Here is an article from Hawaii, and the reason for not touching dead is to lesson the risk of people using turtle products for commercial use.
[h=1]What are the laws protecting sea turtles?[/h]Answer ID 164 | Published 04/13/2002 09:50 PM | Updated 04/19/2005 11:24 AM
Where can I find out what the exact laws for protecting sea turtles are, and what the penalties are for breaking those laws?
The following information is from the NOAA Fisheries - National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources web site
Redirect - Office of Protected Resources - NOAA Fisheries
PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES
All six species of sea turtles in the U.S. are protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973
Redirect - Office of Protected Resources - NOAA Fisheries (you can go to this site of the ESA which also features a link to the text of the complete act, and the section on penalties and enforcement.)
Through interagency coordination under Section 7 of the ESA, sea turtles are protected by ensuring that Federal actions will not jeopardize the continued existence of the species. Successful consultations have been conducted with the Minerals Management Service for oil and gas activities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for dredging activities, the U.S. Navy for explosives testing, the Environmental Protection Agency for the designation of dredged material disposal sites, and many other Federal agencies for activities ranging from nuclear power plant construction to scientific research. One of the most important ways NMFS acts to protect sea turtles is through requiring trawl fishermen to use Turtle Excluder Devices while fishing.
Because sea turtles nest on land, responsibility for their conservation is shared between NMFS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). For more information contact them at:
National Sea Turtle Coordinator
US Fish and Wildlife Service
6620 Southpoint Drive South, Suite 310
Jacksonville, Florida 32216
From: Hawaii’s Marine Protected Species – handbook for ocean users
"All sea turtles in Hawai‘i are protected under the Endangered Species Act (see above) and wildlife laws of the State of Hawai‘i (Title 13, Chapter 124, Hawaii Administrative Laws – posted online at
http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dofaw/rules/Chap124.pdf
These laws prohibit harassing, capturing (possessing or removing), harming or killing, sea turtles. Under state law, violation is a misdemeanor criminal offense, punishable by a find up to $2,000 and/or 30 days in jail.
Research on sea turtles both in captivity and in the wild requires federal permits. It is important to remember that sea turtles, both alive and dead are protected. If you are lucky enough to see a sea turtle in the wild, do not attempt to touch or grab it. The recommended distance for observation of sea turtles in the wild is 50 yards. Please remember that feeding, touching, or attempting to ride them could cause distress." If you see them on the beach, please do not disturb them, turtles often haul out to rest. Do not allow dogs to approach them.
"You may report violations of either law to: NOAA Fisheries Enforcement at (808) 541-2727 (statewide) or the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at 1(800)853-1964, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or call Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement at (808) 587-0077. Report nesting or basking activities, and dead, sick, injured or stranded turtles to the National Marine Fisheries Service Honolulu Laboratory at (808) 983-5730 Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m."
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