Tourist fined for touching seal & chasing turtle in Hawaii

August 28 (TravelAndy): A tourist from Alabama has been fined USD1,500 for touching a sleeping Hawaiian monk seal and chasing a turtle, said reports.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, monk seals and sea turtles are considered “part of the identity of the islands and hold a special place in the minds and hearts of the people of Hawaii”.

Signage is put up on touristy beaches asking people not to bother these endangered animals.

The man got into trouble after posting videos on his touching a sleeping seal and aggressively chasing a turtle while snorkelling on Instagram. 

The authorities found out his address through his social media accounts and slapped the fine on him.

Reports said the accused accepted his mistake and paid the fine.

The Hawaiian monk seals are found nowhere else and there are only 1,400 in existence, reports said.