Authorities are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the fatal shooting of a sea lion in Orange County, California.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced Wednesday that its law enforcement division is seeking information “leading to a civil penalty or criminal conviction” in the case.
The incident occurred on August 7, when a wounded male sea lion was discovered between two lifeguard stations at Bolsa Chica State Beach. The animal, estimated to be about 2 years old, succumbed to its injuries the following day. A subsequent examination revealed a gunshot wound to the back.
“The federal Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassing, hunting, capturing or killing sea lions and other marine mammals,” NOAA Fisheries said in a statement. Violators face potential criminal penalties, fines, and the forfeiture of any vessel involved in the incident.
The shooting has raised concerns about the protection of marine mammals along the U.S. West Coast, where sea lions are commonly seen on beaches, docks, jetties, and buoys.
NOAA is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward