Turtle Rescues (41 to date)

Turtle Rescue #41 "Pupukea”
September 23rd, 2001
Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District (Three Tables), North Shore Oahu
In the aftermath of the terrorism that permeates virtually all thinking souls I must say that I have found great solace in the knowledge that saving life is still the greatest virtue of humanity. Since September 11th Deep Ecology has saved three lives. Granted they are not human, but somehow I know this matters not to the lives we saved. Today Captain\Divemaster Juan Oliphant undoubtedly saved the life of yet another North Shore Sea Turtle. Pupukea (named after the conservation district he was rescued in) was wrapped tightly with fishing line around both front fins and neck which was also ingested down his throat. Flat out, he was going to die if it were not for our efforts. Because we found him early, not only will he not die but he will live on with no injury whatsoever. This is the best kind of rescue of all. And even though some might think this does not matter in comparison to the life lost in recent times, it makes all the difference in the world to Pupukea. Furthermore it represents the most noble attribute of this thing we call "humanity", saving life. It is also worth mentioning that one participant in this rescue is of Persian descent. Thank you Said for your contribution.

Turtle Rescues #39 & 40 “Karma & Forty”
September 15th, 2001
Puaena Point & Chun’s Reef, North Shore Oahu
On this particular day we were conducting a regular dive charter. While making our routine check of a spot known for congregating turtles a customer (Jonathan) sighted Karma with fishing line trailing behind his head. I (Ken) was able to get above Karma who was swimming 10-15 feet below. After one test freedive I felt comfortable to make a move and descended from directly above. I was able to secure Karma without difficulty and a quick and effective transfer to the boat followed. It became clear that the damage by fishing line would likely require fin amputation. We turned over Karma and set out for our dives. Within five minutes of the first dive I spotted a large female at a depth of 65 feet with obvious damage to her left fin from fishing line. This rescue is probably the best example of a textbook recovery. The ease with which initial contact and ascent took place is reflective of the comfort level this turtle (“Forty”) had with my interaction. She simply did not resist. I know that we have developed trust with many individual turtles and Forty was one of them. Ascending with a 250 lb. turtle on compressed gas can be dangerous but my ascent with Forty was only slightly faster than a normal ascent. Transfer to the boat was difficult but successful. As with Karma I have little doubt that Forty will also require fin amputation. This will bring the total number of amputee turtles we have recovered to 13.

Turtle Rescue #37 "Tiny"
August 9, 2001
Alligator Rock, North Shore Oahu

On August 8th a supporter notified us that a young turtle was sighted with fishing line wrapped around his right front fin. This is one of those times where I knew for sure that this was no false alarm and that we would likely determine whether this turtle would live or die based on whether we got to him in time. Myself (Ken) Chris and Paul decided to conduct an early morning search the following day before work in the area he was last sighted. During the search we sighted two of our amputee turtles (not sure which ones just yet) going about their turtle business. It is always a great feeling to see these guys making it, handicapped or not, and knowing we are a direct part of their survival. We also saw a huge Spotted Eagle Ray hooked in the mouth with about one foot of trailing fishing line with a small led weight attached. There was simply no way to recover him but I believe the hook will rot out and the line will come out without further injury. Chris spotted Tiny after about an hour and half of searching and called me over. He came my way and I descended just a few feet and snagged him without incident. Being so small it was an easy swim to shore and a veterinarian is now caring him for. I am 99% sure he will unfortunately lose his right fin based on others in the same condition (Tiny did require his fin to be amputated). This will bring our amputee turtle population up to ten! We expect his release within thirty days and will continue to watch out for our new little friend.

 



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Turtle Rescue #36 "Claire"
March, 2001
Puaena Point, North Shore Oahu
This was perhaps the most difficult rescue I (Ken) have ever done. We had been looking for this turtle for three days it was becoming an obsession to find him. We knew line was wrapped around the fin based on the report we were given an believed the damage was not complete yet. We were right and when I spotted him I realized that he was about 250 lbs. and had full use of all fins. Not only that but he was very weary of me and wanted no part of being rescued. This one was not going to be easy. I must admit that despite the fact that I had never let go of a turtle once getting a hold I did on this one as my hold was not complete first time around. I felt the crushing reality of knowing he may live a long healthy life or quite possibly die for my mistake (and the fishing line), depending on whether I could make up for my mistake. I continued my pursuit but he was now completely aware of me and really not happy. Eventually after about 20 minutes I lulled him into a momentary lack of defense and made my move. This was done while freediving to his depth of about 20 feet. This time I did not let go and we wrestled for about 20 seconds till I could maneuver him to the surface.

