Following a viral video of an 18-year-old man kicking a sea lion, state officials are weighing new measures – including a potential partial beach closure – to restrict public access to San Diego’s La Jolla Cove.
Why is a closure being considered?
The California Coastal Commission met recently in Santa Cruz to address concerns regarding the safety of the local marine life. Wildlife advocates, including representatives from the Sierra Club Seal Society, urged the commission to intervene. Footage presented showed visitors scaring off sea lions, disrupting female sea lions feeding their pups, and other similar behaviors.
Advocates argue that current protections are not enough to protect local wildlife. According to a presentation by the Sierra Club Seal Society, La Jolla Cove saw a shocking 43% mortality rate among sea lion pups just 2 months into the 2026 pupping season. Rescuers also noted that several attempts to save distressed animals this summer were blocked by heavy crowds.
In stark contrast, nearby Point La Jolla, which is already closed to the public, reported just a 6% percent pup mortality rate.
The proposed solution
Advocates are requesting the deployment of park rangers, trifold warning signs, and cones or tape to create a barrier between tourists and the wildlife. Commissioners noted that cities like Monterey have successfully implemented seasonal beach closures during pupping season.
Currently, the mayor’s office are actively exploring local or state legal avenues that would empower park rangers to directly ticket visitors who harass the sea lions.
Whether that’s enough to protect our wildlife, or more needs to be done, remains to be seen. Meanwhile, if you visit the Cove, always respect the animals’ space. Stay far away (on the observation deck), take pictures with a zoom lens, and never touch a sea lion.
