Global Courant
The San Diego City Council has voted unanimously to close access to Point La Jolla and Boomer Beach after complaints from residents and activists about sea lions.
“People won’t be able to actually go to the rocks at Point La Jolla and Boomer’s Beach if your intention is to actually get in the water to swim, to paddle board… you’re still allowed to get in the water,” Joe tells us LaCava, the city council member representing La Jolla FOX5San Diego.
The area is known for its sea lion population, which chooses the rocks for breeding and grooming.
The move from seasonal to year-round closure is a first of its kind and has been praised by sea lion activists, while some tourists told the TV station they were not thrilled about the indefinite closures.
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La Jolla Cove Beach remains open despite city council ruling. (FOX 5 San Diego)
Eleven days prior to the September 18 City Council vote, the California Coastal Commission unanimously approved the city’s plan to close the rocky area between La Jolla Cove Beach and Boomer Beach from the public year-round to allow people and keep sea lions apart. Jolla Light reports.
“While tourists may want to bring their children for a (close-up) view and a selfie with the 800-pound wild sea lions, the Marine Mammal Protection Act recommends viewing from 50 feet,” a spokesperson for the Sierra Club Seal wrote Society. FOX 5. “Any disturbance to a sea lion, defined as changing their behavior, including looking at you, moving away or growling, is subject to a fine.”
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A sea lion is seen scattering a busy San Diego beach after charging towards the shoreline. (@whoisjaphet / Local News X / TMX / File)
In July, a video shared by Instagram user @whoisjaphet showed two sea lions taking over the beach amid the summer crowds at rocky La Jolla Cove. Beachgoers rushed there after the sea lions apparently attacked people on the shore.
“Please give that big, male sea lion plenty of space,” a lifeguard is heard saying over a loudspeaker in the video. “They have bitten people and they are protected animals.”
The year-round closure is not only the first of its kind, but was also praised by sea lion activists, reports FOX 5 San Diego. (FOX 5 San Diego)
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There are no plans to close La Jolla Cove beach to divers, swimmers, surfers and beachgoers because of the “crucial part of the (recreation) for people who live in the area, for visitors in the area,” LaCava told FOX 5.
The restrictions will be in effect for seven years, after which the city will have to apply for a new amendment or a new coastal development permit, according to La Jolla Light.
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten of Fox News contributed to this report.
