192 Maʻalaea Road, Wailuku, Hawai'i, 96793 info@mocmarineinstitute.org Maui Sea Turtle Rescue Hotline: 808-286-2549

Rescue to Release

We rescue sick and injured sea turtles on Maui and rehabilitate those in need of long-term medical care from all of the main Hawaiian Islands

Sea Turtle Stranding Response & Rescue 


We manage the sea turtle stranding hotline for the island of Maui and coordinate response and rescue to sick, injured, or otherwise debilitated sea turtles. 

What is a sea turtle stranding?

Stranded sea turtles are defined as any ocean turtle found on land or in the water that is dead, injured, or exhibits any indication of ill health or abnormal behavior.

By examining stranded sea turtles, we can better understand causes of mortality and factors that affect sea turtle health. Other goals of stranding response efforts are to facilitate humane care out of animal welfare concerns, assist in the recovery of a protected species by returning them to the wild whenever possible, and help identify population threats and stressors of sea turtles, especially stressors that can be prevented or mitigated.

MOC Marine Institute coordinates the response to sick, injured, distressed, or expired sea turtles on the island of Maui, Hawaiʻi in partnership and coordination with NOAA Fisheries (as per regulations: 50 CFR Part 222.301).

To report a sick or injured sea turtle, please contact us on our 24-hour Sea Turtle Stranding Response Hotline at (808) 286-2549. 



Sea Turtle Rehabilitation


We rehabilitate sick and injured sea turtles from all of the main Hawaiian Islands. MOCMI’s rehabilitation program aims to provide high-quality medical care to sea turtles in need while working to return sea turtle patients to the ocean as quickly as possible. MOCMI’s rehabilitation committee meets weekly to discuss patient progress, treatment plans, and criteria for release.

Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Committee

Committee MemberAffiliation
Dr. Paul McCurdyMOC Marine Institute
Dustin ParadisMOC Marine Institute
Dr. Michelle BarbieriNOAA Fisheries
Dr. Gregg LevineNOAA Fisheries
Dr. Summer MartinNOAA Fisheries
Claudia CedilloNOAA Fisheries

With our work, we ensure the survival of coral reefs, sea turtles and marine life in general. We have found that certain garments support us in our daily work more than others and help us feel more connected to the purpose of our work. This is the reason why we entered into a Positive Impact Partnership with Waterlust.