Opinion: How to Balance Tourism and Conservation in Ecologically Significant La Jolla Cove

The La Jolla Cove and its surrounding coastline in San Diego form part of a Marine Protected Area, first established in 1929 and expanded under the Marine Life Protection Act in 2012. As one of 124 protected areas in California, it is a critical habitat for a dazzling array of marine life.

Yet, despite its ecological significance, my family’s two visits to this area left us questioning the balance between tourism and conservation.

A Spectacle of Marine Life

La Jolla’s coastline supports thousands of brown pelicans and double-crested cormorants, alongside a colony of about 300 California sea lions and over 100 harbor seals. This biodiversity is sustained by the area’s unique features, including its deep-sea canyons, nutrient-rich waters, and lush kelp forests. These resources provide food and shelter, making the region one of the most important marine habitats in California.

On both visits, we marveled at sea lions sprawled across rocky ledges, pelicans swooping majestically overhead, and cormorants diving into the waves. Yet, this abundance is no accident. La Jolla’s protected designation prohibits extractive activities such as fishing, ensuring these species have a sanctuary where they can thrive. But despite this protection, the sheer number of visitors — estimated at 3 million annually — poses a significant challenge.

The Cost of Popularity

While La Jolla Cove’s beauty attracts tourists worldwide, human activity often comes at the expense of its marine residents. On our visit, we witnessed children and adults approaching sea lions too closely, forcing the animals into the water. Such disturbances are not only illegal but also detrimental to the wildlife, which relies on these areas for rest and reproduction.

Local organizations, such as the Sierra Club Seal Society of San Diego, work tirelessly to protect marine life through education and advocacy. Volunteers visit the beaches to guide visitors, share NOAA’s viewing guidelines (maintaining a 50-foot distance from animals), and raise awareness about the cove’s ecological importance.

However, as the Seal Society emphasizes, volunteer efforts alone cannot ensure lasting change. Stronger enforcement and systemic support are essential​.

A Historical and Ethical Contrast

What struck us most during our visits was the contrast between the ancient marine life that has called this area home for thousands of years and the relatively short history of human settlement, dating back only 250 years. The sea lions and seals represent an ecosystem older than recorded history, yet they struggle to coexist with modern tourism’s demands.

While tourism generates substantial revenue for local businesses and the state, it also exacerbates overcrowding and stresses the fragile ecosystem. Striking a balance between economic gain and ecological responsibility remains a pressing challenge for La Jolla and similar destinations.

Suggestions for Habitat Preservation

To protect La Jolla Cove’s unique biodiversity and ensure its long-term sustainability, I recommend the following strategies:

Enhanced Revenue for Conservation: While La Jolla already has paid parking lots, a system of targeted fees — such as an ecotourism tax or revenue-sharing model — could channel funds directly into wildlife protection, education, and habitat restoration. Collaboration with businesses benefiting from tourism would ensure broader support.

Ecotourism Programs: Replace sporadic volunteerism with structured ecotourism. Visitors could participate in guided tours with trained conservationists, who would educate them about marine ecosystems while ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife.

Designated Viewing Areas: Establish observation decks and barriers to keep tourists at a safe distance, following successful examples from other wildlife reserves worldwide.

Permanent Conservation Staff: Employ rangers and educators year-round to enforce regulations, provide accurate information, and serve as liaisons between tourists and wildlife.

Habitat Restoration: Invest in projects like kelp forest restoration and beach cleanups to sustain the health of La Jolla’s marine ecosystem.

Balancing Beauty and Responsibility

La Jolla Cove is a testament to the delicate balance between nature and humanity. While it remains a must-see destination for families like ours, it is also a reminder of our responsibility to protect what we admire.

Organizations like the Sierra Club Seal Society offer a road map for change, but their work needs the backing of city and state policies to be truly effective. By prioritizing education, regulation, and sustainable funding, San Diego can ensure that La Jolla remains a thriving haven for both wildlife and people.

Noam Bedein is an Israeli photojournalist and the founder of the Dead Sea Revival Project. He supports ecotourism, water diplomacy, and global innovative conservation methods through sustainable travel.