Kaiwi, a 15-year-old monk seal, and her new pup rest on Kaimana Beach on Oahu. Photo courtesy Department of Land and Natural Resources

Hawaii wildlife officials said they have identified the man who was recently captured on video throwing a large rock at a Hawaiian monk seal in the water off Lahaina.

The video shows a man picking up a large rock and, for no apparent reason, throwing it directly at the critically endangered species.

The video sparked immediate outrage on social media, and has triggered responses from Maui County, state and federal authorities, along with renewed warnings about disturbing the critically endangered animals.

On Thursday, the Department of Land and Natural Resources reported it is investigating the incident after the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement was notified about it by the Maui Police Department.

A state wildlife officer reportedly got a description of the man and contacted a 37-year-old man from Seattle who matched it. The man was detained, identified and advised of his rights, and according to the department, he declined to make a statement and requested legal counsel.

Per the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, the department is turning the case over to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement.

At this time, the man has not been charged, and the department has not released his name.

Additionally, the department said there have been several reports of people breaching a temporary fence at Kaimana Beach on Oahu after Kaiwi, a 15-year-old monk seal, gave birth to a pup on the beach Sunday.

Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and MMPA, as well as state law. It is illegal to disturb, harass, feed or otherwise harm a monk seal. Violations can result in fines or criminal penalties.

If someone witnesses a potential violation in Hawaii, they should report it immediately, and in as much detail as possible, to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement at 800-853-1964.