Population of many marine species such as: sea turtles, whales, salmon, and dolphins are decreasing at a rapid rate, how can we protect them?According to marine biologist, the destruction of habitats, disease, environmental pollution and illegal practices are related to these problems.
Because of its isolated location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is virtually cut off from the outside world. Over tens of thousands of years, the native animal population of the islands evolved unique characteristics only found in Hawaii. When Europeans visited Hawaii they introduced foreign types of plants, insects, and other animals. These "foreign invaders" flourished and found the natural inhabitants of the islands easy prey. Due to this, Hawaii's native creatures are in trouble and has earned Hawaii the
dubious title of the "endangered species capital of the world."Green Sea Turtle Commonly seen in the shallow waters of the Big Island, the Green Sea Turtle feeds on algae, and rests on isolated beaches. The Honu lay their eggs in the French Frigate Shoals, in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands. This migration of 700 miles occurs every two or three years, and after laying their eggs, the Green Sea Turtles return to their foraging grounds on the Big Island.
Hawksbill Turtle, One of the most beautiful sea turtles, the Hawksbill, can weigh up to two hundred pounds and be three feet long. The top shell is called the carapace, is extremely hard and made up of dark brow or yellow scales that overlap like the shingles on a roof. This turtles beak hooks down like that of a hawk, thus its name: Hawksbill or in Hawaiian - honu'ea (HO noo AY ah)
The Hawaiian Crow, right at the top of Hawaii's endangered birds list, is the Hawaiian Crow - the 'Alala. In 1996 only fourteen birds were identified in the wild - now a captive breeding program is underway to rebuild the fragile population.
