San Diego, California – A video that seemingly shows a man kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove in California has sparked an investigation. On July 24, NOAA issued a statement on social media about the incident:
NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement is investigating reports of a video on social media that shows an interaction between an individual and sea lion, allegedly in La Jolla Cove. In the video, the individual appears to be kicking the sea lion. This is an ongoing investigation, and we cannot provide further details at this time.
Reminding the public that sea lions are protected:
Sea lions are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Actions or attempts to harass, harm, pursue, feed, capture, injure, restrain (no matter how temporarily), or kill may be punishable through fines or jail time.
Social media video of incident.
If you witness a potential Marine Mammal Protection Act violation, the best way you can help is to report the incident immediately to the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement at (800) 853-1964. Investigations are most effective when detailed information is provided. Please provide as much information as possible regarding the incident witnessed.
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