University of Central Florida College of Engineer and

University of Central Florida College of Engineer and Computer Science ESI 6551 C – Systems Engineering Approach to the Sea Lion Problem 21 November 2014 Dr. Christina Bouwens Graduate Scholar / Adjunct Instructor

A Complex Problem San Diego Sea Lion Problem 2

Fall Semester 2014 Projects • Develop a Problem Statement from the perspective of one of the stakeholders in the Sea Lion problem. • Develop a Causal Loop Diagram (System Dynamics) to show the aspects of the Sea Lion problem from the perspective of your selected stakeholder.

How can we define the problem? • The 5 ‘W’s approach: – Who does the problem affect? – What are the boundaries of the problem? What is the issue? What is the impact of the issue? What is the impact causing? What will happen when it is fixed? What would happen if we didn’t solve the problem? – When does the issue occur? When does it need to be fixed? – Where is the issue occurring? (locations, processes, products) – Why is it important to fix the problem? What impact does it have on all the stakeholders? 4

Who is affected: Stakeholders • Stakeholder – anyone who may have a relationship with the situation – direct or indirect. – – – – – Residents Visitors / tourists Environmentalists Sea Lions Seals Fish Swimmers Preservationists Merchants: • Kayak companies, t-shirt sellers, hotel operators, restaurants, tour buses, cruise ships – Mayor & City Council – Researchers – Etc. 5

Stakeholder concerns The influx of sea lions in the La Jolla area is causing environmental problems leading to political, economic, policy, business, culture and environment conflicts. • Hotels, Restaurants – too noisy and smelly • Sea Lions – bothered by people, fighting for limited food • Tourists – trying to get access to the sea lions on the cliffs or by kayak or even swimming • Politicians – lawsuit by hotel and restaurants against city, potential lawsuits if people are injured by the sea lions • Residents – smelly, dirty (health risk? ) • Preservationists – Organizations including Sea World ® rescuing sea lions and want humane treatment 6

The “What” • The issue – The smell – The Sea Lions presence – Losing customers (or gaining customers) • Impact – Lost business – Lawsuit / tax impact • What will happen if fixed? 7

The “When” • • Occurred when the sea lions moved in When the sea lions are up on the rocks When people are not nearby When to be fixed? Not clear… 8

How might we write a problem statement for the Sea Lion Problem? • Homework Assignment – Work within your new groups on the Discussion Board – Select three stakeholders from the stakeholder list – Write a problem statement from the perspective of your three stakeholders – Select one person from your group to post to the main Discussion topic the three stakeholder perspectives 9

Sea Lion Group 11 - EMT • Problem Statement 3: (EMTs) The EMTs are responsible for tourists who are attacked by sea lions or who hurt themselves while falling on the rocks to get a closer look. The sea lions also attract sharks to the area which increases the risk of swimmers, surfers, and kayakers being injured by sharks. While the EMTs are employed to save lives, they are unable to limit the risks that tourists are willing to take to get close to the sea lions. If the sea lions were to draw more tourists to the area, the EMTs may be overwhelmed with incidents. This would force the hiring of more EMTs so that all incidents could be handled. If the City Council were to limit the public’s access to the rocky area that the sea lions currently inhabit, the EMTs services could be limited to rare incidents such as those that involve shark attacks and disobedient tourists who venture onto the rocks at their own risk.

Sea Lion Group 11 - Lifeguards • Problem Statement 1: (Lifeguards) Lifeguards are responsible for saving the lives of swimmers and/or bystanders who may fall on the rocks. Swimmers in the area are in danger of being attacked by sea lions or any other creatures who may be attracted to the area due to the increase in sea lion population. Tourists in the area who may be interested in getting closer to the sea lions may slip and fall in the rocks or the water causing them to receive injuries as well. The lifeguards must be prepared to save those in danger any time there are swimmers in the water near the sea lions or tourists close to the rocks. Although the lifeguards have adapted to the current level of sea lion (and sea lion attacks) in the area, the problem may become unmanageable if the aggressions increase. The issue could be decreased by reducing the sea lion population in the area.

