Ghost Net Recovery
#10
May 29th, 2001
Hammerheads, North Shore, Oahu
This recovery was conducted because of a report and request from a State
of Hawaii Marine Enforcement Officer. We thank him for the information.
The net was approximately 100 feet in length and had already done a
lot of damage. Who knows how much life had already been lost before
the removal. The recovery took place in about 10 feet of water and lasted
about 45 minutes. Thanks to Greg and Catherine for their help. We saved
one Convict Tang and several crabs and lobsters.
Ghost Net Recovery
#9
May 26th, 2001
Haleiwa Harbor Entrance, North Shore, Oahu
Captain Chris Lolley spotted this net as we were returning from a boat
dive and we immediately conducted the recovery in 10-15 feet of water.
Thanks to Harbor Master Paul's approval as this area is a dangerous
place for divers. Recovery took about 30 minutes and one 7-11 Crab was
saved. Once again this net had already done much damage by ripping up
coral heads. Total length of the net was approximately 75 feet. Thank
you to our customer Robert for his help in water and for the rest of
you on the boat. Barbara, watch out for those crabs!
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 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.
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. He
was young and obviously in a very bad state. He had been there so long
that he was partially buried in the sand. We turned him over to authorities
knowing that they might not be able to do anything, but we hoped for
the best. Postscript; Sadly Sheryl was put down.
Long-lining Banned
November 21st, 1999
Honolulu, Oahu Hawaii
In a surprise move a federal court judge banned long-line fishing in
a massive area of the Northwest Hawaiian Atolls. This ban shocked even
the most optimistic of environmentalists. The reason for it was the
threat to four species of endangered turtles that live in Hawaii. The
Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtle. At least one
news station used footage of our various turtle rescues to support the
story and the fact is that awareness has been heightened so much as
a result of our efforts that the climate had become right for this decision.
Truly our impact was reaching even further.
Save Shark's
Cove Task Force Meeting #3
November 10th, 1999
Waimea Valley, North Shore Oahu
So here we were at the third of five scheduled meetings with virtually
nothing accomplished in regards to the rules changes we were meant to
decide on. Would this be the meeting to change that? Indeed it was.
Finally we were going to talk about the issues. First was netting. Everybody
agreed as I had hoped, that netting had no place in a so called "conservation
district" and we agreed that it should be banned. Second was spear
fishing and once again we all agreed that this also had no place in
the area. We voted to ban it. Third, and most certainly the biggest
question mark, was pole and line fishing. Everybody knowing the amount
of turtles we had already saved from discarded fishing line definitely
had an impact and only one real opponent made his objection. His reason
was valid that many retired and otherwise low-income people use that
area to subsidize their dinner plates. After just having witnessed thousands
of fish removed from a Waimea Bay netter I was sympathetic to his statement.
But the bottom line was that the North Shore had not one marine sanctuary
and every inch of coastline was currently available for fishing. Based
on this reality I felt we must set this one small area aside, for the
future. In our plan to ban fishing however we proposed that the boundaries
be changed slightly so that fishing could continue in one area of Shark's
Cove but not within the MLCD itself. That way they would at least have
one area left to fish while keeping the rules in the MLCD strict and
easier to enforce. This proposition seemed to be unanimously accepted
as reasonable but decision on this issue was delayed for further debate.
Progress had been made and the next meeting we were to discuss expansion
of the MLCD< this I was looking forward to.
Animal Planet
"Wild Rescues Show"
Nov. 7th, 1999 #1 Scuba Diving Hawaii Scuba Diving Tours Dive Travel
Shop
Due to all the turtle rescues we had done we had already been slotted
for the national TV. Show "Real TV" and now it was time for
Animal Planet. The opportunity to tell the story for the turtles is
one we will continue to tell as a long as the problem exists, we owe
that to the turtles and all the other marine life that suffers due to
our ignorance and indifference. To reach the national realm is to reach
millions and we made the most of our experiences by communicating clearly
how bad the problem is. Thanks to Animal Planet for getting the story
out.
Commercial Netting
in Waimea Bay #2
October 31st and November 1-2
Commercial netting occurred at Waimea Bay.
