The second meeting of the working group focused on impacts of two solutions on identified stakeholders.
Community leaders and more narrowed down possibilities for mollifying tension at La Jolla Cove during the second meeting of the La Jolla Cove Access Group,
The working group, chartered by La Jolla Parks & Beaches, began meeting Feb 25 to broker a proposal to the city of San Diego to address the ongoing discord between those who want more protection for sea lions and those who want unfettered access to the beach at La Jolla Cove.
Both sides of the tension agree the situation is untenable, as warning signs posted do not prevent people from taking selfies within a couple feet of a sea lion, antagonizing the wild animals or behaving in ways that could endanger humans and sea lions alike.
During the first meeting, members began the work by agreeing to working norms and reviewing the group charter and three options for a proposal (do nothing; legally deter pinnipeds; or find a compromise), led through a structured process facilitated by Brenda Fake, acting in a volunteer capacity based on her professional skills.
The March 20 meeting had those in attendance working in groups to clarify options and analyze the impacts of those options on seven groups of stakeholders: the city of San Diego; La Jolla residents; recreational beach visitors; pinniped advocates; lifeguards; proximate merchants; and Park Rangers.
One option analyzed (no final decisions have been made or put forth), posed a collaborative, shared use of The Cove with an education component involving personnel dedicated to educate and redirect visitors.
This option would cost money for staffing, group members said, but would be sustainable, allowing the pinnipeds protection while encouraging visitors to the beach.
Another choice, legally deterring pinnipeds, would enable the use of a NOAA-approved method of discouraging sea lions from congregating at The Cove beach (the adjacent Point La Jolla is always closed to humans to allow sea lions a safe, undisturbed place to rest).
Acknowledging no pinniped should be hurt or harassed, the group positing this option suggested looking into, among other ideas, using short, acoustic signals to trigger the animals’ reflexes to leave a targeted area.
This option would cost nominal money and more conversation with pinniped activists and researchers is needed, the group said.
Future meetings will continue to craft one, unified solution, which the Cove Access Group plans to complete by May 15 to submit to the city for review.
