A Growing Crisis: Entangled Cormorants at Point La Jolla
One of at least 10 entangled cormorants documented at Point La Jolla during a Wildlife Jewels Search Scout survey. Photographed from a distance via zoom. © Wildlife Jewels® / Azi Sharif, July 25, 2026.
A Growing Crisis: Entangled Cormorants at Point La Jolla
On July 25, 2026, Wildlife Jewels documented at least 10 entangled cormorants in a single day at Point La Jolla.
The birds were observed during a Wildlife Jewels Search Scout survey and photographed from a distance using a zoom lens. All 10 birds were located on the closed bluff, where public access is prohibited and rescue options are extremely limited.
Over the past month, Wildlife Jewels has documented a sudden and deeply concerning increase in cormorants affected by fishing line and hooks in this area. Several birds appeared to have fishing line wrapped around their bodies, wings, bills, or legs, placing them at risk of injury, restricted movement, starvation, infection, and death.
The location of these birds makes the situation especially challenging. Because they are resting within the closed bluff area, responders cannot simply enter the site to attempt a rescue. Each case requires careful observation, documentation, coordination with the appropriate agencies, and evaluation of whether a safe and authorized rescue pathway is available.
Wildlife Jewels is continuing to monitor the birds' condition, document changes, report cases, and explore every possible rescue pathway.
This is an evolving situation, and we will continue providing updates as more information becomes available.
If you see an entangled, injured, or distressed bird in the La Jolla area, please report it immediately:
wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Community reports play an important role in helping responders locate wildlife in need, assess conditions, and determine whether rescue may be possible.
Every survey matters. Every report matters. Every life matters.
Thank you to International Bird Rescue and Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center for giving Pelican 429 a second chance.
Join Wildlife Jewels EYES or Rescue Crew Search Scout to help us survey coastal areas, document wildlife, identify animals in need, and contribute observations that support wildlife protection and conservation.
Every Observation Matters: Blue-Banded Pelican 429 Spotted at Point La Jolla After Rehabilitation.
Blue-banded Brown Pelican 429 at Point La Jolla, CA. Photographed from a distance via zoom. © Wildlife Jewels® / Azi Sharif, June 24, 2026.
For reporting guidelines in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to help us track cases, report hrassments, support next steps when needed, and connect animals with authorized care. Trained volunteers may also assist with the rescue and transport of birds.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!