Laura Jim, Robyn Scarth and Marc Rice were joined by 10 HPA STRP student research volunteers to conduct in water capture work, data gathering, tagging and recording during a honu health assessment at the Hilton Waikoloa Hotel Lagoon. During the day we were able to capture and process 14 honu. Eleven honu were recaptures and 3 were first time captures. The weather was great and we were able to conduct our work safely and efficiently!
Some interesting data from the days work:
14 turtles (3 new & 11 recapture)
Avg. SCL: 53.1 cm (20.9 inches) Avg.mass: 21.8 kg (48 lbs)
Mean growth rate: 1 cm/year (range .3 to 1.7)
One of them is a crossover (81 began at Mauna Lani in 2019 and now Hilton)
1 turtle observed for 20 years (H165)
3 turtles observed for 6 years
1 turtles observed for 3 years
5 turtles observed 2 years
1 turtle observed 1 year
We wish to extend a special thanks to Walter De Leon (Hilton Recreation Manager) for hosting us and providing logistical support)
