Reprieve
These harbor seals are getting a break for the summer, and maybe longer. There was a state law designating this beach to be used by people, but over the last several years the seals have made it their home and some residents aren't happy about it. 
Just this week there was a court order to disperse the seals by playing an audio recording of barking dogs, but the Governor signed a bill which stopped the court order and turned the controversy over to the city to decide. Read more here. Click here to see a photo of the whole sea wall and Children's Pool/Casa Beach. Pretty crazy stuff huh!
posted by at Friday, July 24, 2009
4 Comments:
Felicia, By editing the seal situation to just a few words, you present a rather slanted explanation. Neither Ms Scripps nor the City could own any part of the ocean or the shore below the highest tide line. She gave the money for construction of the curved sea wall over existing rocks, to shelter a small beach area.
Several decades later, a "Marine Reserve" area was established in La Jolla Cove, next door to the North. No fishing or other 'taking' allowed.Wildlife thrived. This area is like an open deli to the seals, who found a convenient small beach nearby to layout in sun and digest. Now the sharks are increasing.
Seals however, do not know modern waste management and the little bay is contaminated by fecal matter (not a problem on the Channel Islands, where they usually hang out).
The judge did not specify what method the City should use. The City proposes to use $700,000 worth of speakers, tapes, and portable power units to drive the seals away with unpleasant sounds. It would be much simpler to drive a firetruck down to the seawall, drop one pipe into the clean water west of the beach wall and pump high-pressure water streams into the little beach , driving the seals away and flushing out the crappy back-wash in one operation.
Richard (SAN)
Thanks Richard, I'm glad that you filled in some of the blanks on the seal situation. I feel rather neutral about it, except for, like you mentioned, the ridiculous cost of both the dog barking "solution", and the endless and costly litigation. I would much rather spend our money on more important things.
Wonderful photo of the seals! Give the seals a break! They're beautiful creatures!
The seals will be happy with or without the people.
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