In Honolulu, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is investigating social media postings on Instagram that appear to show an adult male throwing an object toward a monk seal while it was swimming in the water off the Lahaina shoreline.
The Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement’s (DOCARE) Maui Branch was notified of the case of monk seal harassment. A DOCARE officer received the call and responded to the scene.
Check out the video:
A 37-year-old man from Seattle was detained in Hawaii after witnesses stated he had thrown a rock at a monk seal that had just given birth. The Seattle resident was later detained, but has not made any statements.
The monk seal, Kaiwi, a 15-year-old female is behind a temporary fence at Kaimana Beach since giving birth.
Chief Jason Redulla, DOCARE stated:
This is a very crucial time in the life of this pup, so for these people to be breaching the area and getting close is not a good idea at all.
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Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and MMPA, as well as Hawaiian state law. It is illegal to disturb, harass, feed, or otherwise harm a monk seal.
If the mother seal perceives any human or pet to be a threat, she may attack.
In accordance with the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which provides protections for Hawaiian monk seals, DOCARE will be turning over the state investigation of this incident to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement (NOAA-OLE) for further review and action.
To keep people and pets safe, and to protect our endangered marine life, we ask the public’s help by showing respect for these animals and following all guidelines for safe viewing.”
You Can Help:
- Keep dogs on a leash and well away from seals
- Use an alternate beach during the nursing period
- Stay at least 150 feet away – half the length of a football field – from mothers with pups
- Stay at least 50 feet away from all monk seals
- Remain behind any posted signs, cones, or barriers
- Avoid swimming near a mother and pup
- Use a camera zoom or binoculars instead of approaching
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