximity of turtles as they don't shy away unless you are aggressive. They will swim alongside you and even come check you out as they are not timid and some seem downright curious. A friend just related a story to me of truly swimming with the turtles a week ago -- she was swimming without fins or anything (in turtle-infested waters!!) and she saw a big mass alongside her. When she put her head under there was a massive turtle right there and they just swam together for a little while (on this turtle route they are heading for a basking beach). She said she experienced a fleeting temptation to grab on, but resisted and instead enjoyed a beautiful and rich experience with the turtle without encroaching on its space.
B and I are pleased that we have proven ourselves to be Reef Defenders, but we just don't know how we're going snorkel with our capes...
Turtle links:
NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources - Green Turtle page
NOAA PIFSC Marine Turtle Research Program
Star Bulletin story on George Balazs (05-Jan-2004)
2 comments:
I am jealous, I have never seen a sea turtle in the wild. It must be amazing. I know my experience with the grey whales in Baja made my heart sing. There were places that guaranteed you could “pet” them, but we solicited boat operators that were educated. It was so tempting, they come right up to the boats with the calves almost as if they want to the touched. But we instead took it in turn for what we ourselves were doing – sharing space and checking each other out. I think it is funny that people don’t mess with the wild if the wild can hurt them but really nothing is different - bear or shark and whale or chimp they can’t rationalize like us and don’t need to be impeached on. I am so happy that you are having so many “un”landlocked experiences!
The "heart-singing" description is right on. Funny that something so natural seems so magical to us!
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