Sea Lion Group 5 – Hotel Owners • Problem Statement 2 (Hotel Owners Perspective) - Local hotel owners take pride in the hospitality services provided for their guests. The owners believe in creating a memorable experience for all guests that is uninhibited by the foul odor of the growing sea lion population. However, hotel owners in the beach of San Diego are unable to satisfy this vision, and as a result, are suffering from a loss of profit due to the bothersome odor produced by the sea lions, which drives tourists away from the area. Due to the bothersome odor, tourists staying in local hotels are shortening their stay, cancelling their visits before coming, and many do not return. This results in a significant decline in the local hotel profits.

Sea Lion Group 12 – Sea Lion • Problem Statement 1 (Sea Lion): Since sea lion populations and habitat at La Jolla are at the center of this issue, they are certainly a major stakeholder in the resolution of this issue. The sea lion population at La Jolla is currently acting to maximize is potential for survival within the current environment. Current conditions at La Jolla present the best option for meeting sea lion needs: 1. Abundant food supply. 2. Limited competition for food proportional to supply. 3. Reduced predator threat. An ideal solution results in essentially no change in the sea lion population levels in the La Jolla region, while significantly reducing or eliminating the sea lion population at La Jolla. Achieving this requires an adjustment in at least one of the three attributes above either at La Jolla or at a nearby location. These changes must be large enough to motivate a change in habitat by the sea lion population.

Sea Lion Group 12 - Restaurants • Problem Statement 2 (Restaurants): While Sea Lions make a good attraction to the beach, the overwhelming bad odor from their excretion, deters locals from visiting the restaurants at La Jolla. Restaurants at the Cove are losing money as the tourist that come to sea lions go inland to eat because of the bad odor of sea lion excrement. This results in loss of tens of thousands of dollars every year in restaurant business. The city of San Diego has neither cleaned this area nor found a consistent and comprehensive solution in two years.

Sea Lion Group 11 - Restaurants • Problem Statement 2: (Restaurants) The financial well-being of the restaurants around the La Jolla Cove is directly related to the population of the sea lions. The restaurant owners use the sea lions as a way to entice tourists to come to their establishment rather than choosing other restaurants in the local area. If the sea lion population is reduced, there may be a loss of business from the many tourists who come from all over to La Jolla Cove. When people are on vacation to coastal areas, they enjoy being outdoors as much as possible. Reducing the sea lions will take away that appeal that restaurants have to offer outdoor seating for tourists. It is important to ensure the sea lion population thrives in order to ensure economic growth and stability for La Jolla Cove. The less there is interest for tourists to stay and eat at the restaurants near the cove, the more tourists will be less willing to consider dining at these specific establishments.

Sea Lion Group 5 – Restaurant Owner • Problem Statement 3 (Restaurant Owners Perspective) - Restaurant owners at La Jolla Cove envision their guests enjoying a dining experience that appeals to all five senses. However, one sense in particular is now driving guests away. Due to the large influx in the sea lion population around the cove, the stench permeating from sea lion feces has grown worst in the past year and has become so bad that guests can no longer enjoy a nice meal on the cove. Several guests are complaining about the non-appetizing smell and many have abruptly left before being served. Profits are on the decline and many restaurant owners are afraid of going out of business. Years ago, the sea lions actually promoted business as vacationers enjoyed watching them on the rocks but this blessing has swiftly become a curse. The sea lion population has grown too large and must be reduced through non-lethal measures.

