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Just thought I'd pass this on...
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That's super cool, I hope the nest does not get disturbed and the babies have a fair chance at making it to the water with out some person stepping on them or a dog eating them. Do they ever head start the leatherback I wonder?

"Do they headstart the Leatherback I wonder."

I was thinking the same thing. I've seen quite a lot on sea turtles lately, and wondered, with the stat thrown out that only 1 of 10,000, or some similar ridiculous number, of hatched sea turtles make it to maturity, why don't we headstart more sea turtles to get their numbers up?

Six of the seven species are considered to be horribly low in number and three are critically endangerd... I know there are programs and conservation efforts, it just seems like there's more that can be done, especially with humans taking over so many historic birthing sites. Sad.

Exactly,
I have read that there are lots of head start programs for the diamondback terrapin, which is one of my favorite turtles and if I lived on the east coast I would surely get involved. I'm not sure how effective it is or would be, but it sure couldn't hurt things, the way they are heading toward exstinction. Also, I just had an idea, I'm sure that there are lots of people around the country that have the skills, means, and desire to take care of a small group of hatchlings for a year. Maybe a program were eggs are collected and incubated artificially then hatchlings shipped to people, then after the year they send them back to were the eggs were laid and they are then released. Sounds like a research grant to me, I wish I was in the position or knew someone who could start such a thing, what about you? or anyone else out there reading this?

I would love to do something like that! I'm sure there would be those sceptical about if they could be successfully released back, but it's a better shot than the odds they're dealt now.

If I lived on a coast, I would for sure try to get involved in some sort of conservation or headstart program. If there are any scientists reading this, call me. As it is living in Dallas, there aren't any programs or anything to get actively involved in.

When I was in Hawaii two years ago, my wife and I swam with a Green turtle for more than an hour. It was one of the coolest experiences with nature I've had, and I've had quite a few. It makes me so sad when I think of their plight.

I hope that maybe there is such things going on, maybe we just don't know about it.
My wife and I are in the process of planning a trip to Hawaii for our 5th anniversary, a promise I made when we got married, that I intend to keep. Which means working extra hours at my 2nd job nights and weekends. Curious, where did you swim with a green sea turtle, and where you snorkleing? What island? What bay or reef? and what name of place?
Thanks
Jeff

We went to Maui. I believe it was Honokeana Bay. It's just past Ka'Anapali on the northwest coast. The cove was sort of off the beaten path, but pretty cool once you got in the water. The beach was a little rough--like rough lava rock and pebbles.

But it was a great little cove. TONS of Parrotfish and (devoured) coral. There were also hawkfish, an eel or two and triggers.
We were snorkeling, which made it difficult but fun to keep up with the turtle when he dove. It was so cool. It was the coolest thing at the end of an hour or so of following him around when he dove to meet up with another two green turtles.

We surfaced and had swam all the way around and out of the cove. It was exhausting swimming back to the beach, but worth it.

We also took a tour boat out to Molokini Island and they drop you off on the way at detour site, "Turtle Town," where tons of green turtles hang out and feed.

Hey, thanks a lot difinately will have to put those two on the "to do " list. We have been toying back and forth between staying on place versus taking a cruise and island hopping. A lot of people say the like Maui, did you visit any other islands or just Mauii?

Just Maui. We are young and poor. We only had enough spending money to rent a car for one day. That's the day we went to the cove. But with that said, there was so much to experience, just within walking distance from our hotel!

We aren't exactly old and rich either, just middle age (39) and middle class with 2 full time jobs and 2 part-time jobs between my wife and I. It's safe to say that we have earned this trip to Hawaii, heck we never even went to Hawaii when we were young and poor. So good you too for being able to enjoy such a trip when you are young and able. We are busting our asses now so we can travel as much as possible while we are still fairly young and able to do most if not all physically challenging activities available. We might be broke when we retire but at least we will have seen and experienced some of the world
Take care
Jeff