SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- One group is calling for change after three sea lion pups were recently found dead at La Jolla Cove.
On Sunday, Sierra Club Seal Society volunteers were at La Jolla Cove educating the public to view sea lions from a safe distance.
Three sea lion pups, only a few weeks old, have been found dead in La Jolla Cove in the last six days. Out of nine pups born in the Cove so far, only three remain at last count.
"We have sea lions who give birth here every year, so we try to educate people and encourage people to view these animals safely," said Carol Toye, volunteer with Sierra Club Seal Society.
One dead pup was found Saturday on the Cove public beach, partly buried in the sand with a large lobster carcass on its head.
"We know that there is some mortality in the first months, but here going from nine to two or three is very unusual," said Toye.
The Sierra Club San Diego and Sierra Club Seal Society are now calling on San Diego Parks and Recreation Department to take immediate steps to protect newborn sea lion pups in La Jolla Cove and to ensure that the public are kept at safe distances.