The California Coastal Commission has approved SeaWorld San Diego’s application to introduce up to 1,000 illuminated aerial drones in regular shows in Mission Bay Park during a one-year pilot period.
The CCC voted unanimously April 15 in favor of drones versus fireworks at SeaWorld after presentations by staff and SeaWorld’s park president, Tyler Carter. Comments were also heard from environmentalists the San Diego Bird Alliance and the Surfrider Foundation, as well as San Diego City Council president Joe LaCava.
The commission noted that the use of drones replacing fireworks displays by SeaWorld for such a visible purpose — and at this scale — has not been previously proposed.
“The applicant is in agreement with the (CCC’s) recommendation and special conditions,” said Lindsey Cain of CCC’s San Diego Coastal District Office during a PowerPoint presentation. “SeaWorld proposes to conduct approximately 78 drone shows, with a maximum of 110 shows, over a one-year pilot period with a maximum of 1,000 drones.”
Cain added that 20% of shows per month at the park at 500 SeaWorld Drive will be monitored according to the requirements of special conditions, including that noise levels do not exceed 65 decibels or ambient noise levels, whichever is higher.
“SeaWorld has always focused on creating memorable moments for our guests, and we’re excited about the possibilities that drone technology brings to nighttime entertainment,” said SeaWorld’s Carter. “This is a natural evolution for us as we continue to innovate and elevate the guest experience.”
The move to allow the popular marine-mammal park to convert its popular pyrotechnic displays into less-invasive drone shows comes in reply to longtime complaints by residents in and around the marine park of environmental damage wrought by fireworks and loud pyrotechnic noises.
“For years my constituents, neighbors, friends, and family hear the nightly fireworks shows that SeaWorld San Diego hosts during the summer,” testified LaCava, whose First San Diego Council District includes the northern portion of Mission Bay.
“And while these shows have entertained visitors, many San Diegans have voiced their desire for purer fireworks shows. And more importantly, (fireworks) alternatives that are less impactful to pets and the environment.”
“For that reason, I want to thank SeaWorld San Diego, especially park president Tyler Carter, for their willingness to evolve, listen to residents, and work with the City and the Coastal Commission to introduce drone shows at the park,” continued LaCava.
“I appreciate the commission’s in-depth review and the recommendations proposed by staff. SeaWorld continues to innovate, and in doing so, adapt to the desires of San Diegans while upholding our environmental values.”
The drone shows would involve up to a thousand illuminated aerial drones that would be programmed to autonomously take off, perform a fifteen-minute show up to 660 feet above Mission Bay, and then return to land. The shows would involve the drones following pre-programmed routes that depict various shapes formed by their onboard colored lights, accompanied by music played at ground level for patrons within SeaWorld.
If ultimately approved, SeaWorld drone shows would become a featured nighttime offering, expanding the park’s entertainment portfolio with a new, visually dynamic format that complements its existing seasonal experiences.
SeaWorld’s drone proposal reflects ongoing conversations between the park and local stakeholders, including Council President LaCava who noted, “SeaWorld has been a long-standing partner in Mission Bay. Exploring new entertainment options like drone shows reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the experience for residents and visitors alike.”
SeaWorld has been developing and testing drone-based entertainment across its broader portfolio, where guest response has been strong.
The CCC’s staff ecologist has reviewed the drone project in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and concluded that given the proposed monitoring and potential for lessened impacts to coastal resources when compared to fireworks, substantial adverse impacts to migratory birds or other species are unlikely.
However, to allow the commission to better anticipate potential impacts should SeaWorld propose greater show frequency or duration in the future, the project has been conditioned to revise the proposed monitoring plan to ensure that noise, light, and bird strike impacts generated by performances are properly monitored.
If the parameters included in the conditions regarding noise, light, and bird strike are exceeded, the performances must stop until modifications are implemented.
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