Shared use is not working for the La Jolla Harbor Seals. There’s a small anti-seal group who persist in harassing and driving off the seals. They meet each week to barbecue and play frisbee outside the rope line next to the seals. They put up an umbrella which says “Beach Open.” They do this intentionally to disturb the seals and invite other people to join in. Seals are flushed into the water and not allowed to rest, reoxygenate and warm themselves. Mothers are not able to nurse their pups. This harassing behavior jeopardizes the very survival of the seal colony. It is illegal to “harass” the seals — a term defined in federal law as “any act of pursuit, torment or annoyance which has the potential to disturb a marine mammal.” Laws like the MMPA (Marine Mammal Protection Act) and the city ordinance against disturbing the seals are not enforced. On a recent Sunday, six policemen in full uniform did nothing while the seals were harassed for hours. The City Council needs to establish a Marine Mammal Park Preserve at Casa Beach to protect this wonderful natural resource for all to enjoy. The time to take action is NOW!! — Carol Archibald lives in Point Loma.







