Ocean Obstacles Sought to Keep Seals Off Beach

Some La Jolla residents want obstacles placed in the ocean to block seals from lounging and defecating at the closed Children’s Pool beach so the seaside can be used by humans.

“There is no way right now to change it back to public use unless the seals are attracted away from the beach,” said Joseph Cordaro, a wildlife biologist for the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Councilman Scott Peters, who made a campaign promise two years ago to make Children’s Pool beach fit for swimming again, is leading the charge against the pinnipeds.

The City Council is scheduled to consider, in early April, the issue of adopting conditions set by the California Coastal Commission to maintain a seal reserve established around Seal Rock next to Children’s Pool.

“People are looking for a way to share the beach, if possible,” Peters said.

“I will do whatever I have to do to let the people use the beach again. There is plenty of ocean space for seals. It’s not an easy thing to do, but it’s the right thing to do.”

A La Jolla Town Council committee will discuss the issue Monday.

But Federal authorities say any device such as noise deterrents or a net cordoning off the beach area would violate the Marine Mammal Protection Act. So would relocating the seals.

Children’s Pool beach and Seal Rock are home to about 200 seals, said Pam Yochem, senior biologist at the nonprofit Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute.

Children’s Pool has been closed since 1997 because of seal fecal contamination.

Measurements taken last year indicated pollution in the waters exceeds state health standards, said Jack Miller, chief of land and water quality for the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health.

Councilman Peters said Children’s Pool was deeded to the city in 1931 by the state in a tidelands grant for use as a bathing pool for children, or a public park.

Later, Ellen Browning Scripps donated money to build a breakwater off the beach to create calm waters, he said.

Robin Stribley, a senior city planner, said experts have suggested dredging the beach or opening sluiceways in the breakwater to promote water circulation.