Sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, and harassing, injuring, or killing them is subject to fines up to $10,000. Enforcement is difficult and often requires a direct witness to the crime.
You can help protect sea lions and other marine mammals from these horrific and illegal crimes – report any violations of The Marine Mammal Protection Act to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) 24-hour Enforcement Hotline (1-800-853-1964).
Nezzie is a juvenile male California sea lion that was rescued by the Santa Barbara Marine Mammal Center and transferred to The Marine Mammal Center for rehabilitation at the end of October. He was found on a beach at Coal Oil Point in Santa Barbara County, weak and emaciated.
Diagnosis...Gunshot Wound!
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Sadly, Nezzie is one of many sea lions that we have treated for gunshot wounds in recent years. Such shocking cases, push us to raise awareness about this cruel, inhumane – and illegal behavior toward marine mammals.
