Cops Fine Swimmers for Harassing Seals (only in California)

FoxNews ^ | 8 Aug 2005 | FoxNews

[JRios1968]

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Swimmers off the coast of La Jolla, California are being fined while swimming at public beaches. The reason: harassment of harbor seals that colonize the beach.

Authorities are worried that actions that cause the seals to flee to the surf endanger the seal population, and that can generate fines up to $1000.

"One of the common responses for seals and sea lions to stimulus that startles them is to run into the water, if you do that during the pupping season there's opportunities for trampling of pups, there's opportunities for separating mothers from young," said Jim Lecky of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

[JRios1968]

I searched and didn't see this posted.

Just another case of animal rights taking precedence over your rights and mine. Thanks, envirowhackos!

[Caipirabob]

Make the world a happy place!

Knock the teeth out of the first environmentalist you meet today...

[Vigilanteman]

The judge found that swimmers could be fined even if their actions cause the seals to raise their heads, something that could hardly be seen as endangering the species.

The judge needs to be certified as a lunatic and treated to some old-fashioned Missouri hospitality. (Tarred, feathered and ridden out of town on a rail.)

[KeyWest]

The seals are not endangered but prolific and killing off other species. But they have brought back Great whites.

[Central Scrutiniser]

I swim there a lot, would never think of bugging a seal, but the fines are stupid.

[ninonitti]

Same on the east coast. If you see one it's time to pack up your fishing gear cuz they'll eat everything.....same goes for cormorants.

[Jackknife]

Just damn.

[ncountylee]

This is just plain nuts!

[Northern Yankee]

Time to send in the Navy Seals!

They'll sort it all out.

[JRios1968]

The judge found that swimmers could be fined even if their actions cause the seals to raise their heads, something that could hardly be seen as endangering the species.

I wonder how this would affect Ted Kennedy (a swimmer who looks like a seal...)

[JRios1968]

Time to send in the Navy Seals!

Wouldn't it be great if these judges would protect the beaches the Navy Seals use for their training with the same zeal (no pun intended) they used in this case?

[libertylover]

Liberal "logic": Save the baby seals; kill the baby humans.

[capt. norm]

I can't believe that there is any shortage of seals, but I can believe that seals are endangering salmon populations.

[FOG724]

ping list

[JRios1968]

We'll always have a shortage of seals...Navy SEALS, that is.