Sea Lion Group 1 – Swimmers, Surfers and Fishermen • Problem Statement 2 (Swimmers, Surfers, and Fishermen) The constant increase in the sea lion population has brought several threats to swimmers, surfers, and fishermen in the cove. The presence of these animals presents not only a health hazard, due to the large amount of sea lion bodily waste in the area, but also represents a direct physical threat to humans. The increase in sea lion population positively correlates with the increase in the number of sharks in the area, since it is a common predator of sea lions. These sharks often mistake swimmers and surfers with sea lions, triggering them to misguidedly attack humans. The number of attacks by sea lions have also increased. The sea lion population must be controlled in order to improve human safety.

Sea Lion Group 2 - Tourists • Problem Statement 3 (another stakeholder perspective): Tourists would like to stay in La Jolla Cove to see the local wildlife living in the coastal rocks. They would like to enjoy nearby shopping, dining, and recreation during their stays. The increase in sea lion population in La Jolla Cove has made the air odor quality unbearable. Now tourists must vacation in cities further away from La Jolla Cove and commute to see the wildlife. Decreasing the sea lion population will improve the air odor quality and make staying in La Jolla Cove pleasant once

Sea Lion Group 9 (Mayor) • • The Presence of Sea Lions at La Jolla Cove has presented a dilemma for the Public. Sea Lions attracts visitors but their externalities such as stench and noise have caused issues of public interest. Leaders of the community must act to resolve the issue as soon as possible. There are varying stakeholders with varying interests, with respect to this complicated problem. The city management, must develop a solution to address the interests of local residents, tourists, and businesses (among others). As the Mayor and head of the local municipality, a weigh in on the issue is vital, and the ultimate responsibility for a solution is borne by the municipality. On one hand, the presence of Sea Lions supports the tourism industry by attracting visitors such as tourists and cruise ships. These visitors help boost the economy and bring additional funds to the Cove from out of town. On the other hand, local residents and tax payers would rather not deal with the sea lions, as they present long term adverse health affects. Also, a solution may be costly, and tax payers do not want to fund this via a tax hike. Further complicating the issue are the various businesses in the region, which have a very delicate relationship with the scenario. The sea lions attract visitors, however, their noise and stench either drive them away or limit the amount of time that they choose to stay. The businesses, may very well personify the complexity of the issue. An effective resolution to this issue, by the Mayors office, could result in increased public approval and ultimately more votes in future elections. An ineffective handling of the situation could result in the opposite effect. Any potential solution to the issue must be swift, sustain the tourism industry while keeping costs borne by local tax payers to a minimum. The most balanced solution must be sought out, however the feasibility of such a balanced solution, which will please all stakeholders, is separate matter.

Sea Lion Group 1 - Residents • Problem Statement 1 (Residents) Local residents want to live in an environment that is healthy and whose property value is not negatively impacted by tourism. The increasing sea lion population heightens the risk of long-term health hazards developing as a result of air-born disease and contamination of the water supply as a result of feces and death. In addition to health concerns, an increase in tourism- if not managed well by the city- negatively impacts the home property value of the residents. A well-organized plan by the city of how to monitor the health impacts of the sea lion population, and of how to manage tourism growth effectively, would address these issues.

Sea Lion Group 8 - Residents • Problem Statement 3 (La Jolla Residents): The number of sea lions in La Jolla Cove has increased to over 300 in the recent years. This poses several problems for the locals. The sea lions' fecal waste creates a foul smell in the area, which is unpleasant while jogging and biking in the area. And to eliminate this problem the county has increased its maintenance and cleaning activities of the cove. Unfortunately, this has increased the taxes and fees incurred by the local residents. Aside from jogging and biking restrictions caused by the odor, the residents fear swimming and kayaking near the cove as well. The sea lions are a source of food for sharks and have attracted more to the area increasing the reported shark attacks. The removal and relocation of the sea lions would resolve these problems for the residents.

