Little Ocean Tours

The yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) and sea turtles are a perfect example of the symbiotic relationship known as #mutualism. This means both of the organisms involved benefit from the relationship. The yellow tang's diet consists largely of algae which can be found on the shells of the turtles. While the yellow tang fish are able to get their meals from cleaning the shell, the sea turtles benefit from gaining a smoother shell which reduces friction in the water, increasing... efficiency. The spots where groups of these fish can be found cleaning sea turtles are called cleaning stations. Yellow tang fish at the cleaning stations will also feed on external parasites on the turtle also making it beneficial for the turtle's overall health (Brown, S., 2014). On our Little Ocean Tour one of our locations is a cleaning station where Yellow tang can be seen cleaning the shells of Honu. Post by: @tayplay Video by @alexis_underthesea See more

500 million straws used a DAY in the United States. Give up single use straws and join the movement to protect our environment and the animals that inhabit it. #Repost @simplystraws 100 people gave up plastic straws for a week to help the environment, and you can too. #stopsucking . . You can pledge at @simplystraws... . . #glassstraws #simplystraws #glassstraw #smoothilove #smoothietime #byostraw #wellness #BYOStraw #changethewayyoursip #refusesingleuse #protectfromplastics #stopsucking #whereintheworld #bcorp #buzzfeed #stopsucking @buzzfeedvideo @buzzfeed See more

Sea turtles are unique in that they have a global positioning system (Luschi, P. et al 2007). This internal system is similar to a compass that helps them navigate through unfamiliar places. This compass allows sea turtles to maintain their preferred direction while also knowing their location in regard to their destination. The green sea turtle #cheloniamydas uses an internal map based partially on geomagnetic cues. These cues are used during natal homing when sea turtles navigate long journeys to reach their nesting beach. photo by @clarklittle of a Honu squad @littleoceantours

It is rare here in Hawaii to see green sea turtles interacting with Galapagos and sandbar sharks. This Honu is floating a few miles offshore at @oneoceandiving aggregate site. Sharks are extremely curious animals and intrigued by the surface activity that the Honu is creating. You can see the sharks coming in closer to check out the Honu as a point of interest but leave it alone once they realize what it is. #tigersharksonly

Aloha all we are in need of some fresh new Honu stickers for this coming year! If you are interested in designing a new @littleoceantours x @oneoceandiving sea turtle sticker the winner will win a free Honu clutch designed by @oneoceandesigns #DesignsbyOcean ! Send in your design by tagging @littleoceantours and hashtag #littleoceansticker to be entered into the contest! We will announce the winner Janurary 1st! Can't wait to see your designs and please incorporate any conservation based themes #PlasticIsTheRealKiller #savethehonu #plasticfreeforthesea PHOTO by ladyshark @kokocousteau