All articles tagged with #marine mammal protection act
An 18-year-old La Jolla teen, Tyler Muehl, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act after a viral video showed him repeatedly kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove; the incident prompted a NOAA investigation, and he faces up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for Oct. 20.
Federal investigators are examining a video that appears to show a man kicking a protected sea lion at La Jolla Cove. NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is leading the case as sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with potential penalties for harm or harassment. San Diego officials have urged anyone with information to help the inquiry.
Federal authorities at NOAA Fisheries are investigating a viral video allegedly showing a person taunting and kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove. The incident could violate the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with penalties including fines or jail time. The clip was shared online and drew outrage from groups like PETA and the Sierra Club Seal Society; NOAA is seeking witnesses to report details to aid the investigation.
Federal officials are investigating a video that appears to show a man kicking a protected sea lion at a San Diego beach near La Jolla Cove. NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement is leading the probe, though the footage hasn’t been independently verified and the individual hasn’t been identified. Violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act can carry penalties over $30,000 per violation and potential prison time, as authorities emphasize wildlife protection during pupping season while San Diego has posted restrictions to keep people away from the seals.
A 38-year-old Washington state tourist, Igor Lytvynchuk, is set to appear in federal court in Honolulu on charges of harassing a protected Hawaiian monk seal after prosecutors say he threw a coconut-sized rock at an adult male seal in Maui. Video of the incident sparked widespread condemnation, with the defense claiming the man intended to shoo away turtles and later faced assault, threats, and doxxing. If convicted, he could face up to one year in prison per charge and fines under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The case highlights protections for monk seals, a critically endangered species with about 1,600 remaining in the wild.
A 38-year-old tourist, Igor Lytvynchuk, was arrested in Washington on a criminal complaint for harassing and attempting to harass an endangered Hawaiian monk seal by throwing a large rock at the seal in Hawaii on May 5. Witnesses say he bragged he was rich and could pay any fines. If convicted, he could face up to one year in prison per charge and fines up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
A Covington, WA man, Igor Lytvynchuk, was charged by criminal complaint on May 12, 2026, for allegedly harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal by throwing a large rock at her head in Maui; he was arrested near Seattle and faces up to one year in prison and fines up to $50,000 (ESA) and $20,000 (MMPA) per charge if convicted. The incident occurred May 5, 2026 in Lahaina; initial appearance is set for May 14, 2026 in the Western District of Washington. NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating, with AUSA Michael Nammar prosecuting.
A baby dolphin in Florida is believed to be dead after a man picked it up to take an Instagram photo. The photo has sparked outrage and caught the attention of law enforcement. Marine biologists suggest that if the dolphin was alive in the photo, it wouldn't have survived for long. The incident violates the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits interference with dolphins, even if they are dead. The individuals involved in the photo are currently not facing criminal charges.
Freeway, a sea lion who gained fame for wandering onto a busy freeway in San Diego, has died. SeaWorld San Diego said the animal was euthanized due to a progressive disease that caused his health to deteriorate over time. Freeway had been rescued and rehabilitated by SeaWorld after being found on the freeway median in January 2022. He was released back into the ocean in February but was found wandering again in May and was taken back to SeaWorld. California's sea lions are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Federal authorities are investigating a group of swimmers who were caught on camera allegedly harassing a pod of dolphins on Sunday in violation of federal law, officials announced this week. The allegations could put the swimmers in violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, a law enacted in 1972 that makes it illegal to harass wild marine mammals, including dolphins, whales, seals and sea lions. The swimmers have not been publicly identified.
A group of 33 swimmers are being investigated for allegedly harassing a pod of spinner dolphins in Hawaii's Hōnaunau Bay. The swimmers were caught on drone footage aggressively pursuing and corralling the dolphins, violating federal marine laws. The swimmers could face a maximum fine of $20,000 or one year in jail under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Spinner dolphins are nocturnal mammals that hunt for their prey during the night and are known for their acrobatic ability.