The site, dubbed Children's Pool, has been the scene of a protracted battle between wildlife advocates who say the seals are a local asset and tourist attraction that should be protected and opponents who argue the urban beach belongs to humans. The beach originally was designated as a safe spot for children to swim thanks to an adjacent seawall that generally keeps the surf calm there. But bacterial levels in the water now often exceed human health standards, authorities warn the public to be careful when seals are present and a rope cordons off a large area frequently occupied by the flippered animals from the rest of the beach.
Live-streaming video from a surveillance camera installed last month at the site showed two women harassing seals by squatting over them, posing for pictures and intentionally chasing away the marine mammals. Filner said in a statement that he ordered the nighttime closure of the site because of the women "seen on video tape harassing, taunting and causing stress" to seals there. "The behaviour was shocking, reprehensible and certainly not a reflection of how most citizens in our fine city believe animals should be treated," the mayor said.
YouTube link.
Wildlife group Western Alliance for Nature donated $40,000 to pay for installation of the camera. Sara Wan, co-founder of the group, said video footage has captured other bad human behaviour aside from that of the two women. "We applaud the mayor for his decision," Wan said. "This is a very critical time, when moms are giving birth and bonding with their pups." Local spear-fishing enthusiasts oppose protecting the seals, which they see as an attempt by the mayor and environmentalists to block access to a public beach. Ryan Sweeney, a local diver, said he was organizing a protest against the closure. "It is unacceptable (for the mayor) to disregard proper city procedures and do whatever he wants," he said. "We love the seals, we love swimming with them, and we believe shared use of the beach and water works."
3 comments:
If that part of the cove is for children why the problem with closing it at night?
The women bothering the seals are daft. If you had decided to bite they'd be in trouble. (and chances are the would have sued the city...)
Such a pity the seals didn't bite that moron in the video. Have you seen the teeth on a seal? Ouch!
I live in San Diego and this has been a huge issue for years. It has gone to court countless times. Let the seals have the area. San Diego has miles and miles of beaches for the greedy humans but of course people want that section of La Jolla also. I wish the seals would attack those idiots that harm them.
SteveC, you are right if the moron did get bit, she would more than likely sue the city of San Diego.
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