LA JOLLA, Calif. -- The San Diego City Council is moving forward with a plan to remove sand from the Children's Pool in La Jolla so people and seals can both use the beach.

The panel voted 5-3 Tuesday to begin the environmental permitting process required before dredging can begin and ordered the immediate removal of a rope barrier put up to block the public's access onto the beach.

Signs will also be installed at the Children's Pool encouraging the public to use the beach and warning that harassing the seals is a violation of the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Members Donna Frye, Toni Atkins and Michael Zucchet voted no.

The Children's Pool breakwater was built in 1931 with a grant from Ellen Browning Scripps as a sheltered swimming area for children.

But fecal matter contamination from a colony of federally protected harbor seals prompted the county's Environmental Health Department to close the beach to public use in 1997.

"By moving forward with this sand removal, I think we can solve a pollution problem that has prevented people from swimming in the area and restore the intent of Ms. Scripps' gift," Councilman Scott Peters said.

The plan calls for 3,000 cubic yards of sand to be dredged from the beach, which would allow tidal flow to flush the area and improve water quality.

The council also agreed to explore the possibility of opening up sluice ways at the breakwater to help remove sand and restore the beach.

According to a report by City Manager Lamont Ewell, the project would cost between $250,000 and $500,000.

Peters said he would try to raise the money privately.

In recent years, the seal population at Children's Pool has grown to between 160 and 250 animals, according to the city.

Proponents of the dredging plan claim the population increase has contributed to the spread of fecal pollution along the La Jolla coastline.

"This will not be a pretty picture in six years when the seals are drowning in their own waste," environmentalist Melinda Merriweather said.

Supporters also argued that the beach should be returned to its original intent and is one of the few safe places to swim in La Jolla.

Dozens of opponents urged the panel to leave the seals alone, arguing that the pinnipeds were a valued tourist destination.