The Importance of Systems Thinking • In today’s complex environment, traditional systems engineering methods are not enough to understand the systems we are developing • Understanding the emergent behaviors of systems is critical for system development – The result can be exactly as planned…. . or devastating wrong

System Thinking Systems thinking is about considering the world and its components as complex systems that are capable of being investigated by applying system tools and processes. 23

Patterns of Behavior • Our experience has demonstrated that there are certain patterns of behaviors found in system performance – Patterns help us to identify potential problems along with tried solutions – Patterns lead to the heuristics found in our text book – Patterns are good! 24

Four Characteristic Patterns of System Behavior Figure 1. 2, Introduction to System Dynamics, Craig Kirkwood, ASU 25

Feedback and Causal Loop – Filling a glass of water • • Get a glass Fill it with water Done! This is a linear view – but really, this is a LOOP when you look closely at what you are really doing 26

Causal Loop Example: Filling a Glass of Water • Elements – – Faucet position Water flow Water level Desired water level • Causal links - arrows – Faucet position increases or decreases water flow – Water flow increases or decreases water level – Water level reduces the gap from achieving the goal of the desired water level – As the gap to our goal is closed, the faucet position may need to be adjusted 27

Causal Loop Diagram Review 28

Causal Loops • Causal link from one element A to another element B is positive if: – A adds to B or – a change in A produces a change in B in the same direction – May use “s” instead of “+” (for “same”) • It is negative if: – A subtracts from B or – a change in A produces a change in B in the opposite direction – May use “o” instead of “-” for opposite 29

Causal Loops • The complete loop also has a sign: – Positive loops are indicated with a ‘+’ sign in parenthesis. May also be indicated with an ‘R’ for reinforcing loop – Positive loops have an even number of negative causal links – Negative loops are indicated with a ‘-’ sign in parenthesis (or with a ‘B’ for balancing loop). – Negative loops have an odd number of negative causal links – The looping arrow around the sign highlights that the ‘-’ refers to that loop • Here we have a single feedback loop with 1 negative sign. Since that is an odd number this is a negative loop. 30

Positive (reinforcing) Feedback Loop: Growth of Bank Balance 31

Negative (Balancing) Feedback Loop: Regulating an Electric Blanket 32

Negative Feedback Loop with Delay: Service Quality 33

Combination of Positive and Negative Loops 34

System Archetypes • Patterns of behaviors often found in systems: – – – – – Limits to Growth Fixes that Fail Shifting the Burden Eroding Goals (Drifting Goals) Growth and Underinvestment Success to the Successful Accidental Adversaries Escalation Tragedy of the Commons Attractiveness Principle 35

Example of Fixes that Fail: Road Congestion • Vehicle increase leads to traffic increase • Creates a congestion gap • More roads are built to relieve congestion • More people use the roads increasing the congestion From http: //www. systems-thinking. org/arch. htm#archls 36

Example of Tragedy of the Commons: If It’s Free I Want All I Can Get • Two departments competing for MIS resources • As MIS contributes to department success, the department uses more of the resource • Total resources requested exceeds available resources resulting in delayed support • Departments counting on support experience decreased results From http: //www. systems-thinking. org/arch. htm#archls 37

Example of Accidental Adversaries: Employee / Company Relationship • Employee/Company Relationship – Employees engage in various activities to promote their own success – Company focuses on growth 38

Developing a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) • • Casual Loop Diagram Intro (1 of 2) Causal Loop Diagram Loops & Loops (2 of 2) Chapter 1: Introduction to System Dynamics Vensim PLE software (free): http: //vensim. com/vensimpersonal-learning-edition/#return-to-software Homework: Review the material above on developing CLDs. Use the problem statement you developed for the Sea Lion Assignment (your individual contribution) and develop a CLD around your selected stakeholder. 39

CLD Assignment Guidelines • Review the videos, the chapter and any other materials you like. • Use your stakeholder problem statement as the basis to develop a CLD – can be hand drawn or created using a tool (Vensim PLE is free – read the agreement to get download info). • You may use your Sea Lion group to peer review your diagram (not required). – Final version due Friday, November 7 th 40

