Many wonder why park rangers weren’t monitoring the crowds, but city officials say it’s not their jurisdiction.
SAN DIEGO — Large crowds descended on popular tide pooling spots around the county during the weekend’s King Tides, with videos circulating online showing visitors stepping on marine life, manhandling creatures, and taking animals home—despite laws protecting these sensitive ecosystems.
The behavior has prompted concern from marine experts who say many tide pools are designated marine protected areas where it is illegal to remove animals and, in many cases, even to disturb them.
“The fact that people are letting their kids climb all over it is beyond me,” one witness said.
Victor Fells, a museum educator at Birch Aquarium, explained the legal protections in place and emphasized the importance of respecting the creatures that inhabit these pools.
“Generally, I recommend not touching any of the animals. Especially because most of the people tide pooling are not super familiar with each species – the sensitivities, if they’re potentially dangerous, so being careful and respectful as much as possible is always the best course of action,” Fells said.
Beyond legal concerns, Fells noted that reckless behavior actually diminishes the tide-pooling experience itself. Climbing and disturbing animals causes them to hide, reducing visitors’ chances of seeing the remarkable marine life available in local tide pools.
“I’ve seen an incredible amount of really cool animals like moray eels, octopus, lobster and nudibranchs. Many species that I’ve never even seen while diving,” Fells said.
The crowded conditions and rule-breaking have raised questions about enforcement. While the city indicated that park rangers do not have jurisdiction over these areas, responsibility falls instead to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
CBS 8 has reached out to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, but it has not yet responded to requests for comment.