The total catch for these nettings is unknown but at least 14,000 lbs.
of Akule were taken in one netting while people were swimming and snorkeling
and pole and line fishermen watched from shore some fifty yards away.
The only laws broken thus far are the operation of a motorboat in the
bay, according to Alton Miyasaka of the Department of Land and Natural
Resources (DLNR). The powerboats
were used to surround the school of fish, which were located by a spotter
plane flying above. Because of the huge amount of feedback I have received
from Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians about the declines in fish around the
North Shore I have taken it upon myself to document any activities in
the bay that may be contributing to this perceived decline. Netting
is obviously one of these activities. Legal or not I am convinced that
the vast majority of North shore residents are opposed to commercial
netting close to shore especially around the Waimea Bay and Shark's
Cove area. Most people I have talked to are shocked to learn that netting
is indeed legal in these areas. I personally have video taped two commercial
nettings at Waimea Bay over the last two months and have done so as
a means of collecting information that will allow the people of the
North Shore to make intelligent decisions about the fate of their home.
As a result of these videos I have received threats of violence against
myself my business and even my family. I would to state now for the
record that the actions I have taken are mine and mine alone. Any threat
towards my mother or my wife is among the most cowardly and despicable
terrorist tactics that would do shame to any family involved. I have
spoken with my family and we agree that terrorism of any sort is unacceptable
and they accept my active decision to continue documenting what I see
fit to document. Rest assured that I will indeed do so and these threats
have only strengthened my resolve to do what my conscious dictates.
I will not back down no matter how real these threats may be and I hereby
point to those who might consider violence to think very, very hard
about this. Dead or alive I guarantee that it would be the very worst
thing you could possibly do. Having said that I would like to get beyond
the disgrace of violence and invite those who oppose me to meet with
me face to face and talk with respect about our views. Perhaps we do
not disagree about everything. In fact I believe we have a common enemy,
the big Asian and US fishing fleets that are literally stripping away
all the fish in the oceans. Regardless of that I will continue to do
what I believe is in the best interest of all those who love the North
Shore and the generations to come. To me that is what Hawaii is all
about. Special note. A rare appearance of a Tiger Shark in Waimea Bay
the day after the last netting occurred. Lifeguards actually had to
call out all swimmers from the water. I wonder if this might possibly
be some sort of sign that we on the North Shore should be looking at?
Save Shark's
Cove Task Force Meeting #2
October 13th, 1999
Waimea Valley, North Shore Oahu
Into this meeting I went with articles showing the problems in California
and globally due to lack of marine protection. I also handed out our
proposal to eliminate spearing, fishing, and netting in the MLCD and
expand the area to over triple its current size while enveloping Waimea
Bay. The meeting however was more about things we had no say in and
I expressed my dissatisfaction more than once. I also urged that we
move with more speed in order to prevent failure in our charge to address
the issues of rules changes. I left this meeting highly frustrated but
the agenda I had pushed for the next meeting seemed to be in place and
perhaps we were now ready to accomplish something.
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.
Save Shark's
Cove Task Force Meeting #1
Sept. 8th, 1999
Waimea Valley, North Shore Oahu
Being the type of person who likes to get things done this meeting was
less than satisfying. It was pretty much limited to what our charge
was and the time frame of all things involved and I was beginning to
think I was becoming part of the system I resent for its ineffectiveness.
The crux of it was that there would be a planned five meetings over
five months and after that we as a task force would make recommendations
regarding any rules changes (see Save Shark's Cove #1 ) to the Department
of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). From that a series of processes
would occur that would likely take another year and a half. Bureaucracy
in action! Our goal was to not only change the rules for the better
but to expand the conservation area (MLCD) to more than triple its current
size. Although we didn't accomplish much in my eyes there was some opportunity
to meet our adversaries and find some common ground, so this was good.
The agenda had been set for the next meeting and my hope was that this
would allow for more productive movement. I was wrong.
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.
