San Diego is My Home

14
Dec

More Seal News

Author: HelenKay, Category: Beaches, Environment

You just thought the issue of the seals and their residency at The Children’s Pool in La Jolla had been settled by the courts.  Not so fast… 

The courts have said that the beach belongs to people and not to the seals - ie, people needing one more place to play in the water trump nature here.  Problem is, the seals birthing season is January through May.  The city usually puts up a rope and signs to protect the seals during this time.  The court’s recent decision saying San Diego should no longer protect the seal sanctuary threatens this year’s birthing season.  In response, the National Marine Fisheries Service has asked that the beach be closed for the birthing season.  The city doesn’t know know what it can and should do.  To figure that out, the city asked the court for a hearing to determine if putting up the usual rope is a violation of its order mandating the removal of the seals.  The hearing is scheduled for Janaury 4th.

All of this so that a bunch of swimmers and some kids can have easier access to the water.  Sounds ridiculous if you think about it for two seconds.  The seals congregate in one area.  Why not give them the area?  And, who’s going to explain the court’s ruling to the seals?