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Kauai sea turtle research
Our marine biologists have been out working hard in the field with research scientists to observe and gather blood and tissue samples from sea turtles who call the North shore of Kauai home. A disease has been weakening the exterior of their shells along with a mysterious tissue breakdown along the outer edges of their flippers.
 Collaborative effortThe two-day research trip with Reef Guardian biologist Terry Lilley involved George Balazs, a zoologist for NOAA Administration’s turtle research program, and Don Heacock, Kauai District fisheries biologist for Department of Land and Natural Resources and from USGS, Dr. Thierry Work. |  Capture |  First look |
|---|---|---|
 Examination of mysterious deteriorat |  Measure and record size |  DSC00352.JPG |
 Draw blood |  Drawing blood |  Laying back during physical |
 Examine |  DSC00345.JPG |  Hook removal |
 Returning to ocean |  About to be free again |
Ms. Mermaid: New Hawksbill Discovery
Executive Director Robin Mazor discovered a new honu'ea or hawksbill turtle in Kauai's north shore waters. Reef Guardians Hawai'i worked with Hawaiian Hawksbill Conservation to photo-identify and name the turtle Ms. Mermaid. Hawaiian hawksbills are one of the world's most rare and endangered populations.
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