This alone was exhausting. I then waited till our boat could be positioned next to me for transfer to the boat. I yelled my all to repeated direction "don't let go". Unfortunately they did let go and I had to grab a hold without taking a full breath. He then pulled me down several feet and I held on as long as I could till I could hold on no longer. When I let go this time I was truly crushed. I now felt directly responsible for him. He and I were both exhausted now but he descended and I followed above. After about another 15 minutes he rested on the bottom at about seventy feet. Although I can freedive to that depth I knew there was no way I could dive to him, wrestle, then ascend all the way up on one breath. I decided to dive down with scuba as stealthily as I could and then bring him up hopefully slowly. When your dealing with compressed air, fast ascents are not good. Fortunately this worked and the trip up was relatively easy (and slow) as we were both practically void of any energy. This time the transfer to the boat was successful. Once on the boat we removed the line that had only caused superficial damage at that point and we were able to return him to the water immediately. He was a very strong healthy male turtle who I am sure we will see more of.

If your wondering why this male turtle was named Claire, it is because I had already vowed to name the next rescued turtle after my my dear friend. Thank you Claire for the inspiration, and thank you to the gang at Celestial and Paradise Cafe in Haleiwa for the help.

Turtle Recovery "Grim"
Summer 2000
Haleiwa Trench, North Shore Oahu
This was one of the most disturbing turtles found to date. Greg had found the turtle practically motionless mid-water. In retrospect it is hard to believe that this turtle survived as long as he had. He literally appeared to be a living skeleton. The reason for his malady was an internal tumor (caused by pollution) that did not allow him to pass food. I (Ken) was so bothered by this turtle I opted to sit out the second dive and spend that time with him instead. In my own way I tried my best to apologize to him for our part in his suffering. This I know was a poor consolation for death, and our ongoing goal is to expose the main source of pollution causing this growing epidemic. Agriculture, specifically the pineapples (that we in Hawaii pay far too much for) which are sprayed with untold amounts of pesticides, are suspect #1.

Turtle Rescue #20 "Antoinne"
June 2000
Waimea Bay, North Shore Oahu
Based on a report by lifeguards at Waimea Bay we conducted a search in the bay. After about an hour we found Antoinne feeding in shallow water. We were to late to save his fin however, it was amputated and Antoinne was released one month later.

Turtle Release #5 "Gonzales"
November 26th, 1999
Three Tables Beach, North Shore Oahu
Just one day after his exhausting capture Gonzales was going back home in great shape. In cases like this we know that fin loss and death was eminent and we made the difference by rescuing him early. These are clearly the most rewarding rescues of all and I wish they could all be like this. We shall be watching for Gonzales and are very confident that we will see him soon.

