The Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle) holds major cultural significance in Hawaiian culture. The Honu is a symbol for longevity, safety, and mana (spiritual energy). The population of Honu surrounding the Hawaiian Islands is classified as least concern despite its grim global outlook. However, an increased frequency of Fibropapillomatosis (FP), a tumor-like growth, is being spotted on their carapace (shell), neck, and face. FP has been identified in every species of turtle, however, it has only reached the panzootic state in Green Sea Turtles. Turtles that have contracted FP show signs of immunosuppression, chronic stress, and chronic inflammation such as anaemia, lymphocytopenia, neutrophilia, monocytosis, hypoproteinaemia and hyperglobulinaemia (Aguirre et al, 1995, Work et al, 2001, dos Santos et al, 2010, Page-Karjian et al, 2014, Jones et al. 2016). Current Research also suggests that there is a strong association between FP and herpes-like virus, Chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV5), indicating that ChHV5 is present in turtles diagnosed with FP as well as turtles showing no signs of FP. 

Despite an increase in the amount of research being done regarding FP on oahu (mainly in Kane'ohe bay), there is a scarcity of surveying and monitoring in Maunalua Bay. Our aim is to document and record the severity of FP in Honu of Maunalua Bay, measure the growth rate of lesions, and work with local institutions to understand the effect of FP on blood biochemistry.