Seal Society of San Diego

The Seal Society of San Diego, now a campaign of the Sierra Club’s San Diego Chapter, is a passionate grassroots group dedicated to protecting the harbor seal and sea lion rookeries along the La Jolla coastline. Formed in 2015 by volunteers from the former La Jolla Friends of the Seals, the Society has become a driving force in local marine mammal conservation.

Their mission is to preserve these urban rookeries for ecological, educational, and scenic value, while ensuring safe and respectful viewing opportunities for the public. Through their all-volunteer docent program, volunteers are stationed at key beaches like Casa Beach (Children’s Pool) and Point La Jolla, educating visitors about seal and sea lion behavior, enforcing safe distances, and reporting harassment or disturbances.

The Society has played a pivotal role in securing partial beach closures during pupping seasons, working closely with the City of San Diego, the California Coastal Commission, and other agencies. These protections have dramatically reduced human interference and allowed mothers and pups to nurse and bond as undisturbed as possible in an urban area.

Beyond beachside advocacy, the Seal Society offers formal educational presentations, collaborates with media and policymakers, and continues to push for a “share the shore” approach, balancing public access with wildlife safety.