Biologists say the odor is an unfortunate consequence of a big positive: Environmental protections put in place over the past few decades have brought back the cormorants and brown pelicans that nearly went extinct in the 1970s due to the pesticide DDT, as well as the seals and sea lions which, although never endangered, were depleted in number.
— Sometimes, La Jolla smells. Read more at RETURN OF THE COVE STENCH: Annual La Jolla animal-poop odor bad, though not worst ever at La Jolla Light.
If I could afford to reside in the La Jolla area..I would gladly deal with stinky seal:).
I gotta say, the smell is pretty intense…it will make your eyes water. But yeah, if you could afford to live there, it would be the least of your worries.