We are asking NOAA Fisheries to survey and assess this area as well as the Silver Strand Beach area

Petition Update: NOAA notified about Assessment and survey of Sea Lions in Channel Islands Harbor 

I have now received responses from both the Channel Islands Harbor Department and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

What the Harbor Department told us

The Harbor Director explained that the original sign near the sea lion haul-out was provided by NOAA several years ago but had become faded and outdated, including having an invalid phone number. The Harbor removed that sign and has since contacted NOAA about obtaining a replacement.

Importantly, the Harbor Department told us that they are now working on producing a new sign themselves, based on an official NOAA template, while NOAA looks into possible funding for a replacement.

The Harbor Director also confirmed that the Harbor Department has discretion to add or remove signage in this area and that a new permanent sign is actively being worked on.

I appreciate the Harbor Department taking this step.

What Fish & Wildlife told us

CDFW explained that there is currently no agency-issued closure, buffer zone, or restricted-access designation at Channel Islands Harbor that prohibits fishing near the sea lion haul-out.

They also explained that while California sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the law does not automatically prohibit fishing simply because marine mammals are nearby. Enforcement can apply when conduct constitutes harassment or another violation.

CDFW also advised that NOAA Fisheries is the federal authority responsible for establishing certain marine-mammal exclusion zones through the appropriate federal regulatory process.

What happens next?

This is why we are continuing to ask NOAA Fisheries to become involved.

We are asking NOAA to survey and assess this area, as well as the Silver Strand Beach area, and provide guidance to the Harbor Department and Fish & Wildlife regarding appropriate protections for the sea lions and the public.

Our goal is not to take away responsible public access to these areas. Our goal is to find a reasonable, enforceable solution that protects the sea lions in both areas—especially mothers and pups—from fishing lines, disturbance, harassment, and other preventable dangers.

A protective buffer, appropriate signage, clear guidance, and effective enforcement are what we are continuing to advocate for. 

❤️ This is NOT a victory yet.

The new signage is an important step, but our larger goal has not been achieved.

We still need to bring our signatures, photographs, observations, agency correspondence, and other evidence to NOAA and continue asking for a formal assessment and guidance for these areas. I will post once I receive a response from NOAA. 

Please continue to sign and SHARE this petition. Share it with your friends, family, neighbors, and anyone who cares about protecting our marine wildlife.

We have gotten attention. Now we need to keep pushing for action.

Thank you to everyone who has signed, shared, reported, photographed, and spoken up. We will continue the fight for meaningful protection of the sea lions. 🦭❤️