EMT View

Hotel and Restaurant Owners

Lifeguards

City Council

Merchants

Kayak Tour Company

Sea Lions

Fish View

Conclusions • The UCF Systems Engineering class has started capturing some of the SE aspects of the problem – First by stating the problem – Second by capturing some of the dynamics • Next step is to use the inputs to refine and develop a clear problem statement • Use the CLDs as a starting point for modeling the dynamics of the environment • Import the CLDs into a simulation environment, Any. Logic, to develop a simulation of the situation – Test out the simulation – Use it to communicate to key stakeholders

BACKUP

Sea Lion Group 5 - EMT • Problem Statement 1 (EMT Perspective) - Emergency Medical Technicians Department (EMT) is committed to serve the community with the highest level of rescue services, hazard prevention and safety education ensuring the protection of life, property and surrounding environment. The number of incoming emergency calls reported due to sea lion attacks has increased dramatically in the past year and has introduced a conundrum. Due to the high volume of attacks, the workload of the EMT has significantly increased. This has created a financial constrain on the EMT department and has resulted in the need for a budget increase in order to pay for overtime and new hires. The lack of an appropriate budget and personnel could cause the EMT Crews to not adequately respond in a timely manner to rescue injured people. This impact is not only going to affect the victims of the sea lion attacks, but also others who call the 911 emergency phone line to seek assistance. Public awareness about sea lion attacks and a reduction of the sea lion population would help resolve this issue.

Sea Lion Group 6 - EMT • Problem Statement 1 (EMT's) : EMT's are left responsible for aiding those injured around the cliffs and with an increase of incidents, there could be a decrease of the supply of emergency resources. EMT's are frequently set out to tend to the public who get injured on the cliffs trying to get close to the sea lions and if the issue is not resolved, the public will remain at risk

Sea Lion Group 9 (Lifeguard) • • • La Jolla Cove has been a popular destination and hangout spot for locals, tourists, beachgoers and patrons of local businesses. The city of San Diego employs close to 300 lifeguards who are responsible for overseeing almost 24 miles of the California coastline including La Jolla Cove. (Who/Where) Sea lions are a common site in La Jolla, gathering on the rocks and the beach, and have become a major attraction for visitors to the area. In the past decade however, the number of incidents between wildlife and people have more frequent and their nature has become increasingly bolder and caused some concern for visitor safety. Swimmers and beachgoers have reported being bit and attacked, both while swimming and on shore. The rocky terrain around the cove has also become a concern, as more and more visitors injure themselves while trying to navigate over them. The increasing number of incidents and injuries is most likely due to the close proximity and interaction between visitors and the territorial sea lions. Complicating the issue, is that more and more visitors are feeding the wildlife, which has attracted and caused bolder behavior by the sea lions. (What/why) When incidents like this occur, the most we are able to do is to help any visitor in distress, provide treatment for any injuries, and try our best to distance the crowds from the wildlife. While the number of visitors to La Jolla increases, the number of wildlifehuman incidents will also increase unless some measures are taken, soon. (when)

Sea Lion Group 8 – Hotel Owners • Problem Statement 2 (Hotel Owners): La Jolla Hotel proprietors face financial instability--as much as a twenty-five percent (25%) annual decrease-attributed to the increasing sea lion population. Up to as many as 300 sea lions in just a few years, the overpowering smell has produced vomiting and illness in some visitors, prompting many to leave minutes after checking in, sparking hotel owners to reflect little confidence in local officials' ability to curb the growing health epidemic affecting their businesses. Hoteliers have attempted communication with city officials in the past, including inviting incumbent councilwoman Sherri Lightner to lunch and a tour of the Cove area, only to find their invitations unfulfilled and their frustrations unheard. Hoteliers are willing to work with city officials directly to find a solution that benefits all parties, but contend that indecisive actions on behalf of the city about the odor in La Jolla is not conducive to the hospitality business that supports their livelihoods.

