One Ranger called the children’s mother to the top of the southwest staircase at The Cove and informed her he would not issue a citation, Grant said, but instead instructed the family to leave The Cove.

There was no citation issued as the city of San Diego does not have authority to cite the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Cartwright said; “That power rests with the federal government, specifically NOAA.”

The family was directed to move from the immediate area, he said, but not asked to leave the entire Cove and Scripps Park, “but it seems they chose to leave on their own,” Cartwright said.

The family was “not real happy” with the decision, Grant said, adding he has never seen such an “eviction” in the many years he’s been filming there.

“I’m really happy to see … the enforcement,” Grant said.

Human and sea lion tensions are at an all-time high, with San Diego Sierra Club Seal Society docents and other activists increasingly alarmed at tourists’ harassment of sea lions at The Cove and beach access advocates just as passionate in their defense of people’s right to be on the beach.

In December, the city of San Diego told the California Coastal Commission it has begun implementing more measures aimed at promoting harmony between humans and pinnipeds at The Cove, as city leaders have maintained they will not close the beach, as they did the adjacent Point La Jolla in 2023, to protect the sea lions.

The city’s measures include stronger Park Ranger presence and messaging; new consolidated signage; and further education and outreach to tour groups.

Grant confirmed five Rangers were on duty during the Feb 22 incident.

“Seems like they are cracking down,” he said.

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