Sea turtles are protected in Hawaii.
A video posted on TikTok on November 14, 2025, showed a man in Hawaii posing with a sea turtle, leading to widespread criticism online. The footage, captured by a user known as itsbleuworld, depicted the man picking up the turtle, posing for photos, and then returning it to the ground before patting its shell.
The caption of the TikTok video included a reminder regarding the state laws protecting sea turtles, stating that individuals should maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from these animals and avoid any interaction. All sea turtles in Hawaii are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and local statutes.
Authorities have indicated that interacting with sea turtles could result in legal repercussions, as the animals are classified as protected species. As of now, no identification of the individuals in the video has been made, but the incident has prompted discussions about wildlife protection laws.
- Why it matters: This incident raises awareness about wildlife protection laws in Hawaii, emphasizing the importance of preserving endangered species like sea turtles. For businesses in the tourism sector, it highlights the responsibility of educating visitors on wildlife interaction regulations.
- The latest: There are currently no charges filed against the individuals involved, but authorities have noted potential legal implications if they are identified.
Source: https://www.greenmatters.com/news/man-goes-viral-posing-with-turtle
Source: https://www.greenmatters.com/news/man-goes-viral-posing-with-turtle