Anthropogenic disturbances to foraging and resting green turtles around Oahu: potential effects and assessment of harassment
Visitors observing basking green turtles, Oahu, Hawaii. Anthropogenic disturbances to foraging and resting green turtles ( Chelonia mydas ) around O`ahu: potential effects and assessment of harassment Robert H. Schmidt Abstract: Hawaiian green turtles are listed as a threatened species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The Hawaiian population of green turtles is rather unique in that the nesting site (French Frigate Shoals) is protected, usually uninhabited, and without many terrestrial predators. Juveniles and adults over 35 cm SCL reside in the nearshore habitats surrounding the populated islands, including O`ahu. These animals are the future breeders who have survived the initial high-mortality pelagic stage. I reviewed non-lethal, anthropogenic factors that could compromise their energy intake, predation risk, or risk of being subjected to detrimental human contact. My findings were inconclusive. Green turtle behavior and turtle responses to human activitie...