NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the death of a federally protected Hawaiian monk seal recently found dead on the island of Molokaʻi, apparently from human causes. We are asking the public for any information about individuals who may have been involved. We are offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to a criminal conviction or the assessment of a civil penalty.
Our experts initiated a necropsy (animal autopsy) and found preliminary evidence suggesting that the animal died from blunt force trauma to the head. Evidence indicates this likely occurred sometime on August 17 or 18, 2026.
This animal’s death is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. We are calling on your help to find those responsible.
Anyone with information about this incident should call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. You can leave tips anonymously, but to be eligible for the reward you must include your name and contact information. All name and contact information received is confidential and will not be released to the public.
We are looking for information leading to one or all of the following:
- Successful identification and/or
- Successful prosecution for the person(s) responsible
- Arrest, conviction, or civil penalty assessment
Harassing, harming, killing or feeding monk seals is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Violations can be prosecuted civilly or criminally and are punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and up to 1 year in jail per violation.
To report any dead, stranded, or injured marine animals, contact the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline: (888) 256-9840.
