hawaiilandblog:

Two monk seals were found dead on Molokai and state and federal officials are investigating. 

The body of an 8-year-old male was found last month, and a young female seal was discovered a couple of days ago. 

Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources released the following details Friday:

Necropsies indicate that both seals appear to have died under suspicious circumstances and that foul play cannot be ruled out as the cause of death in either case. 

“I was saddened to hear of these two incidents, especially the loss of a young female who would have helped restore the diminished seal population.” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR Chairperson.  “Monk seals are an important part of the Hawaiian ecosystem and need to be respected as a valued part of our natural and cultural environment. The harm to one is a blow to Hawai‘i,” he said. 

In June 2010, the Legislature passed Act 165*, specifically to increase penalties for taking (which is defined to include harassing or killing) a monk seal.  It’s a Class C felony (up to 5 years imprisonment). Someone convicted under this law could face a fine of up to $50,000. It is also against federal law to kill or harm a Hawaiian monk seal. 

The seals have made headlines recently with NOAA officials proposing expanded protections for the endangered mammals.