La Jolla’s Seabird Entanglement Crisis Continues
Wildlife Jewels continues to document seabird entanglements in La Jolla, particularly at Point La Jolla, as birds face fishing gear and other pressures.
La Jolla’s Seabird Entanglement Crisis Continues
In August, the San Diego Union Tribune and The La Jolla Light highlighted the devastating rise in seabird entanglements Wildlife Jewels has been documenting along the La Jolla coastline.
More than a month later, the entanglements persist.
Wildlife Jewels searches Point La Jolla near daily for entangled and distressed seabirds. When an entangled bird cannot be safely reached for rescue, we continue returning to search for and track the bird, documenting its location and condition in the hope that the bird moves to an area where a safe rescue becomes possible.
Fishing line, hooks and other fishing gear can leave birds injured, restrict their ability to fly, swim or feed, and in severe cases threaten their survival.
Many of the birds we observe are also in locations where they cannot be safely reached for rescue.
Seabirds Already Under Pressure
The continued entanglements are especially devastating at a time when our seabirds are already facing significant pressures this year, including widespread starvation and mortality events.
Every additional injury caused by fishing gear adds another threat for birds already confronting difficult environmental conditions.
From Monitoring to Rescue
Through our EYES® coastal monitoring and Rescue Crew, Wildlife Jewels searches for wildlife in distress, documents threats and responds when a bird can be safely reached.
Our Rescue Crew rescues birds we can safely access and transports them to permitted wildlife rehabilitation partners for professional care.
For birds that cannot be reached, documentation remains important. By recording where and when entanglements occur, the species involved, circumstances surrounding the cases and other field observations, we can build a clearer picture of the scale and patterns of seabird entanglement along the La Jolla coastline.
The Need for Collaborative Solutions
Rescue can help an individual bird, but rescue alone cannot address the conditions causing birds to become entangled.
We urgently need collaborative solutions to better protect La Jolla’s seabirds.
Wildlife Jewels will continue monitoring the coastline, documenting entanglement cases, responding to wildlife in distress when possible, and sharing observations that can help inform conversations about prevention and protection.
The goal is not only to respond after a bird becomes entangled, but to better understand what is happening and help identify effective ways to reduce these preventable injuries.
Read the La Jolla Light Coverage
The La Jolla Light reported on Wildlife Jewels' documentation of the seabird entanglement problem in August 2026.
Read the full La Jolla Light story:
Seabird entanglements on the rise in La Jolla, bird advocate says
See an Injured or Entangled Bird?
If you see an injured or entangled bird, please report it as soon as possible and continue to keep the bird in sight if you can do so safely.
Report wildlife: HERE
Your report can help responders locate the animal before it moves or disappears from view.
Every bird matters. 💙
Support our Rescue Crew HERE
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew found and responded to a Brandt’s Cormorant in distress during a Search Scout survey in La Jolla, helping the bird reach emergency veterinary care.
Help Wildlife in Distress
Wildlife Jewels works along the Southern California coast to search for and identify wildlife in distress, document human-caused threats, respond to wildlife emergencies within the scope of our Rescue Program, and transport rescued birds to licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities for professional care.
Your support helps provide rescue equipment, field supplies, transportation, and other resources needed for this work.
Wildlife Jewels In The News
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Cormorant Rescued at Point La Jolla by Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew rescues a distressed cormorant from below the wall at Point La Jolla and transports the bird for emergency wildlife veterinary care.
Distressed Brandt’s Cormorant rescued by the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew, Point La Jolla, CA September 26, 2026
© Wildlife Jewels/ Azi Sharif
From Search to Rescue: A Second Chance 💙
RESCUED ❤️🩹
Yesterday, Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew was at Point La Jolla monitoring a previously located entangled cormorant and waiting to see if he moved into a position where he could be safely reached for rescue. While we were there, we were alerted to another cormorant nearby who was in distress.
He was extremely lethargic, had a noticeably drooping wing, and was approximately five feet below the wall in a difficult-to-reach location. We had recently added a new rescue net to our equipment specifically for challenging, hard-to-reach rescues like this one. Using the net, we were able to reach and contain him from over the wall and immediately transfer him into a secure carrier for transport to emergency wildlife veterinary care.
We’re wishing this precious bird a full recovery. ❤️
It has been a devastating year for California’s seabirds. Earlier this year, CDFW identified starvation as the primary cause of increased seabird mortality, with nearly all of the birds examined being young and emaciated. Brandt’s Cormorants, Common Murres, and Brown Pelicans have been among the species affected.
Our field observations are beginning to show another concerning increase in distressed and deceased cormorants along our coastline. We’re continuing to monitor closely, search for birds in distress, and respond when they need help.
