Marine life at Hanauma Bay, Oahu, is one of the most diverse in the world. The bay attracts tourists from around the world.
Snorkeling in Oahu is one of the most popular water activities here, and while you are enjoying it, you get to witness the diverse marine life with over 450 species of fish. The coral reef here is also home to famous turtles (green sea turtles), dolphins, whales, and many other creatures.
The Hawaiian government has classified the area as a protected marine life conservation area. Therefore, Hanauma Bay only admits a limited number of visitors on any given day. Note that Mondays and Tuesdays are closed days that give the marine life a break from human interference until the reef opens for visitors again.
Green Sea Turtles and the Health of the Coral Reef at Hanauma Bay
The ecosystem is all inclusive and green sea turtles play a major role in preserving the coral reef’s health at its best.
Famous turtles, like the green sea turtles, are popular herbivores that typically live in the ocean. They feed on a diet including algae and seagrass that are found in the shallow waters of Hanauma Bay.
Sunlight is one of the most essential sources of energy that almost all marine life, including plants, need for survival. Therefore, it’s essential for sunlight to penetrate through the water for marine life to utilize in different ways. However, overgrown seagrasses can block it from penetrating through the surface of the water.
While seagrasses play a crucial role in preserving the health of the marine ecosystem by preventing soil erosion, overgrowth can have negative effects. Some of the major negative effects include blockage of sunlight, partial or complete blockage of water flow, and much more. By feeding on seagrasses, green sea turtles contribute to preserving coral reef health.
With a thriving marine life, more visitors are attracted to the area, which in turn supports the local communities that live there.
Being a part of marine life in the ocean, these famous turtles are also unfortunately often under threat, given the climate change and habitat degradation. However, on the bright side, protective measures taken by the local authorities have been helpful in protecting these beautiful creatures.
It’s mandatory for every tourist to watch an educational video before entering the bay that helps them understand the importance of marine life conservation. Measures like applying only reef-safe sunscreen and ensuring not to disturb marine life as far as possible during their water activities (like snorkeling) are efforts that have a positive outcome on marine life.
Top boat tour provider Hawaii Ocean Charters, based in Honolulu, offers semi-private, private, and shared boat tours, snorkeling tours, and more to suit your needs. The company also offers well-planned tours with customized itineraries for those who like their own space and prefer private tours.
If you found this article valuable, share it with your friends and family who love marine life and snorkeling adventures. Green sea turtles are a must-see, and Hanauma Bay offers the perfect opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat!
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For more fascinating insights, check out our Interesting Facts About Green Sea Turtles.
