Friendship Park, located between San Diego and Tijuana, has long been a symbol of unity where families separated by the border could meet. However, recent environmental concerns have emerged as dead sea birds have been found scattered across its beaches. Maria Fernández, a volunteer with Friends of Friendship Park, discovered the birds while monitoring the area, which has been closed due to contaminated water.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife attributes the increased bird deaths to young birds starving due to higher water temperatures reducing fish availability. This issue affects species like Brandt’s cormorants and brown pelicans along the California coast. The department noted that a strong reproductive year could also contribute to the higher mortality rates among young birds.

Despite these explanations, Fernández suspects that the contaminated water may also impact the birds’ ability to find food. She observed a truck from Veolia, a company specializing in water treatment and hazardous material disposal, near the park. The presence of the truck suggests government involvement, but the company’s activities remain unclear.

California State Parks monitors wildlife conditions at the beach weekly, stating that wildlife mortality can occur for various reasons and is not always a cause for concern. However, the persistence of dead birds in the area raises questions about the environmental health of Friendship Park.

While the park remains closed, Fernández continues her visits to monitor the situation, hoping for a resolution that will restore the park’s role as a place of connection and peace.

Original reporting: Voice of San Diego — read the source article.