New Law: Up to 5 Years in Prison for Harming Hawaiian Seal

A pregnant monk seal was shot and killed last year in Kauai. The man who killed the two endangered animals was arrested and sentenced to ninety days in jail, and given a $25 fine.

Very recently a bill was passed which strengthens punishment for violation of the Endangered Species Act. Harming an endangered monk seal in Hawaii now carries penalties of up to five years in prison.

Why the stiffer penalty? Monk seals in Hawaii today number only about 1,100. Around the main islands there are 80-100. They are one of the most endangered mammals in the United States. Most of them live in remote northwestern parts of Hawaii, far away from humans. Research has shown monk seals are very sensitive to encroachment into their habitats. If humans approach their breeding grounds, they are likely to leave them and not return. A monk seal factsheet states, “A mother seal may even abandon her pup if she is bothered, and every pup’s survival is important for the recovery of the species.” It has been reported that survival rates of monk seal pups are now less than fifteen percent. The total monk seal population in Hawaii is declining every year.

The National Marine Fisheries guidelines for viewing Monk Seals are:

When viewing a monk seal on the beach, observe them from at least 150 feet away and limit your observation time to one-half hour.
Never attempt to swim with or touch a Hawaiian monk seal. They are wild animals and have been known to be aggressive and bite humans.
Keep your pet on a leash at all times in the presence of seals. Seals can be aggressive and have been known to bite dogs.

One of the main causes of injury and death to the seals is entanglement in old fish equipment and nets. If you ever see a monk seal caught in anything, you can help them by contacting the phone numbers below. Also, contact authorities if you ever see anyone harassing, harming, or coming too close to monk seals.

Marine Mammal Stranding/Entanglement Hotline: 1-888-256-9840
Hawaiian Monk Seal Sightings Hotline: (808) 983-2958 (808) 220-7802

Another type of monk seal, the Carribean, was driven into extinction by human activities.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Heather M.

12:29AM PDT on Apr 6, 2012

Well Hawaii are taking very seriously the plight of their seals and I for one am glad. Lets hope they set an example for the rest of the World to follow. Endangered species should be highly valued and protected with fines and whatever else it takes to keep them from disappearing. Educating the public about the animal and how to protect them must be essential too.

send a green star

12:27AM PDT on Apr 6, 2012

Duane B.

10:38AM PDT on Apr 3, 2012

Thank you for sharing.

Atocha B.

5:48AM PDT on Apr 3, 2012

If mankind would only have more "foresight" and less "afterthought" in all things, we would probably live healthier and happier lives worldwide! Thanks for the article.

tammy B.

4:12AM PST on Jan 21, 2012

Yes! Now, if visitors and residents alike can start picking up stray fishing gear and line as well as other things that endanger the seals and other animals.

holly m.

4:20PM PST on Jan 18, 2012

good to see that something is being done.happy to see it.

Yvette T.

11:01AM PST on Jan 18, 2012

If we all would train our minds to become vigilant and aware so that we stop having negative effects on Natural World and all life, we would not reach this point of having to imprison and fine for killing endangered species, as killing would stop. The veg'n diet does more than can any other action to save all aspects of self, world, nature, life sentient and otherwise, elements, and spirit. Nets and fishing lines will no longer be used, if no one eats fish and marine life.

Mary Beth M.

9:14AM PST on Jan 18, 2012

let's hope it actually helps

Isabel R.

5:03PM PST on Jan 17, 2012

yesh!>:)