For many years there has been controversy about the appropriate use of the Casa/Children’s beach with conflict between those who wish to destroy the harbor seal colony and those who wish to preserve it.

Although The La Jolla Friends of the Seals is primarily an educational group,  it also has a mission to preserve the  La Jolla Harbor Seal Colony for ecological, educational, scientific, historic and scenic opportunities.  Therefore, in the controversy it is a strong advocate for the preservation of this colony.

Our Arguments are:

1. The 200 harbor seal colony at this site is the only one of its kind in Southern California. Being able to view wild animals in their natural habitat is a unique experience for many people.

2. Children especially enjoy this opportunity. Many have never seen wild animals except in zoos.

3. This beach is a rookery where pups are born on the beach every year. The birth of these and the subsequent development of the pups give pleasure to thousands of people.

4. Harbor seals are timid animals - they are easily intimidated by people on the beach.

5. There are 500 miles of coastline in San Diego alone - available for swimming, snorkeling and other water sports.

6. The natural fecal waste of the area by seals, birds and other marine creatures aids the ocean ecological environment by enriching the kelp beds. If the area becomes a seal preserve, water pollution is not an issue.

7. The thousands of visitors who come to view the seals spend money in local restaurants, shops and hotels and thus help the economy.

8. Viewing these seals is a year round opportunity. The seal colony does not migrate but makes its home here twelve months of the year.

What Can YOU Do?
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Copyright © 2001-2008 La Jolla Friends of the Seals
P.O. Box 2016, La Jolla, CA 92038
For more information please call (619) 687-3588 or email us.