Businessman Defends Actions After Viral Video Shows Incident Involving Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal

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An attorney is defending a businessman accused of harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. The incident, captured in a viral video, led to public outrage. Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, from Covington, Washington, is charged with throwing a rock at a monk seal’s head. This species is one of the rarest marine mammals globally. The event was filmed by beachgoers.

Lytvynchuk was arrested near Seattle and faces charges for violating the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, according to the Department of Justice. If found guilty, he risks up to a year in prison per charge and fines totaling $70,000.

Lytvynchuk’s lawyer, Myles Breiner, stated, “He never intended to injure the monk seal.”

The lawyer explained that Lytvynchuk was under the impression he was protecting sea turtles, known as honu, resting on the rocks. Breiner claimed his client was unaware of the seal’s endangered status and was influenced by previous encounters with aggressive sea lions in Washington state.

“Sea lions are very aggressive,” Breiner noted, sharing Lytvynchuk’s fishing experiences where sea lions took his bait or catch.

Prosecutors highlighted that a viral video and witness testimonies contributed to the charges. As per the complaint, Lytvynchuk reportedly told witnesses he was “rich enough to pay the fines,” a statement his attorney disputes.

Video footage captures witnesses confronting the businessman as he allegedly hurled a rock at the seal. In response, Lytvynchuk allegedly claimed he had the financial means to handle any resulting fines.

Business records identify Lytvynchuk as the owner of a logistics and trucking company based in Kent, Washington. Breiner noted that his client intends to accept responsibility for his actions but refutes the notion he aimed to harm the seal.