WOODLAND, Wash. -- Local and federal authorities have started an investigation into a report of men shooting at a sea lion on the Lewis River, according to published reports over the weekend.

The Longview Daily News said deputies took a report of a man firing shots at the sea lion as it tried to steal a salmon off a fisherman's line last Thursday morning.

With some fish runs in decline, some fishermen said it's become more difficult to catch salmon and steelhead. Fisherman Mike Medveck said he and others are frustrated because they believe the government isn't doing enough to manage the sea lions.

"Some of these guys are out here fighting a fish and here comes a sea lion and rips it right off the line," he said. "I'd be upset too."

The incident happened near the mouth of the Lewis River. It's unknown if the sea lion was hit.

Fishermen said sea lions are a constant battle when salmon and steelhead run. But Don Jones, a fisherman in the area, said the sea lions have a right to be on the river too.

"They don't know any better," he said. "That's just the way they feed."

It's a federal offense to shoot a sea lion and the punishment could mean fines of more than $7,000.