Monk Seal Rock-Throwing Suspect, 38, Says He Meant to Protect Turtles

1 articles · Updated · Hawaii News Now · May 16

Igor Lytvynchuk’s attorney said the May 5 rock-throwing was meant to scare a monk seal away from two turtles, not injure the endangered animal.
Myles Breiner said the 38-year-old fisherman, who had dealt with aggressive sea lions in Washington, did not understand the significance of monk seals in Hawaii and thought he was helping.
Breiner said Lytvynchuk is apologetic and “devastated,” and that his remark about being rich enough to pay fines came after bystanders yelled at him and he reacted badly.
After the video surfaced, Lytvynchuk was assaulted by another man and suffered welts to his back, head and shoulders, though his attorney said no charges will be pursued.
Federal agents have already arrested him, a Seattle court ordered him to surrender his passport, and he is due in federal court in Honolulu on May 27 while considering donations to wildlife protection.

He claimed a mistake, but witnesses say he tracked the seal. What will the judge decide at his May 27th trial?

With 16 past seal killings unsolved, will this viral video case finally deliver justice for Hawaii's most endangered marine mammal?

He threw a rock at an endangered seal to 'protect' turtles. Can a claim of ignorance stand against strict wildlife protection laws?