According to US authorities, the incident falls under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits the harassment or harm of protected marine mammals. Violations can carry a maximum penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Tyler Mewell pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday, according to CBS News. A video that surfaced last month showed him kicking a sea lion on a San Diego beach.
The US Attorney’s Office said Mewell admitted that on the night of July 22, he approached the sea lion on the beach and kicked the animal in a manner resembling boxing-style kicks.
Authorities said Mewell compared himself to a UFC fighter and continued pursuing the frightened animal, attempting to kick it two more times.
The sea lion was seen stumbling several times during the incident before eventually moving toward the shoreline.
In court, Mewell also acknowledged that the viral video accurately depicted what happened during the encounter.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act provides legal protection to sea lions and other marine mammals in the United States. Authorities said violations can result in a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Because Mewell pleaded guilty, the judge may take his cooperation into account when determining the final sentence, potentially imposing a penalty below the maximum allowed under the law.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement has warned that intentionally harming or harassing marine mammals is illegal and can pose serious risks to the animals’ welfare.
The incident is not the first recent case involving alleged harassment of a protected marine animal.
In May, a tourist was arrested in Hawaii after allegedly throwing rocks at a rare seal near the coast of Maui. A witness recorded the incident, while the tourist’s lawyer later argued in court that the man had been trying to protect sea turtles.
