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Protecting Turtles at Marine Corps Base Hawaii

A baby sea turtle is held up during an excavation at Fort Hase Beach, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 10, 2021. The natural wildlife and landscape is a precious resource to both MCBH and the people of Hawaii, and we take seriously our stewardship role of protecting these resources. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brandon Aultman)

OCTOBER 26, 2021 – If you’re fortunate enough to spend some time in the ocean surrounding Marine Corps Base Hawaii, there’s a good chance you’ll spot a Hawaiian green sea turtle or two out for a swim. Once captured for their eggs, shells, and meat, the sea turtle population began to decrease many years ago. Thanks to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, this sea turtle became a protected animal and many of the practices that led to their population decline stopped.

Today, Hawaiian green sea turtles are both a threatened and protected species and because of this, scientists with Marine Corps Base Hawaii are spending significant time and resources to facilitate their nesting in order to increase their odds of survival.

“Turtle nesting is from May to November,” said Dain Christensen, a biological science technician with the MCBH Environmental Compliance and Protection Division. “MCBH has a significant portion of the island’s sea turtle nesting.”

This year alone MCBH has had 31 possible nests, and the environmental team on base works diligently with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, and Malama Na Honu, a non-profit organization for sea turtles, to locate, monitor and protect these nests.

“When a nest is discovered, we set up a high visibility perimeter around it,” said Christensen. “This is to ensure that everyone is aware, with signage, that it’s a sea turtle nest.”

Through the Endangered Species Act, capturing, harming, or getting too close to a sea turtle is punishable under federal law.

“Our goal is to ensure that we manage the nests so that they are successful and that they are not impacted by recreation or the military mission.” Keith Roberts, MCBH natural resources manager

“We watch the nests for 70 days, and at the 50 day mark, we prepare for the hatching to start,” said Keith Roberts, a natural resources manager with MCBH.

Occasionally, complications with the nest may occur, and that’s when the base environmental team steps in to lend a helping hand. Through careful excavation of the site, permitted scientists working with MCBH Environmental division attempt to rescue any stranded live hatchlings that cannot make their way out of the nest chamber.

“Another reason we excavate is to collect [biological] data,” explained Roberts. “We try to get an understanding of the success rate, genetics, mortality, and size of the nest.”

Data that is collected helps the environmental team determine more efficient ways to manage sea turtle nests and is also added to a Hawaiian Islands database to help support ongoing research efforts.

During the hatching process, baby sea turtles use natural sources of light such as the moon to guide them to the ocean. Since, coastal lights from sources like porches, windows, and driveways can oftentimes confuse and disorient the baby sea turtles, the environmental team at MCBH has tried to raise awareness about making small changes like turning off all non-essential outdoor lights, closing blinds, and installing turtle-friendly lighting to help prevent confusing the baby sea turtles.

By darkening the coastline, more sea turtle hatchlings will find their way out to sea as they are supposed to do instead of being disoriented and moving inland which leads to an inevitable death.

MCBH takes their role of protecting the natural wildlife and landscape of Oahu very seriously. The environmental team on base is proud to protect such an iconic and beloved animal here in Hawaii.

By Lance Cpl. Isaiah Hill | Marine Corps Base Hawaii

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Filed Under: Marines, News

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NY National Guard Headquarters Marks Memorial Day

MAY 27, 2022 – The New York National Guard’s headquarters staff marked Memorial Day and remembered those who gave their lives in the service of the United States, with a short ceremony outside the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Headquarters in Latham, New York on Thursday, May 26. The ceremony featured […]

Is the Army Reserve Calling You?

APRIL 27, 2022 – Graduating high school is a momentous achievement culminating in years of hard work and dedication. It also presents one of the most challenging questions many people will face in their life, “What do I do now?” Many high school students struggle with what they should do next, joining the workforce or […]

NEXCOM’s NEXT Gen Scholars Program Support Students

MAY 17, 2022 – The Navy Exchange Service Command’s (NEXCOM) NEXT gen Scholars Program offers qualified students the opportunity to win $2,500, $1,500, $1,000 or $500 each quarter for earning good grades in school. The next drawing is at the end of June 2022. To enter the drawing, students must be full-time with a “B” […]

How to Live as a Civilian After Active Duty

MAY 20, 2022 – When you were on active duty, money might not have been a huge issue. You lived on base, ate at the mess hall, and didn’t have any outstanding debt. Life was far different than what you lived prior to entering the service. But now that your time in the military is […]

DoD Authorizes Temporary Increase to 2021 BAH Rates

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021 – The Department of Defense has temporarily authorized increases in the 2021 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for 56 housing markets (commonly referred to as Military Housing Areas, MHAs) across the U.S. Uniformed service members who have incurred increased housing costs above their current BAH may be eligible to apply and […]

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