http://www.kxxv.com/story/31835222/...pparently-beating-pregnant-hawaiian-monk-seal
That's just a photo of RK30 basking on the beach and not a photo of her post-attack injuries.LIHUE, KAUAI (HawaiiNewsNow) -
Authorities on Thursday arrested a man on suspicion of beating an endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
Shylo Akuna, 19, of Eleele, Kauai was arrested about 2:30 p.m., one day after video of the incident went viral. The 18-second long clip was shot around 7:45 Tuesday night at Kauai's Salt Pond Beach. It shows a man repeatedly striking a monk seal in the shallow water.
Wildlife officials say the monk seal, identified as RK30, is about 17 years old and pregnant. She has survived many hardships including shark bites and a fishing line wrapped so tightly around her neck that she is permanently scarred by it.
"She's a well-known adult here on Kauai for being a survivor as well as being an excellent mother," said Jammie Thomton, NOAA Kauai Marine Mammal Response Coordinator.
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video was posted on Facebook and caught the attention of many people, including the mayor of Kauai County, Bernard Carvalho.
“I share our community’s shock and disappointment as this behavior is both unacceptable and illegal,” he said.
Witnesses of the attack called police who then notified the State Department of Land and Natural Resources and NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement. They were able to find RK30, but not the suspect. Thomton says she shows no signs of trauma from the recent incident.
Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and state law. To harass, disturb or injure a monk seal is a felony crime.
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“The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world and they are endemic to Hawaii,” said Mayor Carvalho. “They deserve our respect and protection, and our gratitude goes out to the bystanders who immediately contacted authorities.”
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case plus an extra $5,000 reward because it includes video evidence.
To report information on monk seal incidents, contact NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964.