Businessman Defends Actions in Hawaiian Monk Seal Incident

A businessman from Washington is defending himself after being accused of harassing a Hawaiian monk seal, an endangered species, following an incident captured in a viral video. Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, from Covington, Washington, is alleged to have thrown a rock at the seal’s head, one of the world’s rarest marine mammals. This event was recorded by bystanders earlier this month.

Lytvynchuk was arrested near Seattle and faces charges of harassing and attempting to harass an endangered animal. These charges fall under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as stated by the Department of Justice. If found guilty, Lytvynchuk could face penalties of up to one year in prison per charge, and fines reaching $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Lytvynchuk’s attorney, Myles Breiner, defended his client, asserting there was no intention to harm the seal. Breiner told KHON-TV News, “He never intended to injure the monk seal.” According to Breiner, Lytvynchuk believed he was defending sea turtles, known as honu, resting on nearby rocks, and thought the seal had disturbed them.

“He wanted to scare the seal away from the honu,” Breiner explained. “There were two large turtles, and one had been knocked off the rock by the seal.” Breiner argued that Lytvynchuk was unaware of the monk seal’s endangered status and was influenced by previous experiences with aggressive sea lions in Washington, where he had encountered them while fishing.

Prosecutors noted that viral footage and testimonies from witnesses played a role in the legal charges. Lytvynchuk allegedly claimed he was “rich enough to pay the fines” during the confrontation, though Breiner contends this was misinterpreted.

Lytvynchuk, who owns a logistics and trucking company in Kent, Washington, is prepared to acknowledge his legal missteps, but disputes allegations of deliberate harm. “He realizes he made a bad choice, but it wasn’t to injure the animal,” Breiner remarked. Reports suggesting Lytvynchuk boasted about his financial ability to pay fines were also refuted by Breiner, who stated the intent was to express financial capability, not arrogance.