California coastal regulators have decided to put up a year-round barrier at a particular part of the San Diego beach.
Popular for its picturesque location, the beach has become a home for seals during their breeding season.
The La Jolla Friends of the Seals organization, which is working on preserving the harbor seals said a rope was necessary to keep people at a distance from the beach. Seal supporters also said there were other beaches near La Jolla where swimmers, divers and tourists can go for surfing and diving.
Many people including the local residents and some regular beach goers, including divers, feared that a permanent rope would limit access to the shoreline.
"This beach is very, very important to us and access is absolutely critical," Justin Schlaefli, president of San Diego Freedivers, told the Associated Press.
Earlier, the City of San Diego decided to keep the rope up to 3-feet from the beach between December and May when the marine mammals give birth. Later in 2010 they decided to make it permanent.
The La Jolla friends of the seals also educate the visitor's about the points from where they can see the seals, like from the wall, the sidewalk and the landing above Casa Beach. The organization also appeals that harbor seals are very shy animals and gets scared very easily when they are on land.
Whenever one plans to go on the beach it is advised to maintain a distance of 50- feet from the seals and to move slowly and keep a low voice.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
