NEWPORT BEACH — A group of floating docks near Newport Harbor Yacht Club in Newport Beach, which previously had the sharp end of nails used as stakes along their perimeter, were removed. The Log reported on the docks in our June 15-28 issue, showing images of the sharp end of nails sticking upwards and spaced closely together along the perimeter of each dock. Newport Beach city staff was quoted in our coverage, stating the nails used as stakes were an illegal sea lion deterrent.
Another floating dock had what appeared to be a blue-colored wooden bar with a jagged/pointed top at its two far ends, with no conspicuous deterrents observed along the dock’s broadsides.
Visiting the Floating Docks
The Log navigated to the floating docks on Aug. 16 to visually determine whether the nails were still there. None of the docks were spiked with nails (sharpened side up). At least two of the docks had minimal defense measures. There appeared to be a thin wire wrapped around the perimeter, elevated about one inch above the dock and held up with small screws (sharp end down).
A thin line is used along the edge of yet a...
Menu
Menu
Menu
Menu
5 Responses
I once had leased a small marina that had both seagulls and sea lions all over it. Best compliant deterrent was a battery activated sprinkler that did need to have city water available, but worked great. Turned on every two hours for one minute.
I appreciate The Log Newspaper for covering this story. Not only the docks I’ve seen have illegal nails along the docks I’ve seen spikes as well on swim steps on boats with illegal Sea lion deterrence. As for the article photograph with the Thin Line along the dock edge, they used solar panels on their docks or on the side of their boats to electrocute the sea lions. And in no statement NOAA says this is allowed to electrocute the Sea Lions / Seals. A sea lion to go in the shock literally by these types of methods used, as well as a swimmer that could come up to the docks edge could be electrocuted as well. What type of people would do this. They should be fined to the full extent of the law. Newport Harbor Yacht Club should not be allowed to run Moorings in Newport Harbor being that they’re secured to the City of Newport Beach. Are public Waterways as well. On the front page shows a boat named Second Wind sailboat with spikes on the transom of the boat with a Newport Harbor Yacht Club membership. Originally I came to the log newspaper regarding the Nails along the edges of the docks because I was kicked out of the yacht club for stating that is wrong with their doing and lost my job well that I work on there because the owner was a member and was afraid to lose his yacht club status. I’m being told I’ll be kicked off The Yacht Club property we can do what we want because we have so many lawyers here. Unbelievable! If you’re more interested in finding that offer Health and Welfare of Sea Lions and Seals you should visit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. They typically have over 70 sea lions and seals there injuries of malnutrition that happened from the Oceanside to LA County line and it’s work full time volunteers.
I am glad they are making improvements to the past archaic seal / sea lion detterents. It is understandable to want to keep the floating docks clean, but not at the cost of seriously injuring the marine mammals. Kudos to Mr. Eric Grandia Who was instrumental in bringing this matter to the attention of the proper authorities.
What?
The Newport Harbor Yacht Club is not going to have baby seal BBQs anymore?