Maui Ocean Center to Release Six Green Sea Turtles

from the shores of Ka’anapali Beach fronting Ka’anapali Beach Hotel.  Many of the Aquarium’s employees, who have spent two years feeding, cleaning and caring for the honu, will be joined by staff of the Department of Land and Natural Resources-Division of Aquatic Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel to witness the turtles’ introduction into the open ocean.

“These two year old turtles are healthy and ready for life in the open ocean” said John Gorman, Curator at Maui Ocean Center.  “Maui Ocean Center has been a part of Sea Life Park Hawaii’s Hawaiian green sea turtle Educational Loan Program since we opened in 1998.  This is our third release from shore, the second on the west side, and we are very happy to have the community and visitors participate in this event.” According to Gorman, the turtles will weigh around 20-30 pounds each at release.  Through Sea Life Park Hawaii’s Hawaiian green sea turtle Educational Loan Program, Maui Ocean Center has released 48 green sea turtles over the past 15 years to the open ocean.

The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. with festivities and educational opportunities included presentations by prominent local marine biologists, researchers and community members, informational booths, a turtle encounter, a blessing of the turtles and live music.  Presentations include Cheryl King of the Hawksbill Recovery Project, Ka’au Abraham of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Author and Researcher Peter Bennett and more.  Several organizations will be on hand to share information and answer questions including the Hawksbill Recovery Project, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, and Maui Ocean Center.  A highlight of the morning will be the chance to experience an up-close and personal encounter with the honu and Maui Ocean Center’s Curatorial staff.  At 10:30 a.m., the honu will each receive a blessing by Kahu Dane Maxwell, Maui Ocean Center’s Hawaiian Cultural Advisor, prior to being released to the ocean.  Throughout the event, 9am-12pm, enjoy live music by Marty Dread.

“We are honored to work with the agencies and individuals that help make this possible and for the opportunity to bring people together for this significant event.” stated Kate Zolezzi, the Aquarium’s General Manager.  “In Hawaiian culture, green sea turtles are one of several species important for sustenance and considered na ‘aumakua, a family’s ancestral god or deity that takes the form of an animal.  The remarkable history of the Hawaiian people and their profound connection to the sea is at the heart of who we are at Maui Ocean Center.”

The shore release is made possible with the dedicated and generous assistance of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, other organizations participating in the event, and many more.