A $20,000 federal reward is being offered to help find who shot and killed a sea lion on an Orange County beach.
On August 7, a California sea lion was found shot dead between lifeguard stations 22 and 23 at Bolsa Chica State Beach. The Orange County Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescued the male sea lion, but he died from his injuries the next day.
Examination showed that the approximately 2-year-old sea lion had a fresh gunshot wound in his back. The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the harassment, hunting, capture or killing of sea lions and other marine mammals.
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to a civil fine or criminal conviction.
Anyone with information about the sea lion shooting is asked to call NOAA’s 24/7 enforcement hotline at (800) 853-1964.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act allows non-lethal methods to deter marine mammals from damaging private property, including fishing gear and catch, provided they do not injure or kill an animal.
NOAA Fisheries Law Enforcement Agency