Turtle Rescues #11 #12 #13 "Tom", "Gonzales", "Keller"
Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25th, 1999
|Puaena Point, Sharks Cove and Haleiwa Harbor, Oahu
On the previous day our instructor, Dan, sighted a turtle with line in his mouth and wrapping around his fin, while conducting a tour with a customer. He was unable to capture the turtle so we came back later that afternoon to find him. Upon our return we found him immediately and started pursuing him. We followed him for approximately a half hour and never got closer than 5 ft from him. We decided to come back the next day, Thanksgiving Day. A group of six staff members and one customer set out early and stopped by one of our turtle cleaning stations outside the harbor. I jumped in just to check things out and sure enough I spotted a medium sized turtle Tom with line choking off circulation in him right front fin. I apprehended him easily as he was quite lethargic. Once on the boat I knew his fin would be amputated. Officials said it would be two hours before they could arrive so we set out for the turtle we followed the day before. Once at Sharks Cove we dove down and saw him almost immediately. Once again a pursuit ensued with myself and Chris (our Divemaster artist) shooting video. I had decided from the previous day that I might abandon my scuba gear so that I could follow him above from the surface with less drag. The day before had been very frustrating and I was hell bent to get him today. I knew at the least he would lose one fin if I didn't or quite possibly die. So after another exhausting half hour pursuit Chris dropped back and I ditched my gear and continued pursuit on the surface watching him 40 ft below. About 15 minutes later I saw him coming up and positioned myself above. Sure enough, after 45 minutes I grabbed hold of him, on his surface for breath, which he sorely needed. A tremendous relief came over me. I named him "Gonzales" as in Speedy. Once back in the harbor we turned over the turtles. Shortly after, a large turtle with tumors and fishing line swam by the dock. I jumped in and got him. Unfortunately he was blind in one eye and nearly so in the other (thus his name "Keller" i.e. Helen Keller), sadly we believe he will not make it. All in all, it was an amazingly up and down day. Our biggest hope is that by our efforts, others will become more aware and help us change things for the better.

Turtle Release #4 "Atlantis"
November 23rd, 1999
Alligator Rock, North Shore Oahu
One and a half months after his rescue we were putting Atlantis back into his home, 4 pounds and 3 ounces lighter (the size of the tumor that was removed). The veterinarian had to cut through major blood vessels in a tricky surgery, but the procedure was successful. This was truly one of the most gratifying releases because the removal the monstrous tumor brought back the beauty of this majestic creature. With neighbors and supporters lined up on the beach, Atlantis made his crawly back into the ocean and we watched him swim away with great pride. Some days are better than others. Postscript: We are getting reports now in the summer of 2001 that a turtle fitting the description of Atlantis is being sighted with tumors. It is very possible that the tumors have come back. We will continue to search.

Turtle Recovery "Sheryl"
November 22cd, 1999
Haleiwa Harbor, North Shore Oahu
Unfortunately not all our encounters with the turtles end up happy. On this day we received a call about a beached turtle. When we arrived we found a very lethargic, emaciated turtle with multiple tumors. She was young and obviously in a very bad state. She had been there so long that he was partially buried in the sand. We turned her over to authorities knowing that they might not be able to do anything, but we hoped for the best. Postscript: Sheryl was sadly put down.

Turtle Rescue #10 "Atlantis"
October 5, 1999
Alligator Rock, North Shore Oahu
On one of Oahu's beautiful stretch of beach came ashore a large mature male sea turtle that we first sighted in September, although residents had come to know this turtle for many months, as he would come ashore at dusk almost daily. This is not common behavior and was easily explained by the immense tumor attached to his head. This tumor in fact was bigger than his head! We had planned to turn the turtle over to authorities that could remove the tumor but these same authorities would close before Atlantis would come ashore. The decision was made to keep the turtle overnight in a pen, and then turn him over for veterinary help. This we did on October 6th and one and a half months later we happily released Atlantis.

Turtle Release #2 #3 "Haloti", "Dan"
Sept. 8th, 1999
Ali'i Beach Park, North Shore Oahu
Some days are indeed better than others and this was one of the good ones. After one month in captivity and fins being amputated on each turtle, Haloti and Dan were going home. Of course there is an overwhelming amount of concern for these guys because if anything happens to the other front fin they will most certainly die, but they do at least have a chance to make it. We knew that our first turtle rescue, "Chance", was alive at least ten months after losing his fin, so our hopes are not unrealistic. The releases went as planned on a beautiful sunny day with calm conditions. Both turtles swam away quite gracefully, albeit handicapped. The very popular weekly television program here in Hawaii called "Hawaiian Moving Company" was there to capture the day and produced a great story to educate more people about the plight of marine life in Hawaii. We had our boat go down for about two months after the release so we have not seen them since but we are confident that we will soon.

