Oregon begins killing sea lions after relocation fails

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Updated 9:22 am CST, Thursday, January 10, 2019

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon wildlife officials have started killing sea lions that threaten a fragile run of winter steelhead in the Willamette River.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife obtained a federal permit in November to kill up to 93 California sea lions per year below Willamette Falls south of Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported Wednesday.

Officials have so far killed three of the animals using traps they used last year to relocate the sea lions.

The sea lions were eating so many winter steelhead at the falls that certain runs were at a high risk of going extinct, according to a 2017 study by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.








Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Oregon-begins-killing-sea-lions-threatening-13522596.php

[CentralMass]

1. :-(

[MontanaMama]

2. Dammit. Come on Oregon!

I'm guessing the steelhead runs were initially and irreparably damaged by humans constructing dams in the rivers. Sea lions eat fish. They can't change their diets to suit our needs.

[blitzen]

3. If we have to choose sides, I'm with the steelhead on this...

in this particular case. The Willamette by all rights ought to have a decent steelhead run, but it's in trouble for a variety of reasons. This includes several tributaries. Restoring that run would be a big contribution to the overall protection of West Coast steelhead. They are remarkable fish.

The runs are not irreparably damaged. This restoration, scientifically planned, has been ongoing for many years.