Federal agents arrest tourist accused of throwing rock at Hawaii monk seal

The Hawaiian monk seal is among the rarest marine mammals in the world, with an estimated wild population of around 1,400 animals. The species is protected under both the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibit harassment, harm, or killing of individual animals - offenses that can carry significant federal penalties. NOAA and partner agencies maintain active monitoring programs for monk seals across the Hawaiian islands, and individual animals are often known to local communities by name. Lani had been a recognized presence on Maui beaches prior to the alleged attack, which drew particular public concern given the species' fragile recovery status.