The hawaii island hawksbill project (hihp) aims to support the recovery of endangered hawksbill sea turtles in hawaii, focusing on critical nesting habitats along the southern coast of hawaii island

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded The Honu Project (doing business as World Turtle Trust) a $200,000 cooperative agreement on October 1, 2025, under the Unallied Projects program (CFDA 11.454) to support recovery of endangered hawksbill sea turtles in Hawaii.

The Hawaii Island Hawksbill Project monitors nesting activity, determines hatching success, protects nests from predators, identifies suitable nesting sites, and assesses temperature impacts on nest success along the southern coast of Hawaii Island. The project collects vital data to inform management decisions and conducts public outreach to promote conservation stewardship of marine resources and healthy ecosystems.

Performance occurs in Kailua, Hawaii, with a period of performance extending from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. The Unallied Projects program funds fisheries science and management information for sustainable U.S. fishery yields and conservation of protected species and their environment in Federal, State, and U.S. territorial waters.

The project monitors nesting activity, determines hatching success, protects nests from predators, identifies suitable nesting sites, and assesses the impact of temperature on nest success. Through these efforts and public outreach, the hihp collects vital data, informs management decisions, and promotes conservation stewardship, contributing to the broader mission of preserving marine resources and healthy ecosystems.