Commercial Netting
in Waimea Bay #1
August 1999
Waimea Bay, North Shore Oahu
On this day we were out on the boat for some exploratory diving on the
North Shore while on route
we spotted netters in Waimea Bay. I had made a commitment to document
all that I saw here so I along with Joe jumped into the water to film
the netting from below. Doing this is no small endeavor as you are sure
to make enemies in the worst way by doing so. This to us was all the
more reason to do so, it is threats of violence that has prevented women,
black people, and all oppressed to obtain justice throughout history
and our situation was no different. We are committed to going all the
way even if it means potential violence against us. I proceeded to film
the sadness of an entire school being wiped out of Waimea Bay. Hopefully
this will move others to stand up and oppose such events in the future.
We shall see..
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.
Save Shark's
Cove Task Force Appointment Meeting
Aug. 11th, 1999
Sunset Beach Elementary School, North Shore Oahu
Previous to this meeting we had made many attempts to solicit help and
feedback from other Oahu dive operations to protect Shark's Cove. With
only two exceptions nobody wanted to know. The resentment I feel about
the blatant apathy that the majority of operations here show is substantial.
I repeat what I believe is our obligation as businesses that derive
our incomes from the ocean; if there are problems out there; we are
compelled to do something about it. In the case of Shark's Cove virtually
none will say the area is O.K. most all agree the area has gone from
bad to worse over the years and who should know better than the people
like ourselves who use the area. Despite this the dive operators got
together on a hastily arranged meeting two hours before task force delegates
were to be chosen. Almost exclusively the interest was in preventing
any loss of access to one of the dive operator's biggest cash cows.
Preservation and conservation were not priorities. It was on this day
that I decided that I would separate myself from this group that reflected
capitalism and greed at the expense of the environment they operate
in. We had sincerely tried to work with these operators and concluded
that their interests lie elsewhere. This I am sure will change with
time. So I ran as a conservation delegate and won. The commercial divers
put up their status quo delegate who has played unimpressive lip service
and disguises the real agenda, "keep our unimpeded access in tact!"
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 and found Kenny the turtle 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).
Save Sharks Cove
# 4
July 27, 1999
North Shore Neighborhood Board Meeting
With tremendous effort on behalf of the so many supporters in the community
we managed to make this the most attended Neighborhood Meeting in 1999,
by far. The Haleiwa Surf Center was completely packed and people spilled
out of the building. This meeting was covered by two local news stations,
one with a live feed broadcast. Passions were exposed on both sides
and the apathy of norm was absent for now. On this night threats were
made against #1 Scuba Diving Hawaii Scuba Diving Tours Dive Travel for
essentially initiating this grassroots movement. These threats entailed
throwing a firebomb into our shop. This threat displays the mentality
of many of those who oppose conservation for selfish reasons. As a company
with unflinching commitment, these types of intimidation methods only
serve to strengthen our resolve to protect the marine environment. The
result of the meeting was that a task force were to be formed at a meeting
one month later. Good or bad, the process was now officially reaching
governmental levels. I personally was asked by our State Senator if
I would be willing to serve on the task force and my response was "only
if I know that it is legit. My main concern was that this task force
make the strong recommendations necessary to affect real change for
the better. We shall see..
Ghost Net Recovery
#5
July 25th, 1999
Maile Point, West Side Oahu
We returned with a smaller dive team, but with the same results. After
two postponements by the other divers we went forward with this overdue
recovery. Approximately 200 feet of net recovered with one crab released
from the net to live another day. On both dives recovering this net
we sighted Hammerhead Sharks on our ascent. In a way we like to think
it was their way of giving consent and thanks to our efforts.
Dead Turtle Recovery
"Salem"
July 25th, 1999
Kahana Bay, East Side Oahu
Having removed the ghost net in the morning we were off to conduct a
beach clean up (which we do regularly) at Kahana Bay. Within an hour
I spotted a seemingly lifeless turtle in the rocky shallows. Upon closer
inspection it became clear the turtle was indeed dead. Not only did
this turtle have tumors all over his body, but also fishing line wrapped
around both front fins, and his mouth. His body was still warm so I
knew he had not been dead long. My frustration was heightened once again.
This turtle epitomized on the injustices humanity thrusts on the marine
environment. All there was left to do was to bag up this latest victim
and work that much harder to change the realities of today.
Save Sharks Cove
Cleanup
July 24th, 1999
Sharks Cove, North Shore Oahu
With
the big neighborhood board meeting in three days, a Sharks Cove Cleanup
was in order, although we clean up the cove almost daily in summer.