Sea Lion Group 2 – Hotel Owner • Problem Statement 2 (Hotel Owner's Perspective): Hotels near La Jolla Cove have been losing business due to the overwhelming stench of sea lion excrement that has accumulated on the rocks of the cove. Many travelers are either avoiding hotels near the cove or are leaving the hotels prematurely because of this nuisance smell. Reduction the number of seals that congregate on the rocks or removal of the feces would lessen the smell, make the area more enjoyable for travelers, and restore business to nearby hotels.

Sea Lion Group 10 – Hotel Owner • My hotel has been in the La Jolla Cove area for 10 years and has performed at a 25% revenue up until 2 years ago. It was around this time that the fence was installed which controlled individuals from climbing the rocks but also allowed the sea lions to move farther onto the land. Since the installation of the new fence, the number of sea lions making their way onto the land has increased exponentially and, in turn, the amount of excrement and associated stench has also increased. Guests of my hotel continually complain about the stench and that they will not be returning because of it. Due to the decrease in the number of guest coming to my hotel, I have been forced to lay off workers and close portions of the hotel, thus reducing my overall revenue. A reduction in the overall sea lion population in the La Jolle Cove would allow for increased employment and greater prosperity for all of the hotels in the area.

Sea Lion Group 6 – Hotel Employees • Problem Statement 2 (Hotel employees): Hotels where sea lions have been found in the lobbies run additional risks of injury, as they are ill prepared to deal with such issues. Hotel employees are not generally trained for wild life issues, but hotel guests will expect employees to deal with these issues nonetheless. This leads to increased liability to the hotel owner's employees as well as loss of business from hotel guests who would be afraid to stay in the hotel.

Sea Lion Group 4 – Sea World • Problem Statement #1 (Sea World Theme Park): Sea World has invested in a program to rescue sick sea lions off the coast of La Jolla and nurse them back to health. Guest attendance is projected to increase XX% during the next fiscal year as a result of this new program. The removal of the sea lions from La Jolla beach will result in the end of the rescue program and thus the loss of projected profit increases from higher guest attendance and the loss of XX number of jobs from those supporting the rescue program.

Sea Lion Group 6 - Preservationists • Problem statement 3 (Preservationists): The preservationists want to ensure that the sea lions habitat is not unnecessarily disturbed. As is seen time and time again the mixing of humans and animals tends to cause conflict. The sea lions have no voice in this situation, which is why the preservations see the need to stand up for the rights of the animals in this case. The sea lions need both protection and space to safely coexist with the local human population. Any potential change to the status quo will undoubtedly directly affect the sea lions and those effects should be considered carefully.

Sea Lion Group 3 – Sea Lions • • Problem Statement 3 (Sea lions perspective): The city of La Jolla, CA presents a great population of sea lions. They have been inculpated of potential risk of attack to the city's visitors. Currently there is protective rope line that the City placed during pupping season which starts around May 15 and may take a period of 4 -7 weeks to wean from their moms. During this time, visitors need to be especially cautious when viewing the sea lions. It is harmful to disturb the animals even after they are weaned because they are still learning to fish and provide for themselves, and are also sometimes susceptible to malnourishment. Visitors must obey suggested locations to view the seals and move slowly keeping voices down maintaining a minimum distance of 50 feet away from them.

Sea Lion Group 2 - Seals • Problem Statement 1 (Seal Perspective): The seals of La Jolla Cove do not want to be forced from their home, where they have quietly lived for many years. The influx of sea lions to La Jolla Cove has created confusion amongst both residents and business owners, due to the similar appearance of the two animals. They have called for action against all pinnipeds in the area. Sea lions are aggressive, noisy, and are responsible for a foul odor that has been violating the area recently. Taking action against only the sea lions will prove that the seals are not to blame, and will allow La Jolla Cove to return to its former, peaceful state.