 

 

Turtle Rescue #9 "Bumpy"
Aug. 17th, 1999
Puaena Point, North Shore Oahu
While conducting a dive tour with customers I spotted another turtle with fishing line wrapped around him. I was able to capture him with little difficulty as this turtle also had multiple tumors and was somewhat lethargic. Fortunately the line had not done any damage yet so we spared him the even greater indignity of fin loss. But his tumors are thus far untreatable here in Hawaii. So on the counsel of National Marine Fisheries we reluctantly let him go. The sad reality is that we can only do so much sometimes and still others we can do nothing at all. Cases like Bumpy are definitely bittersweet experiences. At the least however we continue to document these encounters with the intent of reducing these types of realities.

Turtle Rescue # 8 "Kenny"
August 10, 1999
Waimea Bay, North Shore Oahu, Hawaii
This was an incredible day even by our standards. In the morning we spread the message of concern for the marine environment on Hawaii's #1 morning news program. Then we released Kainoa after having one fin amputated and one month in captivity. Now, on another boat dive charter we found our eight turtle in just 38 days! I am quite sure that no company has ever commanded the states attention and effected so much education through the media as we had done. All boasting aside we as a staff had done an incredible job. To me the turtles were messengers, and we were obligated to tell their story. So tell their story we did. People from all over the state called or came into the shop to thank us for what we had done, but all the thanks we needed was in knowing the bottom line. The bottom line was that we had physically saved many lives, and that feeling is unsurpassable in its joy. This time we received a call from one of our supporting North Shore Lifeguards who had sighted a turtle with hooks and line on his neck. We responded immediately, much to the liking of our customers we found "Kenny" after about a one hour search. I was able to free dive down about 8 ft and grab hold of Kenny on my second attempt. I was much nearer to the crowded shores of Waimea.

Turtle Release #1 "Kainoa"
August 10th, 1999
West Waimea Point, North Shore Oahu
After over one month in captivity and rehabilitation, Kainoa was to be released. Minus his left fin which sadly had to be amputated. For us however, this was a very good day. Earlier in the morning, Joe and myself were featured speakers on Hawaii's #1 morning news show. We had several minutes of unimpeded airtime where the story of these turtles could be spread to tens of thousands of Hawaii residents.

After having put up a bit of a battle, George Balaas (Hawaii's top turtle expert) agreed to let Kainoa free right where we found him on the North Shore. This meant a lot to us because we knew the interaction between turtles among their own species is much like the relationships that we as people develop for our friends and family, and our home for that matter. Seeing Kainoa was moving for us as well because he was in such bad shape when we found him. As soon as he heard the ocean however, all the life in him exposed itself. In about knee-deep water we let him out of his plastic box and off he went. We feel confident that we will see him again soon, and in the mean time we continue to pursue further protection of his home..

Turtle Rescue #7 "Zoe"
August 8, 1999
Puanea Point, North Shore Oahu, Hawaii
Only one day after finding Haloti we found Zoe. This turtle was also found while conducting a boat dive charter, with 5 customers on board. Zoe was a happy story because we were able to remedy her problem and release her right away. She was a beautiful healthy turtle aside from a large "ulua" hook which had hooked here completely through her small mouth. There was also fishing line coming off the hook and into her mouth which could be very dangerous. As it turned out however it was not. After about a half hour the hook and line was removed and Zoe was back home in the water. Always a good feeling. Of special interest is the fact that Joe, our instructor, had just been cleared to dive after his recompression chamber visit one month earlier. (see "Turtle Rescue #4 "Kainoa") "Kainoa" the turtle gets released August 10, 1999 West Waimea Point, North Shore Oahu, Hawaii After over one month in captivity and rehabilitation, Kainoa was to be released. Minus his left fin which sadly had to be amputated. For us however, this was a very good day. Earlier in the morning, Joe and myself were featured speakers on Hawaii's #1 morning news show. We had several minutes of unimpeded air time where the story of these turtles was able to be spread to tens of thousands of Hawaii residents. After having put up a bit of a battle, George Balaas (Hawaii's top turtle expert) agreed to let Kainoa free right where we found him on the North Shore. This meant a lot to us because we knew the interaction between turtles among their own species is much like the relationships that we as people develop for our friends and family, and our home for that matter. Seeing Kainoa was moving for us as well because he was in such bad shape when we found him. As soon as he heard the ocean however, all the life in him exposed itself. In about knee deep water we let him out of his plastic box and off he went. We feel confident that we will see him again soon, and in the mean time we continue to pursue further protection of his home.

