Video appears to show a person kicking sea lion on San Diego beach; NOAA investigating

Federal wildlife authorities are investigating after a video appeared to show a person kicking a protected sea lion at La Jolla Cove in San Diego, California. NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement confirmed an ongoing investigation but did not share further details Sunday. The footage reportedly shows the individual chasing the sea lion and throwing kicks as another person laughs in the background. NOAA said it has only four enforcement officers covering all of California and relies on partnerships with local park rangers and California Fish and Wildlife for presence at the cove. Sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, where harassing them can bring civil penalties up to about $36,000 and up to a year in prison.