The influx of sea lions causes Monterey Park to close

MONTEREY, California. – Monterey’s Sister City Park will remain closed due to hundreds of sea lions crowding the beach, city officials said.

In addition, authorities have set up a barricade to protect both animals and people.

Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) launched an investigation Thursday into an incident of harassment of the sea lions.

A viral video shows a man wearing yellow caution tape turning around after jumping the barricade fence. This caused the sea lions to rush off the twenty-foot cliff into the water, city officials said in a news release Friday.

Marine mammals, including sea lions, are protected by federal law. Those who harass, feed, capture or kill a marine mammal could face heavy fines or jail time.

The Monterey Police Department is assisting NOAA with the investigation.

Anyone with information or who sees harassment or harm to marine wildlife is asked to contact the NOAA Hotline Enforcement Office at (800) 853-1964.