An encounter with a Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) like this is becoming less rare around the Hawaiian Islands thanks in large part to the conservation effort that protects these gentle marine reptiles. We are currently doing research on these sea turtles at Pacific Whale Foundation and with the use of photo ID capability we are able to study them without having to capture or harass them. The scales on the side of the face form a unique pattern that we are able to code by taking photos and thus get a glimpse into the life history, movements, and behavoir of our turtles. It is not a bad way to spend a day of research. Not to mention the crystal clear waters of Hawaii make for a pretty good laboratory.