The Oct 22 letter asks NOAA for more enforcement presence and to expand the city of San Diego’s enforcement abilities to prevent sea lion harassment.
City of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, City Council President Joe LaCava, California Coastal Commission Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge and US Rep Scott Peters (D-La Jolla) have jointly signed and sent a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration asking for greater enforcement of the Marine Mammal Protection Act at La Jolla Cove.
The letter, dated Oct 22, seeks to address “irresponsible individuals who choose to harass or harm California sea lions at The Cove” by asking NOAA for more enforcement presence and to deputize the city to enforce the MMPA.
The MMPA is a federal law enacted by NOAA Fisheries under which harassment of sea lions, meaning “any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance,” is subject to federal prosecution, among other penalties.
Incidents of sea lion harassment – and abuse – at La Jolla Cove have increased in recent years, resulting in a heightened tension between those who want The Cove closed to humans and those who want to preserve beach access.
The city implemented a management plan at the end of 2025, including increased Park Ranger presence, new signs, further education and outreach to tour groups, that was deemed effective in reducing conflict.
However, videos and reports of sea lion harassment persist and the debate over whether to close La Jolla Cove continues.
At the heart of many arguments on either side of the debate is enforcement: as the MMPA is a federal law, city Park Rangers are unable to enforce it, and are only able to educate people or ask them to leave the area.
In August, Tyler Muehl, 18, was charged in federal court with kicking a sea lion in a now-viral video shot July 22 at Point La Jolla, adjacent to The Cove. NOAA investigated the report, which led to Muehl’s eventual guilty plea (Muehl is still awaiting sentencing, postponed from October to January).
“We remain appreciative of NOAA’s swift and effective response to the disturbing and unprovoked harassment incident,” the officials’ letter reads, adding that NOAA’s enforcement capability emphasizes the critical need for more frequent enforcement at The Cove.
“We respectfully request NOAA’s continued partnership at La Jolla Cove by positioning personnel on a more consistent basis,” the signatories ask. “We also ask for consideration to provide the city with the necessary delegated authority to enforce the MMPA.”
NOAA did not immediately respond to lajolla.ca‘s request for comment on the letter.
