 1. Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Bubbles.
Thousands of people enjoy Maui’s underwater world everyday. In order to preserve this natural treasure, please do not take anything from the reef. Remember that every empty shell is valuable real estate for other marine organisms.
2. Peas Don’t Feed Me
Fish feeding disrupts the delicate balance of the reef, and encourages unnatural fish behaviors. Store bought fish food and frozen peas are better left onshore.
3. Swim, don’t Stand
Corals are delicate living organisms, made up of thousands of little animals called polyps. Please refrain from standing on, or kicking, the reef as this can easily kill the coral polyps.
 4. Ten Feet To A Turtle
Green sea turtles are a common sight off the coast of Maui. These shy air-breathing reptiles are federally protected, and it is illegal to harass them. We recommend you enjoy the turtles from a distance of at least 10 feet, and be sure not to block the path of a surfacing turtle.
5. Keep Your Butt Off The Beach
Please make sure you dispose of all cigarette butts in a trashcan, not on the beach. The filters are not biodegradable and are deadly to marine animals that mistake them for food. Please pick up discarded cigarette butts from the beaches.
6. Stow It, Don't Throw It
Participate in or organize beach clean-ups in your area. Some types of garbage, such as six-pack holders and discarded fishing line, can be especially harmful as they often entangle marine creatures. Dispose of your garbage properly and any other garbage that you encounter.
 7. Choose Your Seafood Wisely
Ask grocery stores and restaurants about the source of their seafood. Choose seafood that comes from abundant stocks and is caught using an eco-friendly method. Use the Hawaii Seafood Wallet Card as a reference.
8. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Encourage your condo or hotel to provide recycling services or find out where the nearest recycling center is. Buy fewer disposable items and those with less packaging.
9. Buy Local and Organic
Support local businesses that are conservation oriented. Compost your yard waste and fruit/vegetable scraps. Choose organic produce – it tastes better and is better for you!
10. Be Water Wise
Fresh water is precious in Hawaii and worldwide. Be a conscientious user and: take shorter showers, turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth, plant drought-resistant plant varieties, and water your lawn at dawn or dusk.
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Pacific Whale Foundation Presents