A large reward is being offered for information about the gunman who shot and killed a California sea lion in Huntington Beach.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced that it is offering $20,000 to anyone who can find the person responsible for the fatal shooting of a seal lion.
NOAA has been working on the case with the Orange County Sheriff's Department since August 7, when the sea lion was found alive at Bolsa Chica State Beach.
A rescue group tried to save the animal, but it died a day later.
The fatal bullet was discovered during a subsequent autopsy.
Sea lions and other marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.
Anyone who violates the law faces tens of thousands of dollars in fines and up to a year in prison.
The law also requires violators to surrender their boats.
Anyone with information about the sea lion death is asked to call 1-800-853-1964.
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