$20k reward offered for help tracking down Columbia River boater who steered into sea lions

Federal authorities have offered a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to penalties for the Columbia River boat operator who was captured on video driving through sea lions near Hayden Island earlier this month.

NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement says it will pay for information that leads to a “civil penalty or criminal conviction.” California sea lions are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits harassing the animals.

A bystander captured a video of the boater appearing to target groups of resting sea lions on April 3, just off Hayden Island. Authorities described the vessel as an approximately 19- to 20-foot aluminum Hewescraft Pro-V Sea Runner with a dark blue stripe. It has a soft top with an aluminum Barewest Fish & Wake Tower and a Yamaha outboard motor.

Authorities asked anyone with information about the boater’s identity or who recognizes the boat to contact agents at 360-310-0259 or the 24/7 hotline at 800-853-1964.

The incident was an extreme example of the animosity between recreational fishing and sea lions, who are drawn by fish populations. As sea lion populations have rebounded, salmon numbers in the Pacific Northwest have spiraled downward. People who are actively fishing can dissuade sea lions and seals only with approved, nonlethal methods.