Sea lion-kicking young man discovers the Marine Mammal Protection Act

A young man who kicked a California sea lion at La Jolla Cove has pleaded guilty to a federal misdemeanor under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, according to the case investigated by NOAA. The incident involved Tyler Muehl, who approached a resting sea lion, assumed a fighting stance, invoked UFC star Max Holloway’s name, and began kicking. The animal tried to flee as Muehl chased it. NOAA official Eric Morgan of the West Coast Division said intentionally striking or kicking a marine mammal is both illegal and dangerous for the animal’s welfare. The maximum penalty is one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.