Photography by Angy Chesler | Special to Hawaii 24/7

Photographer Angy Chesler photographed this Hawaiian Monk Seal at Kamakahonu Bay in Kailua-Kona Sunday morning (July 1) sunbathing on the beach. Chesler noted that the 10-14 year-old female seal has also been spotted in the Honokohau area and at Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in South Kona.

Female Hawaiian Monk Seals can grow up to 375-450 pounds and 7.5 feet in length as an adult. The seals live up to 25-30 years of age. According to NOAA Fisheries department Monk seals are named for the folds of skin on their head that look like a monk’s hood and because it spends most of it’s time alone or in small groups.

Hawaiian Monk Seals are an endangered species. People should remain at least 50 yards away from Hawaiian monk seals.

In June 2010, the Hawaii state legislature passed Act 165, specifically to increase penalties for taking (which is defined to include harassing or killing) a monk seal. It’s a Class C felony (up to 5 years imprisonment). Someone convicted under this law could face a maximum fine of $50,000. Monk seals are also protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes it a crime to kill or harm a Hawaiian monk seal.