Turtle Rescue #6 "Haloti"
August 7, 1999
Puaena Point, North Shore Oahu, Hawaii
As we routinely find marine problems on our paid tours we invariably find that our customers genuinely appreciate our efforts. Often times it is the kids that really support us. I think many in the younger generations intelligently and intuitively know just how serious the problems are that we are creating for them. A few days earlier a young boy named Zach had seen us bring "Dan" into the harbor and it moved him. He then brought in a ball of fishing line and weights he had just recovered at Waimea Bay. Due to our latest report of an injured turtle in the area we were on the search the next day and I invited Zach and his family to come along and observe. Sure enough we found our sixth turtle, "Haloti" at a turtle cleaning station that we frequent regularly. As I approached Haloti he literally swam into my hands and I almost effortlessly brought him to the surface.

Haloti was in terrible shape. Fishing line had wrapped around his right fin cutting off all circulation of blood. His fin was literally rotting off of his body. Bones were exposed and the flesh was a sickly grayish color. Line had also wrapped around his other fin and had just started cutting into his flesh. I have no doubt whatsoever that Haloti was dead had we not helped him. I did not know at the time if he would make it anyway. Needless to say we turned him over to a vet and thankfully he made it, after that all too common fin amputation. We have shared these types of experiences with dozens of customers but today was special. I can only say that the impact this experience had on Zach was obviously profound and I believe he will end up working to save life as well as a result of his experience with us. One of the perks we get I guess. I asked Zach what he wanted to do on camera earlier that day and he replied: "I want to come work for #1 Scuba Diving Hawaii Scuba Diving Tours Dive Travel". As far as I am concerned Zach, the job is yours for the taking.

Turtle Rescue #5 "Dan"
August 3, 1999
Three Tables, North Shore Oahu, Hawaii
Still on our search for the original turtle that Lauran had told us about we finally found him! Once again on a dive tour with customers our guide/instructor, Dan found the turtle swimming with the use of only one fin. He brought the divers back to the boat. Joe and myself pursued with mask, snorkel and fins. After spotting him about 35-40 ft below we decided I would free dive down and bring him up. After taking deep breaths I descended. Because he was weak and had small tumors around his eyes he seemed oblivious to my approach. I grabbed onto his shell and brought him up without incident. From there, Joe and myself towed him to the boat. Fishing line was indeed all around him and trailing behind. The line had cut once again down to the bone. Swelling, infection, and rotting flesh at the wound created the all too familiar stench. Line wrapped around his neck had only just started to cut into him. It was obvious he needed treatment so we brought him back and turned him over to George Balaas and a turtle rehabilitation center here on Oahu. This being the fifth turtle we had found in only 31 days. I was becoming more dissatisfied with Hawaii's pitiful lack of ecological consciousness. We knew that there were countless more turtles and other marine life dying from the discarded waste of careless fishermen and we vowed to continue searching, and more important documenting. On this day I stated for the media "I guarantee we find more turtles." Four days later we had turtle #6 (Haloti). Within two weeks we found #7 (Zoe), #8 (Kenny) and 9 (Bumpy).

Turtle Rescue # 4 "Kainoa"
July 10th, 1999
West Point of Waimea Bay, North Shore Oahu
I spotted a turtle with a limp left fin. As I approached I realized that he had a hook through his neck (the same hook from the long line) and fishing line wrapped around his fin like a tourniquet. He was very lethargic and allowed me to grab him quite early, but once I started to bring him to the surface he struggled and shot up, bringing me with him. Once we were at the surface I did not want to pull the hook in his neck so I let him go. Moments later I was able to restrain him in way that would not cause further harm. As I Lifted Kainoa onto the boat. I felt a terrible pain. Ken put me on Oxygen and before I knew it, I was in a medivac chopper on my way to the recompression chamber. After an eight hour chamber dive. I was informed that I had to remain topside for one month. Kainoa's fin was amputated and he was released on the North Shore one month later.

