• Man detained following an incident off Maui’s coast sparks official investigation
• Widely circulated footage triggers strong public reaction and calls to respect marine life

Authorities in Hawaii have detained a 37-year-old man after he was seen throwing a stone at a monk seal swimming near the shore of Maui, in an incident described as a violation of marine life protection laws.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said its conservation enforcement unit received a report from Maui police regarding an alleged case of deliberate disturbance involving a monk seal, one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals.

Following an investigation, officers identified and located the suspect, a man from Seattle, Washington, who was detained in the field. No formal criminal charges have been filed so far, according to officials.

Local media reported that the seal moved away after the incident toward a cluster of rocks near the shoreline, with no confirmation on whether it was injured or affected.

The video clip spread widely across social media platforms, drawing significant attention to the incident and sparking public outrage and condemnation, alongside growing calls to respect wildlife and avoid interference with animals in their natural habitats.

Monk seals are strictly protected under federal laws, including the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as well as state regulations that prohibit any form of disturbance, feeding, or harm.

The population of this rare species is estimated at only 1,400 to 1,600 individuals worldwide, making it one of the most vulnerable marine mammals to extinction.

Authorities emphasized that any interference or harassment of these animals can lead to substantial fines or criminal penalties, as part of ongoing efforts to protect marine life in Hawaiian waters.