Dear Editor,
In light of the May 31 federal court ruling prohibiting the dispersal of the harbor seal colony from Casa Beach, I would like to encourage the UCSD community to express its support of the seals’ right to stay at their longtime home in La Jolla. Last week Superior Court Judge Yuri Hoffman ruled for the removal of the seals to create a children’s bathing pool, demonstrating the unfortunate tendency to place relatively unimportant human interests above the survival needs of another species. Deb Saracini of the La Jolla Friends of the Seals, a public awareness and seal advocacy group, told me that the harbor seals ‘mdash; whose community now numbers about 200 ‘mdash; have lived here since at least the 19th century. She explained that if the seals were forced off the beach, they would lose their place to rest on dry land ‘mdash; which is necessary to their survival, especially that of the 46 baby seals.
Now, thanks to the federal court ruling, a restraining order to protect the seals is in effect. They will not be ‘dispersed’ by recorded dog barking noises (the originally proposed plan). The restraining order is part of a bill currently awaiting hearing in the State Assembly which would leave the City Council to decide the seals’ fate. Only councilmember Sherri Lightner favors the dispersion of the seals. We are lucky to have such spectacular wildlife right here in La Jolla. Being able to view these wild animals live and play in their natural habitat is a privilege of which we should all take advantage. Please express your approval of protecting the seals by e-mailing members of the San Diego City Council and telling them how you feel.