Dec. 2022 – Due to climate change and a warming ocean, the anchovies, sardines & other fish that the seals feed upon are migrating to cooler waters in the North, bringing vast numbers of seals with them. In November they started to appear on local beaches in Ventura county, but have decided to occupy en masse a small sandy shore just inside the Oxnard Harbor inlet known as Kiddie Beach.
Hundreds of the adorable and beloved ocean mammals are currently resting, recreating, procreating and entertaining the throngs of visitors who are flocking to the Silver Strand community in Oxnard, Ca. to encounter this rare but possibly ongoing phenomenon.
“There are just so many of them” declared a young visitor to the Kiddie Beach to view the seals. “I like the sounds they make and how they seem to be enjoying themselves” he said. “But they do smell an awful lot like….poop!”
If you plan to view the seals at Silver Strand beach, be forewarned that parking is very limited so it’s best to park at the Fisherman’s Wharf/Boat Launching area just South of Channel Islands Blvd. on Victoria Ave. and walk or bike the 1/2 mi. to Kiddie Beach.
Fish & Wildlife officials are quick to warn the public not to try to touch, get anywhere near or to startle the seals with any loud noises such as firecrackers or yelling. And of course not to throw anything at the seals. Especially any food of any type.
“The seals appear to be very healthy and very well-fed” said one officer. “There is certainly no need to help them in any way, and if there were we have trained marine mammal experts at the ready to intervene.”
Coastal Bluffs Dedicated as Future Park & Nature Trails
The Santa Barbara Land Trust recently dedicated 21 acres of gorgeous & wild bluffs to the city of Carpinteria, to be developed as a park and nature trail attractions. Currently being returned to the native plants, trees & grasses, the property also needs to be developed for all ages of the public to enjoy. Here is the dedication ceremony for this incredible acquisition. It is an episode of The Coast & River Report!
The following photographs are courtesy of 2 fine scenic photographers living near the coast in Ventura & Santa Barbara counties. They are Victoria Borgesson & Dave Sommers (facebook.com/dave.sommers1). Many thanks from the Coast & River Report for their fine artistic contributions.
Coastlines by Dave Sommers (followed by Sunsets by Victoria Borgessen)
