Public Access Closure to the Carpinteria Seal Rookery in Review to Protect Seals
Carpinteria’s Ad Hoc Harbor Seal Advisory Committee may recommend the city close the Harbor Seal Rookery to human access year-round to save the declining harbor seal population. That would close approximately 1,500 feet of the beach, which contains the rookery. The Ad Hoc Committee’s late December meeting was to review the findings of the seal populations, which have shown, in 2015 there were 396 adult seals and 80 pups, in 2021 there were 220 adult seals and 64 pups, and this year 186 seals in March to May dropping to 136 seals between June and August. The Ad Hoc Committee is scheduled to present its public closure recommendation of three to seven years to the City Council on January 27, 2025. The Carpinteria rookery is one of four remaining rookeries on the Southern California coast.
On Christmas Day I hiked above the rookery via the established Coastal Vista Trail path. The seals were in abundance, taking up the entire beach area, resting and swimming with their pups. All was peaceful – including the many visitors with kids and some with dogs on a leash, who stayed on the bluff’s path viewing point.
Normally, December 1 through May the rookery is closed to public access in order to protect the seals during their pupping season. The Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery is a designated beach area that offers critical safety and rest for these marine mammals that spend much of their time in the water.
It is imperative that members of the public avoid disturbing the animals at any time. To view the seals, visitors are required to stay on the rookery’s designated pathway and vista point, to remain quiet and not disturb the seals. The Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act imposes a fine of up to $10,000 and/or one year in prison for disturbances of the seals or actions that frighten the seals. Dog owners are liable for disturbances and injuries perpetrated by their dogs.
Disturbances in the past have included people walking on the beach to get selfies with the seals, playing games on the beach, dogs barking, and trying to feed the seals by throwing food at them. The Ad Hoc Committee for the Harbor Seal Rookery relates these disturbances to the decrease in seal population.
The Carpinteria Seal Watch hosts Seal Talks to educate interested peeps on the seals and the habitat of the rookery. They plan to have their first talk at Carp Kitchen (4945A Carpinteria Ave) on January 7, followed by talks on February 4, March 4, April 1, and May 6. Education of the public is key.
The Carpinteria Seal Watch is in its 33rd year monitoring the Carpinteria Seal Rookery. They are seeking volunteers with onsite training provided.
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