A message from the City of Monterey:

San Carlos Beach on Cannery Row in Monterey reopened on October 4, 2024, after being closed since August 19 due to an influx of sea lions that crowded the beach during their annual migration to Monterey from the Channel Islands.

This year, the sea lions made their main landing spot at San Carlos Beach. Hundreds of (mostly male) sea lions are here taking advantage of the abundant food that is close to shore within the Monterey Bay.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary staff have been a vital partner in helping the City understand the sea lions’ behavior and helped with City’s decision to close the beach to ensure public safety and the safety of the sea lion population.

Marine mammal experts expect the sea lions to return to the Channel Islands at some point soon. Although unlikely, if the sea lions repopulate San Carlos Beach, the City of Monterey may have to close the beach again.

- October 4, 2024

A reminder: Marine mammals, including sea lions, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. People who harass, feed, capture, or kill any marine mammal could face a hefty fine or even jail time.