Hundreds of Sea Lions Take Over Monterey Beach, Forcing Temporary Closure
San Carlos Beach in Monterey has been temporarily closed to the public due to a significant influx of sea lions taking over the area.
The city of Monterey, in collaboration with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, is closely monitoring the situation, which they describe as “normal behavior” for this time of year.
Typically, these marine mammals gather around Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, but this year they’ve made San Carlos Beach their resting spot. The sea lions, mostly males, have migrated from the Channel Islands off the coast of Santa Barbara following their recent pupping season. They are drawn to the cooler inshore waters, which are currently rich in fish.
According to Laurie Huelga, Monterey’s communications manager, the beach closure is expected to last until the sea lions return to the Channel Islands. This usually takes about a month, and the city will reopen the beach once they leave.
The city has shared updates on social media, even humorously noting that they “reached out to the sea lions for a response” regarding the beach’s reopening.
For now, the public is advised to avoid San Carlos Beach as these protected animals continue to occupy the area.