Sea Lion Group 4 - Restaurants • Problem Statement #2 (Restaurants): Restaurant customers are coming to the cost of La Jolla to enjoy a spectacular dinner outside overlooking the sea lions. The number of guests projected to be served on a given night is to increase by XX% over the next several months. The removal of the sea lions will draw away customers causing smaller restaurants to go out of business. Leaving the sea lion population alone will reduce the chance of restaurants going out of business.

Sea Lion Group 8 - Swimmers • Problem Statement 1 (Swimmers): La Jolla residents who enjoy swimming in the cove have increasingly felt threatened and afraid of swimming due to the growing sea lion presence. The sea lions have become increasingly aggressive and territorial, often charging at beachgoers, blocking people who want to enter the water, and biting swimmers and tearing through wetsuits. The high levels of sea lion feces has also resulted in high levels of bacteria enterococcus in the water: 164 bacteria per 100 m. L, 60 over the state regulation of 104. Many swimmers have reported ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and vomiting, likely caused by the feces and bacteria in the water. Because sea lions are prey for sharks, swimmers also fear being mistaken for a sea lion and bitten as more sharks come to feed on the large sea lion population. Swimmers are simply looking for a safe and clean place to swim like they have in the Cove for decades, and humanely reducing the sea lion population in the Cove would go a long way to achieving that objective.

Sea Lion Group 9 (Swimmer) • • • As a triathlete you can’t win a competition only by swimming, but you definitely can lose it. Thus, you have to train a lot open water swimming. The La Jolla Cove could be the perfect place for all open water swimmers, whether professional athletes, “age grouper” or recreational swimmers, to train or just to relax. Unfortunately there are too many adverse impacts caused by the presence of sea lions. (who/where) At first the entryway to the water is made difficult by the sea lion colonies lying on the rocks. The next thing is the awful stench - not just only in the air, even in the water. Furthermore, the water is full of garbage from “sea lion tourists” and full of animal feces. Swimming itself is very dangerous because of the immense number of animals in the area drawn by the sea lions and a lot of swimmers are afraid of being attacked by them. Since the beginning of July, even sharks were seen. (what) In the last 4 weeks we decided to cancel our weekly open water swim workout 3 times because of the impacts caused by “the sea lion problem”. This problem is to be fixed as soon as possible. (when) As it is read in the newspaper, this problem affects a lot of other people here in the area, but this is just a swimmers perspective. (a little bit of why)

Sea Lion Group 4 – Swimmers/Surfers • Problem Statement #3 (Swimmers/Surfers): Swimmers and surfers want to continue swimming in this particular area of the coast due to its perfect condition. However, sharing this area of the coast with sea lions put the life of these athletes in jeopardy. In addition to the harmful waste of the sea lions, the possibility of shark attacks increased recently (due to ecosystem structures) and will get worse since the number of these inhabitants is rising. By increase in population of the sea lions, it is very likely that they scatter along the coast and live in different areas and expand their territory. Gradually, swimmers and surfers shall abandon their passion or will sacrifice their lives.

Sea Lion Group 3 – Swimmer • Problem Statement 1 (Swimmers perspective): The number of the sea lions that swimmers used to enjoy watching increased to as many as 300 at the La Jolla Cove, San Diego California. This caused Sea lions and sharks (attracted by the sea lions) attacks on the swimmers. The La Jolla Cove became unsafe for the swimmers who want to continue swimming there. Possible decrease in the population of sea lions to the normal count may help decreasing the probability of putting swimmers in jeopardy.

Sea Lion Group 7 - Tourist • Problem Statement 1 (Tourist): The increasing rate of seas lions over the past several months will attract Predators (like sharks) near La Jolla Cove. This impacts Tourist who like to swim or have fun in and around the waters. The increase in sharks can scare and lure the tourist away from the cove. This can financially affect the area over several months (activities such as renting jet skies, renting paddle boards, boating). A decrease in sea lion population can ease this problem.