Direct Action to us means removing fishing line when we see it. Unfortunately
there is no lack of discarded fishing line at Sharks Cove. Three teams
of 4-5 divers conducted one dive each on this day and unwrapped line
from approximately 100 coral heads. This line as we very well know ends
up wrapping around other marine life such as turtles, dolphins, and
anything else that swims. We also removed a large outboard motor, which
had been dumped.
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.
Hook Barb Sabotage
July 9th, 1999
West Point Waimea Bay, North Shore Oahu
Fed
up with the fact that we had just found our second turtle in less than
a week with hooks and line, we decided to stand watch over the long
line contraption, which had nearly killed the turtle "Joey"
earlier in the day. This contraption was left completely unattended
and had over twenty hooks still on it and was definitely still a threat
to marine life. Joe and myself moored the boat directly adjacent to
the long-line and intended to watch it through the night assuring no
other turtles or otherwise would be needlessly killed. During the night
we decided that one way or another the long-line would be removed but
in the meantime the barbs on the hooks had to be removed. By doing this
we took certain risks of retaliation. For us however this did not matter.
The price we would have paid by knowing that another turtle might die
was unacceptable. So we cut the barbs and the long-line was rendered
useless. The next day we found "Kainoa" who had a large hook
from this long-line embedded deep in his neck. Since he was a big turtle
he was able to break free, smaller turtles would not be so lucky. Two
days later, and three news stories later, the long-line contraption
mysteriously disappeared. However it may have vanished it has not reappeared.
We will make sure of that.
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. At first I was excited because I
enjoy seeing turtles, but, as I approached, 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 chased him for about a half hour until Ken was able to
capture 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, one of the best feelings possible.
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's 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.
Baby Dolphin
Wrapped with Fishing Line
July 1, 1999
Waimea Bay, North Shore Oahu, HI
While conducting a boat dive charter we came across our resident pod
of Spinner Dolphins. On this day they seemed receptive so we allowed
our customers to snorkel around the boat while the dolphins made passes.
One of our customers caught very dearly on video a baby dolphin with
his mother. The baby undeniably had fishing line wrapped around his
tail fluke and was dragging this somewhat weighted line 10-20 ft behind
him. We were unable to do anything that day and we have searched for
him several times since. The unpleasant reality is that either that
line broke free or he has since died. I have watched the video clip
several times and I still get frustrated with the fact that we were
able to do nothing but share reality to others in the hope that we can
change it.
Save Sharks Cove
#3
June 22, 1999
North Shore Neighborhood Board Monthly Meeting
After my last statement the wheels indeed were turning to change the
status of Sharks cove. DLNR, a Senator and a relatively apathetic community
were now involved. DLNR came to this meeting with the proposal to change
the rules at Sharks Cove, which would prohibit the taking of marine
life and create the North Shore's first ever-true marine sanctuary.
This proposal as popular as it would be with the majority of North Shore
residents was met with a very vocal minority of fishermen whose primary
interest was access, not conservation. Either way, public awareness
was heavily increased and dozens of residents were now participating
in the meeting, which is typically a very sleepy affair. The decision
was made to allow full public input at the following Neighborhood Board
Meeting. It was made clear to me from a very credible source that if
only 10-15% opposition was voiced that DLNR would drop the rule changes
and the highly, insufficient status quo would continue. The official
"Save Sharks Cove" campaign was born at this time and it has
become our highest priority as a dive operation to assure Sharks Cove
becomes our first Sanctuary, and if we are successful, significantly
expanded. The stage was set for one of the biggest North Shore Neighborhood
Board Meetings ever in July.
"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.
Ghost Net Recovery
#4
June 12, 1999
Maile Point, West Side Oahu
Acting in information given to me by a friend and customer we found
out that a ghost net was sighted in the summer of 1998 by other divers.
