Closed Monterey Beach Awaits Sea Lions' Departure Before Reopening to Public

Monterey has taken the difficult decision to close San Carlos Beach after being overtaken by an influx of sea lions from the Channel Islands.

The closure was initiated after Monterey experienced an overwhelming influx of sea lions from the Channel Islands, leading to the decision of closing San Carlos Beach to the public indefinitely.

City Parks Division and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Collaboration

City Parks Division staff are working in collaboration with the staff from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to monitor the situation closely.

Normal Behavior of Sea Lions

According to Laurie Huelga, City of Monterey communications manager, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary staff have indicated that this behavior is normal for the sea lions.

Traditionally a Summer Occurrence

Traditionally occurring every summer, the sea lions typically visit Fisherman's Wharf instead of San Carlos Beach. The sea lions are believed to have migrated from the Channel Islands off the coast of Santa Barbara, where they recently had their pupping season.

Food-Driven Behavior

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary informed the city that the sea lions are following the food chain, as there is an abundance of fish in the cooler inshore waters.

The sea lions are expected to stay for approximately a month, with the city planning to reopen the beach once they leave. They usually stay for about a month in total, having been present for over two weeks already.

The city of Monterey even engaged with the public on social media, jokingly reaching out to the sea lions for a response regarding the beach's reopening.