How you can help get better protection:
If you are concerned about people getting too close, these are ways that you can help either by reporting what you have witnessed or what you are aware of through the press or social media:Report harassment to Lifeguards and or Rangers: explain what you have seen, ask them to intervene and to make an official report to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) as a citable act of marine mammal harassment (see definition below).
Report harassment to NOAA: if you see someone disturbing seals or sea lions (looking up, growling, moving away) or attempting to pet or injure an animal: Call the NOAA hotline to report the situation as this constitutes harassment under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 24h Hotline is :800-853-1964
Write/call an email to ask for better management: personal emails and calls describing your own experience or your reaction to the situation are very effective to achieve change. Send to the following people (including any photos or videos):
Mayor Todd Gloria– mayortoddgloria@sandiego.gov Phone: 619-236-6330
Joe LaCava– Council Member for La Jolla and President of the Environment Committee: JoeLaCava@sandiego.gov. Phone: 619-236-6611
Andy Field -Director Park and Recreation : AField@sandiego.gov
Karen Dennison – Assistant Director Park and Recreation: KDennison@sandiego.goJames Gartland – Chief Lifeguard : JGartland@sandiego.gov
Everett Baxter NOAA – Director Office of Law Enforcement : Everett.Baxter@noaa.gov
Talking points:
Describe the situation that you witnessed for example: crowds of people getting too close (less than 50ft) leading to visible disturbance (seals/sea lions looking up, growling, moving away see examples below in MMPA), getting selfies, trying to pet them.
Express your view on the situation: why is San Diego allowing public abuse of wildlife without trying to stop it or educate the public, it is also a safety issue as people and animals are being put in danger due to the lack of management.
Ask for this area to be better managed: we are advocating these simple steps:
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Rangers and lifeguards to be assigned to educate and keep people at safe distances
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Cones and tape to be installed to create visible barrier, showing the public where to view from
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A frame signs to be placed on the beach giving information about the vulnerability of pups to prevent damaging behaviours and create empathy from the public
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Gate on the stairs to be closed temporarily when pups are close by or sea lions are on the stairs and during nighttime when lifeguards leave.
Attach any photos or videos of the situations you witnessed.
Please be truthful and constructive, we believe in treating every individual with respect and we do not condone any abusive language. Thank you for your help!
Protection by the Marine Mammal Protection Act
All marine mammals are protected from being disturbed or harassed by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Harassment is defined by the MMPA as “any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance, which has the potential to injure a marine mammal in the wild (Level A harassment) or disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering (Level B harassment).”
This would include any behaviour disturbing their resting/sheltering after long periods fishing at sea, inhibiting their movements (mothers and young reuniting for example) or any behaviour leading to growling, barking, biting, moving away from you due to fear or toward you aggressively.
Seal and sea lion breeding areas:
Children’s Pool: Closed from December 15th to May 15th
Harbor seals give birth in February-March every year at Children’s Pool (aka Casa Beach) and are protected by closing the beach to the public. The rest of the year, the beach is open but the public is asked to view seals from behind the guide rope. However, there is no enforcement of this, so often people get too close to seals.
Point La Jolla: Closed year round
California sea lions give birth in June-July mainly at Point La Jolla and this area is closed the public year round except for an ocean access corridor at the south end for experienced users (the rip currents are dangerous there!).
La Jolla Cove: open year round
Some sea lions give birth at the Cove which is one of the most visited beaches in San Diego. This area is dangerously undermanned by the City with people constantly getting too close to sea lions, their pups and territorial bulls who will defend their territories. We have been suggesting practical solutions to improve the situation, but there is little engagement – you can help us!!
Children within feet of sea lions
Links to recent press coverage:
La Jolla Light
Fox5 San Diego
CBS8
10 News
Times of San Diego