This net was in 180-200 feet of water and was reportedly at least 500
feet long. After having contacted the principal diver who knew of the
net I requested we go retrieve it. This was in December 1998 and it
was clear he was not interested in "others getting the credit"
Even though he had known about this net for at least 5 months. With
some coercion we set up a joint team of divers, three from #1 Scuba Diving Hawaii Scuba Diving Tours Dive Travel,
two from his team. All of us were trained decompression divers and qualified
to do the potentially dangerous net recovery. Despite our differences
in motivation the dive went extremely well and approximately 200-250
feet of net were recovered on a dive of just over 60 minutes to 185
feet. The job was not done however and plans were made for the team
to dive again. See Ghost Net Recovery #5.
Save Sharks Cove
#2
March 1999
North Shore Neighborhood Board Monthly Meeting
Once again my point at this meeting was to expose the total lack of
marine life protection on the North Shore. Of the 50 miles of coastline
we have, literally not one inch is protected. As a dive operation we
believe it is our highest priority to change that, and it was with that
message I spoke once again. The reality is that on the entire island
of Oahu, roughly three miles of coastline is protected. This is fairly
typical throughout the state and it is a broader goal of ours to expose
that, so that changes are made. As a result primarily from our statement
a State Senator (Bunda) and his aid got directly involved in a new push
to compel the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to open
up rules changes, which could prohibit the taking of marine life at
Sharks Cove. Indeed they did and the wheels began to turn.
Save Sharks Cove
# 1
February 1999
North Shore Neighborhood Board Monthly Meeting
Being based on the North Shore we dive at a spot called Sharks Cove
on a regular basis. This spot was voted one of the top 12 shore dives
in the world by the readers of Rodale's Scuba Diving magazine in 1996.
Despite this, the area is not protected. Although the state made it
a "Marine Life Conservation District" (MLCD) in 1983. It also
allowed exceptions to the normal rules so that spear fishing, pole fishing
and even netting are allowed in the area. This MLCD is one of many "feel
good" conservation areas throughout the state that do virtually
nothing to protect our marine resources. At a typical meeting with 10-15
residents attending I stated what a "disgrace" I felt the
area was. I also stated that it was an "embarrassment" to
the visitors of the world who could see our obviously backwards conservation
policies.
Ghost Net Recovery
# 3
February 1999
Chinaman's Hat, East Side Oahu
On a tip from Michael, a customer and Sea Shepherd supporter we were
off to remove our next ghost net. This net was in only 8 foot of water
but had already ripped up dozens of coral heads. With great effort we
were able to lift the massive ball of net and debris onto kayaks and
paddle it to shore. This process took over two hours. In removing this
net we had to use tremendous care not to further damage the reef. Sometimes
however it is virtually impossible not do some damage.
Ken visits local
High School
January 1999
Kahuku High School, Oahu
In
an effort to raise the younger generation's awareness. I took an opportunity
to address teenagers at a local high school. I have done this many times
and look forward to sharing more of my experiences in the future. Kids
and young adults always give me hope. Self-interest and they generally
are very eager to know what's happening in the oceans so much less clouds
their eyes.
Paul Watson Visits
#1 Scuba Diving Hawaii Scuba Diving Tours Dive Travel
January 1999
#1 Scuba Diving Hawaii Scuba Diving Tours Dive Travel Shop
Having developed respect and a friendship with each other, it was #1 Scuba Diving Hawaii Scuba Diving Tours Dive Travel's honor to host one of the founding fathers of Greenpeace and
the founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Paul Watson for
two nights. Undoubtedly Paul is a legend among legends in the environmental
movement. #1 Scuba Diving Hawaii Scuba Diving Tours Dive Travel also
set up a lecture by Paul at the University of Hawaii, Public Radio interview
and an address to teenagers at the shop regarding his experiences. This
address was in turn televised on one of Hawaii's favorite locally produced
television shows, the "Hawaiian Moving Company".
Ghost Net Recovery
#2
December 26, 1998
Electric Beach, West Side Oahu
The day after Christmas 1998 will stand out in my mind as one of the
most aggravating and most gratifying days
I have ever had. This net had been abandoned at one of Oahu's most popular
shore dives and sighted by our instructor, Dan Morse. #1 Scuba Diving
Hawaii Scuba Diving Tours Dive Travel staff found the net which spanned
over 100 ft wrapped over countless coral heads and entangling two Goatfish,
two scrawled Filefish, a Moorish Idol, Spiny Lobster, Crab and a Spiny
Puffer fish. All but one fish could be saved and the entire process
was documented on video and still photography. It took six divers over
an hour to remove this net, which had done substantial damage to coral.
