A sunny afternoon at the beach might seem like the perfect opportunity to get a closer look at a sea lion resting on the sand or a seal relaxing near the water.

For many visitors, these encounters are part of the magic of exploring the California coastline. But what some people don’t realize is that approaching, touching, feeding, or disturbing these animals can have serious legal consequences.

A federal law known as the Marine Mammal Protection Act has protected seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals in U.S. waters since 1972. Despite being in place for more than five decades, its rules remain unfamiliar to many beachgoers.

Recent incidents in California have brought renewed attention to the law—and highlighted why understanding it matters.

Two California Cases That Put Marine Mammal Protection in the Spotlight

Wild sea lions regularly gather along the beaches and rocky shores of La Jolla, California. These coastal areas provide places for the animals to rest, give birth, nurse their young, and recover between periods spent in the ocean.

However, sharing these popular destinations with large numbers of visitors can create difficult situations when people get too close.

One incident in July 2026 drew widespread attention after a video showed an 18-year-old man repeatedly kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove, near Ellen Browning Scripps Park.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Tyler Muehl admitted that he kicked at the animal four times on July 22, making contact as the sea lion tried to get away. The footage circulated widely online, prompting an investigation by NOAA Fisheries.

On August 13, Muehl pleaded guilty in federal court to a misdemeanor violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 criminal fine. His sentencing, initially scheduled for October 2026, was subsequently postponed until January 7, 2027, according to reporting on the federal court proceedings.

The incident was not the only recent case involving violence against a California sea lion.

In a separate incident near Ventura Pier, a 32-year-old man named Christopher Hurtado was sentenced in July 2025 to three years in state prison after pleading guilty to felony animal cruelty and drug possession. The attack involved kicking and striking a stranded sea lion with a four-foot piece of driftwood.

Although the two cases involved different circumstances and legal proceedings, both demonstrate the serious consequences that can follow when people deliberately harm marine wildlife.

What Does the Marine Mammal Protection Act Actually Prohibit?

Passed in 1972, the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) was created to protect marine mammals from human activities that threaten their survival and well-being.

The law generally prohibits the unauthorized taking of protected marine mammals. Importantly, the legal definition of “take” includes more than hunting or physically injuring an animal.

It also covers harassment, which can involve actions that have the potential to injure a marine mammal or disrupt its natural behavior.

In practical terms, visitors should never:

• Touch, kick, or attempt to handle a wild seal or sea lion.

• Feed the animals or leave food where they can reach it.

• Chase, corner, or deliberately frighten them.

• Throw objects at them or attempt to provoke a reaction.

• Interfere with animals that are resting, nursing, or caring for their young.

Even seemingly harmless interactions can cause problems. An animal that is resting on the beach may need that time to conserve energy. A mother nursing her pup may be disturbed if people approach too closely.

The important point is that a marine mammal does not need to appear frightened or aggressive for an interaction to be considered harassment.

Why Getting Too Close Can Be Dangerous

One common misconception is that a calm-looking sea lion must be comfortable around people.

In reality, marine mammals often haul out on beaches and rocks because they need time away from the water. Resting is a normal and important part of their behavior.

An animal that does not immediately move away may simply be resting, exhausted, injured, or unwell. Its lack of response should never be interpreted as an invitation to approach.

There are also safety concerns for visitors.

Sea lions and seals are wild animals, not domesticated pets. Even when they appear relaxed, they may react defensively if they feel threatened or trapped. Their teeth and powerful bodies can cause serious injuries.

NOAA Fisheries recommends keeping at least 50 feet (approximately 15 meters) away from seals, sea lions, and other protected marine mammals. Visitors should give them additional space if an animal appears disturbed or if local signs require a greater distance.

The safest way to observe these animals is from a respectful distance, without attempting to attract their attention.

What Are the Penalties for Harassing a Marine Mammal?

Violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act can lead to both civil and criminal consequences.

According to NOAA Fisheries, civil penalties can reach $36,498 for a violation under its current published guidance. Criminal cases can carry up to one year in prison, along with criminal fines.

The exact consequences depend on the circumstances, the nature of the violation, and the applicable legal proceedings.

The La Jolla case illustrates that deliberate harassment can result in federal prosecution, even when the incident happens in a public place and is witnessed by other beachgoers.

The law is not limited to remote wildlife areas. It also applies along popular beaches, parks, and coastal destinations where people regularly encounter marine mammals.

What Should You Do If You See Someone Harassing a Sea Lion or Seal?

Bystanders can play an important role in protecting marine wildlife.

If you witness someone touching, feeding, chasing, striking, or otherwise harassing a marine mammal, avoid confronting the person if doing so could put you in danger.

Instead, keep a safe distance and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

NOAA Fisheries provides an enforcement hotline at 1-800-853-1964 for reporting suspected violations involving marine mammals. Reports can be made anonymously.

When it is safe to do so, useful details may include the location, time, description of the behavior, and any relevant photographs or video. Never approach an animal simply to obtain better footage.

Visitors should also pay attention to signs and follow instructions from park staff, lifeguards, and wildlife officials.

Protecting Marine Wildlife Starts With Respect

The California coastline is home to marine mammals that depend on beaches and rocky shorelines for essential parts of their lives.

As human activity increases around these habitats, even small disturbances can become a serious problem when repeated by large numbers of visitors.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act has been in place for more than 50 years, but a law can only be effective when people understand and respect it.

A sea lion resting on the beach may look like an unusual photo opportunity. A seal lying near the water may seem approachable. But these animals are not there for human entertainment.

Sometimes, the most responsible thing a beachgoer can do is simply admire them from a distance.

They deserve to rest, raise their young, and live along the coast without being disturbed. And protecting that right begins with knowing where to draw the line.