First, thank you to everyone who has signed and shared this petition. Your support is helping bring attention to this important issue.

Today, I received a response from the County Supervisor’s office. They indicated they are exploring permanent signage related to the sea lion haul-out area.

While this is an encouraging first step, our petition is advocating for more than updated signage. We are continuing to push for clearly marked “No Fishing” signs and a designated no-fishing area around the sea lion haul-out, along with stronger protections for the sea lions and other marine wildlife.

I have asked for clarification on exactly what type of permanent signage is being considered and whether it will include no-fishing signs or simply updated contact information.

In the meantime, we will continue collecting signatures to demonstrate our community’s support for meaningful protections. Every signature strengthens our voice and helps show that protecting our local wildlife matters.

Thank you for standing with us. Please continue sharing this petition with your friends, neighbors, and community.

Below is the response I received today from Supervisor Vianey Lopez’s office for those who would like to read it.

Good Afternoon Kimberly,

 

Thank you for your communication and bringing this concern to my attention. I apologize for the delayed response. My office has been in contact with our Harbor Department and Harbor Patrol regarding the sea lions. Director Michael Tripp has contacted NOAA to identify potential avenues for funding of new permanent signs with the correct phone number. It is my understanding that the temporary signs are placed by CIMWI but removed at the end of the day to ensure they do not go missing.

 

We will continue to monitor this issue and appreciate your attention to the sea lions.

 

Just in case, the correct number to report any incidents of people harassing marine animals is: NOAA Fisheries Hotline 800-853-1964

 

Thank you,

Vianey

I’ve included my reply to the supervisors office for those interested in my reply. 

Thank you for your response. I appreciate the efforts to explore permanent signage.

I wanted to clarify that our petition is advocating for clearly marked “No Fishing” signage and additional protections around the sea lion haul-out area, not just updated contact information. We will continue collecting signatures to demonstrate community support for stronger protections, including a designated no-fishing area around the haul-out.

Could you please clarify what type of permanent signage is being considered? Will it include “No Fishing” signs around the sea lion haul-out area, or is it limited to updated contact information? I also hope the signage will include accurate local emergency contact information, such as Harbor Patrol and the local marine wildlife rescue organization, so the public knows who to contact if an animal is injured or in distress in real time. 

Please keep your constituents updated as this effort moves forward.

Thank you,

Kimberly Kelly