[Coral-List] Hawksbill Turtles feeding on corals

[Crawdaddy Hale]

May 15, 2008Dear Coral List:
 
I have seen (many times) Hawksbill turtles feeding on corals in the waters around the Republic of Palau.  I actually have video.
 
If you are worried about destructive impact, perhaps it is not such a big deal.  I would analogize the turtles' role to that of the large bio-erosion agent, humphead parrotfish.  From the studies I have seen relating to humphead parrotfish, reef health and diversity are higher with this (presumably co-evolved) bio-erosion.
 
I am away from the office right now and do not have access to my papers, but send me an email if you need more information.
 
Best of luck,
 
Christopher L. Hale
crawdaddyhale at hotmail.com
former Assistant Attorney General of the Republic of Palau