Courtesy of Seal Society of San Diego
La Jolla, San Diego is a top tourist destination with small beaches, upscale restaurants and shops. It also is a unique wildlife viewing area with a harbor seal rookery (where they are born), a sea lion rookery, Brandt’s Cormorant bird Rookery, and an underwater marine preserve all within walking distance. This attracts tourists from around the world desiring a wildlife experience.
Unfortunately, tourists often don’t see or ignore posted signs warning them not to approach seals and sea lions resting on the beaches and rocks. The city and NOAA signs also prohibit them from taking selfies with seals and sea lions. Daily, tourists get too close to wild seals and sea lions, often within an arm’s length putting themselves, their children, and the wild marine mammals in danger. Constant interruption of seal or sea lion resting periods has been shown to have affects on their overall health and survival.
The Sierra Club San Diego Chapter Seal Society administers a docent program to protect both the local harbor seal and sea lion colonies in La Jolla for ecological, educational, scientific, historic, and scenic viewing opportunities. The group also works with city and state officials to gain protections for the seals and sea lion rookeries. Some of their efforts have resulted in closures during pupping season and the staffing of rangers. Luckily there is a boardwalk just above the rookeries that offers great viewing. Docents also speak with visitors on the boardwalk by answering questions about seal and sea lion behavior, reproduction, longevity and promote proper wildlife viewing guidelines.
Viewing Guidelines: The safest and most responsible place to watch them is from the sidewalk.
•Give seals and sea lions space: always stay at least 50 ft away, don’t surround, corner or block their path
•Don’t scare them: watch quietly – no shouting or clapping – and move slowly – no jumping or running
•Respect them: Never attempt to touch or pet, follow or chase, or throw any item at them
•Keep safe: Do not take selfies and prevent children from approaching them: they can be unpredictable if they feel threatened
•Keep them safe: Keep dogs away, do not feed them or touch them – it can make them sick
•Read their behavior: if they look up, move or bark – they have been disturbed so move away quietly.
Always be respectful of the seals or sea lions living in their natural habitats.
Share your experience and these precautions with friends and family!
