HONOLULU -- Scientists are asking the public for help tracking green sea turtles as they return to main Hawaiian islands after their nesting season.

Officials say the sightings will help them identify where the marine reptiles hang out and forage.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration workers have tagged 500 green sea turtles.

People can identify the turtles known to frequent Big Island, Maui and Kauai because numbers have been written on their shells.

Sea Turtle Recovery Coordinator Irene Kelly says the information will help officials better protect important sea turtle habitats.

People are being asked to stay at least three metres away from the turtles.