Federal officials are investigating an incident Monday where a boater appeared to charge sea lions swimming in the Columbia River near Hayden Island.
Michael Milstein, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration regional spokesperson, said the agency's Office of Law Enforcement is reviewing a video, originally posted on Twitter, that shows a boat repeatedly speeding through surfaced sea lions.
Sea lions are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits the harassment of marine mammals.
It's likely the sea lions were drawn upriver due to a strong smelt run, he said.
Anyone with further information about the incident should contact NOAA's law enforcement hotline at 800-853-1964, or report the violation on its website.
