A Washington state tourist accused in the Hawaiian monk seal rock case has pleaded not guilty in federal court in Honolulu.

According to AP News, Igor Lytvynchuk, 38, of Covington, Washington, is accused of throwing a coconut-sized rock toward an endangered Hawaiian monk seal at a Maui beach. Prosecutors said the rock narrowly missed the seal’s head. The seal was identified by scientists as an adult male known as R404, also referred to in reports as Lani.

During the hearing, a federal judge allowed Lytvynchuk to remain free while the case continues, but ordered him to stay away from Hawaii beaches and marine wildlife while in the state.

His defense attorney said Lytvynchuk believed he was trying to protect sea turtles and thought the seal was an aggressive sea lion. But the case has still sparked strong public reaction in Hawaii, with many people demanding stronger protection for endangered wildlife.

Lytvynchuk is charged under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. If convicted, he could face up to one year in prison for each charge, plus fines of up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and up to $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Hawaiian monk seals are critically endangered, with only about 1,600 remaining in the wild. That is why many people see this case as bigger than one beach incident — it is a test of how seriously protected wildlife is defended.

💬 Do you think the current penalties are strong enough to protect endangered animals?

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