The ignorance and blatant disregard for human and marine life that the
individuals responsible for this net exhibit is in my mind indefensible.
In the Hawaiian culture this type of disregard would be a clear threat
to the society as a whole and Hawaiians of past were killed for less.
Sea Shepherd
Crew
September-December 1998
Neah Bay, Washington State
In
the fall of 1998 I was able to live out a dream to crew with the man
who is the father of Direct Action and a legend among legends in the
ecological movement, Paul Watson. Our goal in Washington was to stop
the first killing of a whale by the US in several decades. Even though
the Makah Indians had vowed to kill a whale that season, they did not.
We had succeeded. But not far long as Watson states "Victories
are temporary, and all defeats permanent". In May 1999 the Makah
got their whale. A young female that had more than likely interacted
with humans in San Ignacio Lagoon in Mexico each winter. She clearly
had no reason to fear her killers, who killed her in an eleven-minute
period by shooting several .50 caliber bullets into her body. Our current
mural is dedicated to the memory of this whale.
Net Sculpture
October 1998
#1 Scuba Diving Hawaii Scuba Diving Tours Dive Travel Shop
Growing frustration with the amount of marine debris we were able to
easily collect on our regular beach cleanups, we decided to put this
debris to good use. Instead of simply throwing it away, we created a
frame to build on. This
"Net Sculpture" continues to grow and serves once again to
remind us of the ever-increasing problems our oceans are encountering.
This monument to human waste has become a landmark in itself and people
now stop to take pictures and look in awe at how much we have collected
in such a short period of time. Our hope is in doing this we can raise
awareness enough to get policies changed to decrease the problem and
eventually eliminate it.
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
"Direct
Action Policy"
May 1998
Inspired by the one of the founding fathers of Greenpeace and the founder
of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Our Direct Action Policy is
attributed to Environmental Legend, Paul Watson. While most in the ecology
movement talk, Paul acts. The Sea Shepherds have saved more marine life
directly than any other organization, hands down. Direct Action is the
reason why, and it is what truly sets our dive operation apart from
all others. The bottom line is when we are in a position to remove marine
hazards or save life, without jeopardizing customer safety; we do it,
with no hesitation.
Ghost Net Mural
# 1
May 1998
#1 Scuba Diving Hawaii Scuba Diving Tours Dive Travel Shop
As an educational tool we took our 40 ft storage container and turned
it into the canvass for our Ghost Net Mural. Reminding people of the
damage that abandoned nets pose to all marine life. To date, October
1999, we have collected over 5 tons of debris.
Ghost Net Recovery
#1
February 1998
Makua Beach, West Side Oahu
While conducting a tour of Makua dive site with customers, we found
an approximately 100-150 ft long lay net which was recently abandoned.
The net was in an area frequented daily by Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins
and also home to Green Sea Turtles and countless reef fish. This net
had anchored itself, as they typically do, by wrapping around coral
heads. In this process many coral heads are ripped off the reef, destroying
homes to many marine species. This job was too dangerous to conduct
with customers. So the decision was made to return the following day.
Upon returning the next day we released two crabs that had become entangled.
I never like to leave these nets for fear that more life will be needlessly
lost so I was glad that nothing had apparently died in the last 20 hours.
Chris Barboza, Senior Instructor and myself would do the net removal
while two safety divers observed. Darrel and Pete documented and observed
while Chris and I went through the arduous task of removal. We nearly
needed a second tank, as we were both very low on air by the time we
had managed to walk this ghost net the 150 yards to shore along the
bottom. We actually balled up the net as best we could, removed our
fins, put the weight of the net on our backs and walked it in. Very
slowly, I might add. After completing the removal I realized just how
angry I felt that people simply abandoned nets. But at the same time,
it felt good to know that we had made a difference. In real terms we
had saved life, whether it was dolphins, turtles, reef fish, coral heads,
etc. We undoubtedly had saved life. Little did we know that this was
the beginning our formal "Direct Action Policy"
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