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The Ocean Optimism Podcast
Welcome to the Ocean Optimism podcast, where hope and positivity take center stage in the conversation about our oceans. Join host Ellen Spooner, a scientists and storyteller, as she explores the untold stories of how we are already making a difference toward taking care of our ocean. In each episode, Ellen interviews scientists, activists, and leaders who are working tirelessly to preserve and protect our ocean's health.
Did you know that we have already rebuilt 45 stocks of marine fish populations in the U.S. after overfishing? Or that a marine sanctuary in the Galápagos protects the world's highest abundance of sharks? These are just a few examples of the positive steps we are taking to ensure a sustainable future for our oceans.
At Ocean Optimism, we focus on solutions rather than problems and on connections rather than differences. We recognize and respect the many challenges facing our oceans, but we also believe that a constant stream of "doom and gloom" stories will only lead to a sense of hopelessness and inaction.
Our mission is to create a new narrative of hope for our oceans by celebrating success and encouraging collaboration between change-makers. We aim to support people in moving beyond documenting decline and towards taking action to safeguard our oceans.
So join us as we explore the inspiring stories of those who are making a difference in ocean conservation, and learn how you too can become part of the ocean optimism movement. Episodes drop on the last Monday of the month, and you can find out more about Ocean Optimism and how to get involved at www.oceanoptimism.org.
The Ocean Optimism Podcast
Guardians of Casa Beach: Jane Reldan's Triumph in Protecting San Diego's Vulnerable Seals
Jane Reldan, M.D., of the Seal Conservancy tells the story of recovering from a tragic loss by making it her mission to protect newborn seals along the beach.
Casa Beach in La Jolla is the only NOAA-recognized mainland harbor seal rookery between the U.S./Mexico Border and Ventura County, 160 miles to the north. It is very rare for harbor seals to choose an urbanized setting for their home. Nevertheless, the La Jolla Seals have been documented to exhibit extreme site fidelity to Casa Beach because of the ideal conditions that this specific beach provides them for birthing and bonding with their pups (McInnis, 2010; Linder, 2011; McInnis, 2012).
There is no beach access allowed during harbor seal pupping season (December 15 to May 15) in order to protect the moms and pups when they are most vulnerable. Visitors are able to watch the pregnant seals and their newborn pups from the mid-landing behind the chain; from the sidewalk above Casa Beach; or from the sea wall (which is always open except during hazardous conditions, as determined by the City Lifeguards). The seasonal beach closure — the permits for which are now approved through at least the year 2029 — has reduced seal harassment to zero during the pupping season while dramatically reducing police calls with no citations issued at all. The closure has restored the calm needed for the seals to give birth and nurse their pups in a natural environment free of human harassment during this critical time. The City’s Viewing Guideline Rope — also recently approved through at least the year 2029 — has been successful in preventing human harassment of the harbor seal colony during the non-pupping-season months.
https://sealconservancy.org/pupping-season-beach-closure-petition/