What We Do
Sea Turtle Conservation
The Marine Institute at the Maui Ocean Center (MOCMI) provides management and coordination of the sea turtle stranding response network on Maui as well as the rehabilitation of all critically injured sea turtles in the State of Hawai‘i in partnership and coordination with NOAA Fisheries (as per regulations: 50 CFR Part 222.301).
Sea Turtle Stranding Response & Rescue
What is a sea turtle stranding?
Stranded sea turtles are defined as any marine 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.
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.
Report a Sick or Injured Sea Turtle on Maui
808-286-2549
Maui Sea Turtle Rescue Line
If you have found a sick, injured, deceased, or otherwise debilitated sea turtle on the island of Maui, call or text our Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at 808-286-2549. Do not attempt to rescue or remove hooks or line from the the injured sea turtle as this could result in further injury to the animal. Please wait for help to arrive.
Coral Reef Conservation
Coral reefs are facing unprecedented levels of decline. MOCMI's Coral Conservation Program strives to protect the coral reefs of Hawaiʻi through collaborative restoration, threat reduction, and outreach and education.
MOCMI operates the only land based nursery dedicated to coral restoration on Maui. This facility serves as a hub where we streamline and scale our efforts in alignment with the latest scientific advancements developed by our regional and national partners.
Our work takes a holistic approach—incorporating:
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Aquacultured native Hawai‘ian collector urchins and yellow tangs to help control algae growth,
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Inclusive community engagement through volunteer opportunities that support coral colony care, and
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Strong partnerships with leading research institutions to continually improve restoration techniques.
MOCMI works closely with the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, and is a trusted partner for coral mitigation projects.
Key non-governmental collaborators—including the Maui Ocean Center and The Coral Resilience Lab—have played a vital role in helping us build infrastructure and advance coral husbandry practices, including identifying thermally tolerant coral species.
Conservation Through Education
At MOCMI, education is at the heart of our mission. We engage the community through a variety of pathways—including community volunteer programs, high school and university internships, participation in educational outreach events, and on-site programming at our facility.
Through these efforts, participants learn about:
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The life history of sea turtles,
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Local and global threats to sea turtles and coral reefs,
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Practical ways to reduce environmental impact
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Our Conservation strategies, and
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Career paths in marine conservation and protected species management.
Education at MOCMI goes beyond the classroom. Participants first gain knowledge through short, informative lectures and then reinforce their learning with hands-on experiences—both in the field and at our facility—creating a deeper, lasting connection to marine conservation.
