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Credit: Pray It No Photography, FlickrNot for the first time, fireworks displays at SeaWorld San Diego have recently come under intense scrutiny following growing allegations of environmental pollution associated with its extravagant shows.
These allegations aren’t entirely new for SeaWorld. The company has faced criticism over its operational practices, especially regarding animal welfare and environmental responsibilities over keeping killer whales in captivity in the wake of SeaWorld Orlando trainer Dawn Brancheau’s death.
Now, as accusations surface regarding the ecological toll of the fireworks, stakeholders are raising urgent concerns about the impact on Mission Bay and its ecosystem.
Environmental pollution claims hinge on reports asserting that the 150 fireworks shows SeaWorld San Diego hosts per year contribute to significant debris and toxins entering Mission Bay. Groups like San Diego Coastkeeper and the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (CERF) have voiced their concerns, suggesting that the fireworks may be harming both the environment and local wildlife.
Allegations of Environmental Pollution
Reports indicate that debris from the theme park’s fireworks displays includes a range of hazardous materials: plastic caps, wires, and chemical residues have all been observed floating in Mission Bay post-show.
The ecological consequences of these actions are troubling. Mission Bay serves as a recreational space for beachgoers and wildlife alike, and the addition of non-biodegradable waste presents potential risks to marine life. This region is an essential habitat for various species, and activists fear that the debris may disrupt food chains and the overall ecological balance.
“Our view is they are not allowed to use this bay as a dumping ground for their fireworks shows, and as basically a garbage dump for their poorly treated wastewater, which they’re [supposed] to treat,” said Phillip Musegaas, executive director of San Diego Coastkeeper (via NBC San Diego).
Environmental groups are united in their call for accountability. Earlier this year, The San Diego Audubon Society asked for SeaWorld San Diego’s fireworks license to be revoked through most of the breeding season due to an increase in bird deaths in the area.
The group requested that the California Coastal Commission revoke SeaWorld San Diego’s fireworks permit through most of the breeding season due to an increase in bird deaths in the area.
It claimed that a significant number of dead unborn, chick and adult elegant terns – a breed primarily found on the Pacific coast and defined as “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature – washed ashore at the Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve, a mere few days after SeaWorld San Diego and Discover Mission Bay detonated over 500 pounds of pyrotechnics for the Fourth of July.
Legal Action Initiated Against SeaWorld
As public pressure mounts, a formal legal response is in the pipeline. San Diego Coastkeeper and CERF have delivered a notice of intent to sue SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.
The notice outlines an array of violations under the Clean Water Act, accusing SeaWorld of unlawful discharges that compromise the bay’s water quality. Following procedural requirements, they have granted SeaWorld 60 days to respond before legal actions commence.
It claims that SeaWorld has repeatedly failed to comply with both its Fireworks Permit and its Waste Discharge Permit. As documented, the shows have resulted in excessive pollution, contradicting the company’s claims of promoting wildlife conservation.
Evidence of Violations Accumulated
Investigators have identified substantial amounts of fireworks debris littering the bay, ranging from sharp wires and shells to heavy metals like barium and copper. This pollution poses dangers not only to the aquatic environment but also to humans utilizing the bay for recreation.
SeaWorld has discharged hundreds of pounds of debris into Mission Bay in the past—sometimes in extremely short timeframes. In June 2024, SeaWorld reported doing so in less than a week from just four fireworks shows, as per the complainants.
just within a short span, compounding worries regarding the ongoing environmental impact of its fireworks shows.
Concerns surrounding the wildlife in Mission Bay have escalated, with reports indicating that the pollution may affect aquatic flora and fauna. The implications for local biodiversity and overall water quality are critical issues that advocates aim to spotlight in the upcoming legal proceedings.
Other Legal Drama for SeaWorld
Adding to SeaWorld’s current legal concerns, the company recently faced a separate lawsuit related to unpaid rent. The City of San Diego and SeaWorld were embroiled in legal drama after the Southern California park neglected to pay over $12.2 million in rent, late fees, and interest during COVID-19-related closures.
The case was settled earlier this month, with SeaWorld agreeing to pay $8.5 million to the city and provide complimentary season passes to San Diego teachers on an annual basis for five years, one free admission each year to active duty military and veterans for five years, and 1,000 SeaWorld admission tickets allocated to local school districts by the city itself.
Do you think SeaWorld San Diego should cease its fireworks shows?