Having the right rescue equipment made this response possible. 💚
As our Rescue Crew grows, your support helps us obtain rescue nets, carriers, protective equipment, and other essential supplies so we can be ready when wildlife needs us.
Please consider supporting Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew and helping us equip our growing team to give more birds in distress a chance. ❤️🩹
Support our Rescue Crew HERE
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew found and responded to a Brandt’s Cormorant in distress during a Search Scout survey in La Jolla, helping the bird reach emergency veterinary care.
Help Wildlife in Distress
Wildlife Jewels works along the Southern California coast to search for and identify wildlife in distress, document human-caused threats, respond to wildlife emergencies within the scope of our Rescue Program, and transport rescued birds to licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities for professional care.
Your support helps provide rescue equipment, field supplies, transportation, and other resources needed for this work.
Wildlife Jewels In The News
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
From Search to Rescue: Pelagic Cormorant Gets a Second Chance in La Jolla
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew found and responded to a Pelagic Cormorant in distress during a Search Scout survey in La Jolla, helping the bird reach emergency veterinary care.
Distressed Pelagic Cormorant rescued by the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew, La Jolla CA September 23, 2026
From Search to Rescue: A Second Chance 💙
A precious Pelagic Cormorant in distress was rescued in La Jolla yesterday. 💜💎
Our Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew was actively searching the coastline for injured and distressed wildlife when our Search Scout found this cormorant in need.
Our Rescue Crew immediately responded. The bird was closely monitored and guarded near the water’s edge while rescue was carried out, then safely contained and transported for emergency veterinary care.
This is why we search. Wildlife in distress can easily go unnoticed, and finding an animal in need at the right time can mean the difference between being left without help and getting a second chance.
We’re so grateful we found this precious cormorant and helped get her safely to care. 💙
When wildlife is injured or in distress, every second can matter.
Our Rescue Crew continues searching La Jolla and other coastal areas for injured, entangled, and distressed wildlife—because every animal found is an opportunity to help.
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew found and responded to a Pelagic Cormorant in distress during a Search Scout survey in La Jolla, helping the bird reach emergency veterinary care.
Help Wildlife in Distress
Wildlife Jewels works along the Southern California coast to search for and identify wildlife in distress, document human-caused threats, respond to wildlife emergencies within the scope of our Rescue Program, and transport rescued birds to licensed wildlife rehabilitation facilities for professional care.
Your support helps provide rescue equipment, field supplies, transportation, and other resources needed for this work.
Wildlife Jewels In The News
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Devastating Rise in Distressed Seabirds and Entangled Pelicans Along the Coast
Devastating Rise in Distressed Seabirds and Entangled Pelicans Along the Coast.
Injured Entangled California Brown Pelican La Jolla Cove, CA May 31, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels / Azi Sharif
🚨Seabirds need your help.
Over the past three months, Wildlife Jewels has spent countless hours monitoring and searching local beaches as a devastating rise in deceased and distressed seabirds has unfolded along our coast.
As starvation, injuries, fishing-line entanglements, and other emergencies have increased, our team has been searching beaches, documenting cases, reporting distressed wildlife, and helping support response efforts.
More recently, we have seen a devastating rise in entangled pelicans and cormorants along the La Jolla coastline. In just the past week alone, we documented nearly two dozen entangled birds between Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove.
These recent cases, along with years of witnessing coastal wildlife emergencies, are why the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew was created — to help search for, report, and support response efforts for injured, entangled, and distressed coastal wildlife.
As we prepare for the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew ribbon cutting ceremony next week, we’ll be sharing some of the wildlife emergencies and response efforts that inspired this program.
We invite you to join us for the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Learn more and RSVP HERE:
To report distressed, injured, entangled, or deceased coastal wildlife in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Your reports help Wildlife Jewels monitor coastal wildlife, document trends, and support emergency response coordination when possible.
For general emergency and harassment reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
California Brown Pelican Safely Rescued Through Coordinated Response
A California Brown Pelican in distress at San Marcos High School was safely rescued through coordinated efforts between Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew, San Diego Humane Society, and SeaWorld Rescue.
Distressed Brown Pelican, CA May 13, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels
A precious California Brown Pelican is now safely in care thanks to quick reporting, trained volunteer response, and coordinated rescue support. 🩶🪶
After a Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew volunteer reported a Pelican in distress at San Marcos High School, she was joined by another trained volunteer to monitor and guard the bird until San Diego Humane Society arrived to safely capture and crate the pelican.
The pelican was then transported by our Rescue Crew and transferred to SeaWorld Rescue for expert care and rehabilitation.
Every report matters, every response matters, every second matters, and every life matters.
See wildlife in distress? Report it. Help wildlife get help.
wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
For Immediate emergency reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
🚨 Cormorants need your help
🚨 Cormorants need your help
Distressed Cormorants Solana Beach, CA March 17, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels
🚨Cormorants need your help.
