Federal law enforcement has launched an investigation after a video surfaced showing a man kicking a protected sea lion multiple times on a San Diego beach, an act that could result in more than $30,000 in fines and prison time under federal wildlife protection laws.

NOAA Opens Criminal Investigation

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement confirmed Saturday it is investigating a video showing a young man repeatedly kicking a sea lion on the seawall at La Jolla Cove. The incident occurred Wednesday night in an area where sea lions gather in large numbers during pupping season. Rachel Hager, a NOAA Fisheries spokesperson, stated the individual in the video appears to be kicking the animal as it attempts to escape along the seawall.

The video circulated widely on social media before the accounts believed to have posted it were deleted. The person shown in the footage has not been publicly identified. NBC San Diego reported on the incident, though the network could not independently verify the video’s authenticity. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria called the incident a “disgusting act of animal cruelty” and directed police to review the footage.

Protected Species Under Federal Law

Harassing sea lions violates the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, which carries penalties exceeding $30,000 per violation and potential imprisonment. The Sierra Club Seal Society reported the incident to authorities and is monitoring the investigation. Robyn Davidoff, chair of the organization, told local media the perpetrator should face prosecution, emphasizing that assaulting a protected species constitutes a serious crime deserving criminal charges.

La Jolla Cove has become a focal point for conflicts between humans and marine mammals during summer months when sea lions occupy wet sandstone plateaus for pupping season. City officials have installed extensive signage warning visitors not to approach the animals and have closed certain beach areas to the public. Despite these measures, encounters between tourists and wildlife continue during peak tourism season.

Pattern of Wildlife Harassment Cases

Federal prosecutors have pursued similar cases across the country. In May, authorities charged a Washington state visitor in Maui with harassing a protected Hawaiian monk seal after he allegedly threw a coconut-sized rock at the endangered animal. The defendant claimed he was protecting sea turtles, pleaded not guilty, and awaits trial. The San Diego Police Department fielded multiple tips about the sea lion incident through social media and referred concerned citizens to NOAA for federal investigation.