Mile 317 Report
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
June 19, 2022
I'm wondering if better protection can be put in place for endangered seal and sea lion pups.
Report Details
I'm wondering if better protection can be put in place for endangered seal and sea lion pups. More or clearer signage might help or even a volunteer network of people that could "stand guard" only be during pupping season and maybe only during high traffic times of the day.
Conditions
Temperature: 57 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: 10.3 feet.
Human Activities
Moderate amount of people and dogs; tidepoolers, surfers, hikers;
Concerns
Apparent violations: Disturbing endangered Steller Sea Lion pup; climbing on Submarine Rock; driftwood fires; urinating in public near Bald Point (too far from public bathroom?).
Actions & Comments
Reported sea lion pup to the Seaside Aquarium and tried to keep the public away; asked climbers to exit the rock; asked Eric Crum from OPRD what can be done to reduce driftwood fires; didn't comment on the urinating in public as it was a man and I didn't feel comfortable approaching him - I pretended ignorance. I arrived around 11am and the pup had moved from the previous day's location out into the boulders closer to the water, and unfortunately, the tidepoolers. I called the Seaside Aquarium and agreed to move the sign to a more appropriate location and too keep and eye on him as I surveyed the black oystercatchers. As the day warmed up, the number of people approaching the sea lion pup (ignoring, or not seeing the sign) continued to increase until I left at about 1:45pm when a drizzle started. I was told by a woman who had also been visiting on Saturday afternoon/evening that despite the sign being between the pup and the public (yesterday the pup had been hidden by a log and positioned close to the cliff face), people had been "mobbing him" for hours. This morning (as well as yesterday morning) I was able to talk to people and explain that this pup did not need rescuing, that mothers regularly leave pups on the beach while they are out hunting and will return for them as long as we do not disturb them. Everyone I spoke to seemed grateful for the information and nobody continued to actively disturb the pup although some did sit quietly and watch, with which I decided not to argue.
Looking north towards Indian Point
Indian Beach, looking NE towards the parking lot
Indian Beach, looking SW towards Submarine Rock and Bald Point
Indian Beach, looking west
Steller Sea Lion Pup Onlookers
Driftwood fires at Indian Beach
Report Images
SeagerG
CoastWatcher
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Mile 317
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tabeag
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
I'm wondering if better protection can be put in place for endangered seal and sea lion pups.
SeagerG