Reply to Mr. Michael Tripp Harbor Director

Follow-Up to Michael Tripp’s Response

Mr. Tripp,

Thank you for your response and for letting the public know that a permanent sign is being worked on. BTW, this is one of the  sea lions that inspired me to take this journey and brought us to where we are today.

After speaking with the Harbor Department, Fish and Game, and NOAA, I have come away with a clear understanding that responsibility is being passed from one agency to another, while the problems at this location continue. It is time to stop passing the buck and for the agencies involved to work together and take action.

I am particularly concerned about the lack of Fish and Game presence and the way enforcement and oversight appear to be fragmented. NOAA has an important role in protecting marine mammals, but the issues at this site go beyond marine-mammal protection. There is fishing activity, fishing-license questions, discarded fishing line and hooks, dogs off-leash, trash, cigarette butts, beer bottles, and other ongoing public-behavior issues.

This is a public area surrounded by homeowners and a local community, but not everyone who uses this area necessarily understands the rules or the responsibilities that come with being around protected wildlife. I have also observed people from the local community fishing in the area, which makes clear information about fishing regulations and licensing especially important. With hundreds of visitors coming through this area every week, particularly on weekends, as well as fishermen, bar patrons and other members of the public, the need for clear, highly visible educational signage is even greater.

I first discovered that the phone number on the existing sign was disconnected in August 2025, when I tried to report a sea lion with fishing line around its neck. I began formally reporting the broader concerns at this location on March 29, 2026.

However, the lack of oversight and these ongoing problems have existed for months and years. My reporting did not create the problem; it brought attention to an existing problem that needs a consistent solution.

In your response, you stated that the Harbor Department has discretion and authority over signage in this area and that a permanent sign is being worked on. I appreciate that clarification.

However, I am still concerned about the pace of action. If the Harbor Department has the authority to install signage, I do not understand why a clear, updated, and comprehensive sign is not already in place at a location with known and ongoing issues.

If funding or coordination is part of the delay, I believe that should be clearly stated. This is a highly visible public area, and the community would likely support efforts to raise funds or assist in getting proper signage installed quickly.

One sign with a phone number is not enough.

If there is limited manpower for regular oversight, then multiple, highly visible educational signs are even more important. They should clearly explain wildlife protections, required viewing distances, fishing regulations and licensing requirements, proper disposal of fishing line and trash, rules regarding dogs, and who to contact for different types of issues.

Clear, proactive signage could help prevent violations before they occur and reduce the burden on agencies that do not have the capacity for constant on-site monitoring.

This has been ongoing for months and years. The public should not have to continue navigating between agencies while the same issues persist.

You have confirmed that the Harbor Department has authority over signage. I am asking that the Harbor Department use that authority to move forward with meaningful, comprehensive signage and stop passing the buck between agencies.

It is time to move forward with a solution that protects the sea lions and gives the hundreds of visitors who come through this area every week clear guidelines for respecting and protecting this wildlife habitat.

The sea lions, the marine life, and this community deserve better. It’s time to do better. 🦭