Turtle Rescue #3 "Joey"
July 9th, 1999
West Point of Waimea Bay, North Shore Oahu
I was leading a tour with certified divers at the dive site behind my house "Joe's Backyard" when I saw a turtle off in the distance. As I approached, I realized that the turtle was in trouble. The turtle had been hooked by a make shift long line through his front fin. His body was limp in the water and he appeared to be dead. Just as I reached out to grab him the turtle came to life and bean struggling to reach the surface. The line was holding him underwater so he was unable to breath and slowly dying. The hook that was through his fin began to tear his flesh during the struggle. So in a cloud of brown blood, I cut the turtle free. Once he was free, I realized that the excess line could snag on the reef and possibly drown the turtle so; Ken and I pursued him for about a half hour until Ken was able to recover him. Once on the boat, we removed the hook and set him free. Without question we had saved this turtle from drowning and gave him a second chance. This is one of the best feelings you can ever have, saving a life (an endangered one at that).

Turtle Rescue #2 "Lefty"
July 3, 1999
Haleiwa Trench, North Shore Oahu
In looking back, its amazing just how one statement can snowball into a tremendous sequence of events. On July 2nd a friend, Lauran, came to the shop and said: "There is a turtle at Haleiwa Trench with fishing line wrapped all around him. He's in bad shape." With that we were on a mission to find this turtle. The next morning we have a team of four divers and the search was on. About twenty five minutes into the dive Lauran found a large turtle resting underneath a ledge. He had line wrapped tightly around his right fin. Lauran proceeded to flush him out as I positioned myself to grab hold of him. When I did he resisted but we eventually made the 70ft ascent to the surface. Holding onto this big turtle was no easy task but we managed to get him onto the boat and remove the line which was literally cutting down to the bone. Just as with "Chance" the bad fin was double the size of the normal one. Emanating from the deep wound, swelling, and apparent infection was the stench of rotting flesh. Despite the horrendous wound I knew from my experience with Chance that he could survive. Even though the loss of his fin was almost inevitable. With this in mind we let him go. We believe that we sighted Lefty about three weeks later. We will continue to watch for him. Lefty however was not the turtle Lauran had sighted the previous day. The search would continue. It took only six days before we found turtle #3.

"Chance Sighted!!!" Ten Months Later
June 1999,
Three Tables, North Shore Oahu, Hawaii

What a thrill it was to see the turtle we have rescued 10 months earlier. To know that we literally saved his life is a feeling more precious than anything money can buy. Chance had indeed lost his fin but despite the odds, he was making it. I was able to free dive down to him several times and he showed no fear at all. I really believe deep down he knows who I am and is grateful. Either way it has been an honor to help him. I hope we see him many times over the years.

 

 

 

Turtle Rescue #1 "Chance"
August 1998
Atlantis, North Shore Oahu
On a tour with customers we came across a resting turtle that clearly had monofilament fishing line wrapped around his left flipper and neck. While in the water I tried to remove this line while Chance started swimming away. In doing this I realized the line was impossible to remove in water and I let go for fear that I might do more damage by holding on. Having done that I got a terrible sinking feeling that I was watching a dead turtle swim away and that I had blown my "chance" to help. I immediately followed Chance who was now very cautious and not allowing me to get close. I literally followed him very calmly for about 10 minutes keeping a faster than normal pace. Eventually I got my opportunity and lunged forward and secured one of his back flippers, than the other. From there I took the now heavily resisting turtle into my arms and ascended to the surface. Once there I swam to the boat and lifted him up. Upon inspection we realized the horrendous damage that discarded monofilament line could have on marine life. The line around his flipper was literally cutting down all the way to the bone. The flipper was virtually useless and swollen to easily double the size of the normal one. At that point we knew that Chance would have definitely died by the line around his neck which would have invariably choked him. It took us approximately 15 minutes to cut free all the line. We decided to let Chance go that day even though we had fears for his safety. In retrospect we would have turned him over for veterinary care. Happily however we found Chance ten months later doing well aside from the fact that his flipper had indeed been lost. It is with great joy that I have sighted him two other times and I will continue to look out form him

 

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