An alarming number of cormorants have been found distressed along the coast, and other seabirds are being affected as well.
Over the last two weeks, Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew search scouts have been out along the coastline searching for distressed birds and supporting rescue coordination.
If you see a cormorant that appears weak, grounded, injured, disoriented, unable to fly, or otherwise out of place, please report it right away.
To report distressed, injured, entangled, or deceased coastal wildlife in San Diego or Orange County, visit: wildlifejewels.org/report-wildlife
Your reports help Wildlife Jewels monitor coastal wildlife, document trends, and support emergency response coordination when possible.
To learn how you can help Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew save wildlife, visit:
https://www.wildlifejewels.org/wildlife-jewels-rescue-crew
For Immediate emergency reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
🚨 California Brown Pelicans need your help
🚨 California Brown Pelicans need your help
California Brown Pelicans need your help. A concerning number have recently been found distressed along our coast, and other seabirds, including cormorants, are affected as well.
California Brown Pelican Rescued at Solana Beach March 19, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels
🚨 California Brown Pelicans need your help. A concerning number have recently been found distressed along our coast, and other seabirds, including cormorants, are affected as well. These photos were taken at Fletcher Cove Beach, where a distressed pelican was found, San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife was contacted, and we remained nearby until their team arrived.
If you see a pelican or other seabird that appears weak, grounded, injured, disoriented, or otherwise in distress, please contact a local wildlife responder.
For San Diego wildlife rescue contacts and reporting options, visit:
📧 Rescue@WildlifeJewels.org
For Immediate emergency reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
EYES Spotlight: Two Entangled Brandt’s Cormorants Spotted at La Jolla Cove
🚨 ENTANGLED WILDLIFE ALERT — La Jolla Cove 🚨
During our recent EYES wildlife monitoring at La Jolla Cove, we documented two entangled Brandt’s cormorants within ~2 feet of each other—including clearly visible rope/line. 💔
Entangled Cormorant La Jolla Cove, CA Feb 2, 2026 © Wildlife Jewels
EYES Spotlight
🚨 ENTANGLED WILDLIFE ALERT — La Jolla Cove 🚨
During our recent EYES™ wildlife monitoring at La Jolla Cove, we documented two entangled Brandt’s cormorants within ~2 feet of each other—with clearly visible rope/line. 💔
If you see either bird, please help by sending:
📍 Exact location (cove/beach + nearest landmark)
⏰ Time seen
📷 Photo/video (wide shot + zoomed in, from a safe distance)
✅ Please note which bird you saw: Bird A (rope) or Bird B (line)
📧 Rescue@WildlifeJewels.org
For Immediate emergency reporting see our Rescue Resources for San Diego County HERE.
Join EYES and help us keep watch—documenting threats like entanglement and reporting injured wildlife responsibly.
Join the Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew to support next steps when needed, including tracking cases and helping connect wildlife to authorized care.
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
Rescue Crew training at La Jolla Shores, Jan 8 2026
💙 Now Live: Wildlife Jewels Rescue Support La Jolla Group!
We’ve launched a neighborhood group for the La Jolla community to share local wildlife rescue resources and guidance specific to our coastline.
If you come across wildlife that may be injured, entangled, orphaned, or in distress and aren’t sure what to do, this group helps connect reports to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and appropriate resources—plus simple tips to recognize signs of distress and what to do next.
👉 Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lajollawildliferescuesupport
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Rescue Crew in Action: Training to Save Coastal Birds
Last week, Wildlife Jewels hosted a hands-on Rescue Crew training in La Jolla focused on coastal birds. Using props, we practiced responsible response skills—how to recognize signs of distress, coordinate safely, and support bird rescue when professional help is needed.
Rescue Crew training at La Jolla Shores, Jan 8 2026
Wildlife Jewels Rescue Crew: La Jolla Shores Prop Training
Last week, Wildlife Jewels hosted a hands-on Rescue Crew training in La Jolla focused on coastal birds. Using props, we practiced responsible response skills—how to recognize signs of distress, coordinate safely, and support bird rescue when professional help is needed.
It was inspiring to see everyone who attended show up with such care, focus, and dedication to protecting our coastal wildlife. Special thanks to Joop Kuhn for leading the training!
If you’re passionate about helping save birds and interested in joining our Rescue Crew, we’d love to hear from you. Training is required, and participation is by approval as we expand the pilot.
🔗 Apply via the Rescue Crew Interest Form
Every wildlife is precious — and knowing what to do can help save lives.
Cormorant rescued at La Jolla Tide pools on Wednesday January 7.
Join us and together let’s work to ensure safety of our precious wildlife!
Wildlife Jewels continues to document seabird entanglements in La Jolla, particularly at Point La Jolla, as birds face fishing gear and other pressures.