Sea Lion Group 7 – Public Health Officials • Problem Statement 2 (Public Health Officials): New medical studies link the spread of the Tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases in populated areas with the sea mammal population in those same areas. It is found that these mammals spreads such diseases globally which might pose a high public health risk. Therefore, controlling the population of these mammals would lower the risk of spreading these highly infectious diseases.

Sea Lion Group 10 - Merchant • As a merchant in the La Jolla Cove area, my business has been impacted since the erection of the fence to keep people from climbing the rocks. With this, vast amount of tourist have been visiting the area to enjoy the gathering of Sea Lions. In the beginning, it brought an increase of business but like a double edge sword, the excrement left behind by the Sea Lions created a horrendous smell causing customers to turn away. Myself and other merchants are experiencing financial losses but on a lesser scale than the hotel owners. It has caused a group calling themselves Citizens for Odor Nuisance Abatement, led by George Hauer, owner of George’s At The Cove, to sued the city. Reducing the population of Sea Lion will increase profits for businesses in the area because tourist can still enjoy the congregation Sea Lion but with a decrease of the smell. . .

Sea Lion Group 3 –City Council • Problem Statement 2 (City Council perspective): La Jolla, CA city council has been dealing with potential for law suits from residents and businessmen, which might cost financial loss to the city council. The primary reasons for law suits were public health at stake and restaurant owners losing their customers because of foul smell coming from sea lions waste harboring in the cove area. The city council has also been worried about potential risk of attack on the visitors from the sea lions and non-compliance to the MMPA (Marine Mammal Protection Act) law by the visitors and residents if they cause harm to the sea lions. The risk of the law suits, smell issue and MMPA noncompliance would be addressed by public awareness for the city council’s steps taken towards issue.

Sea Lion Group 1 – City Council • Problem Statement 3 (City Council) The city council would like to come up with a solution to appease their constituents who live and work in the La Jolla area and the people who visit the area. People who live in the area are concerned about how the over population of sea lions has change the quality of life in the last 30 years. The stench, loud barking and the increase in sea lion attacks on swimmers have made the area less inviting for those residents. The hotels and restaurants owners say that their business is negatively impacted. They have filed complaints with the city and have threatened to sue. The city might have to provide a settlement for lost business or risk being replaced in the next election. The city council wants to make sure the correct laws are followed to manage or reduce the sea lion population.

Sea Lion Group 7 – Tax Payer • Problem Statement 3 (Tax Payer): The public will likely be unwilling to accept a higher tax deduction to finance the population control of the Sea Lions. However, financial support will be required to employ the proper resources to manage the population. If this financing does not come from corporate or private support, then the public will likely have to finance the effort. However, controlling the population could potentially make for a pleasant natural attraction, which would increase tourism and boost the local economy.

Sea Lion Group 12 - Residents • Problem Statement 3 (Residents): Residents in the area are impacted negatively by the increase in tourists due to the sea lion population. More people causes traffic, which not only impacts residents' way of life but increases the chances of car accidents. It's also harder for residents to feel comfortable in their own homes. The smell alone would cause anyone to move, but also it's difficult to feel secure due to the increase in the number of people constantly coming and going. Though it would be heinous to kill or endanger the lives of the sea lions, a solution that would protect the residents of the city, by monitoring the amount of tourists and controlling the smell, while preserving lives would be ideal.

Sea Lion Group 10 - Resident • Residents living around the La Jolla Cove area expect to live with no interruptions by sea lions and tourists. The influx of sea lions in the La Jolla area has caused an increase in pollution over the sea. The pollution is due to the excrement of the sea lions, which has been causing health problems. Additionally, as tourists come to this area to see the sea lions, it has been causing a large amount of noise and also heavy traffic on the roads. In addition, residents typically don’t like tourist facilities, such as attraction disturbing their life. A reduction in the sea lion population would help to solve these issues.