San Diego considers closing La Jolla Cove to protect sea lions
California leaders are considering a temporary closure of La Jolla Cove in San Diego to protect sea lions during their pupping season.
The area has a seawall and several signs warning visitors to stay away from the animals, but not everyone follows the rules.
A recent incident involving an 18-year-old who admitted to attacking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove has brought attention to the issue. The individual was charged with violating a federal law.
The California Coastal Commission pointed to Monterey County as an example of how closures can help protect sea lions.
“When the sea lions are present there, the city closes the beach to people, the sea lions are there, they do their pupping, and then they leave,” Ann Notthoff of the California Coastal Commissioner said.
“A partial closure is really the only way to deal with the issue until the city can get their program implementation figured out and investigate what’s going on here,” Matt O’Malley of the California Coastal Commissioner said.
San Diego’s city attorney is working to identify local or state laws that would allow lifeguards and park rangers to issue tickets to violators.
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