A few clarifications:

Sea lions are not "over populated". In fact, they are still less than the historical average. The problem is there are alot fewer salmon as well, particularly spring Chinook.

The bounty on sea lions back in the 40's and 50's likely contributed to their rapid demise, which prompted the need for the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Which is why sea lions have the legal protection they currently enjoy. In other words, past management actions have prevented us from taking reasonable measures now.

There are alot more people chasing fewer fish. Thus sea lion/angler encounters are increasing.

Sea lions are quick learners with good eye sight They know an easy meal when they see it. And they see alot.

The prescence of dams have allowed sea lions to more easily prey on salmon. Without Bonneville Dam, the salmon would move quickly upstream of the Cascades and out of the reach of the sea lions. Sea lions know they can find an easy meal at Bonneville so they are inhabiting the entire lower Columbia River more than they ever did.

Lastly, we need one of those transiet pods of Orca in the Columbia River. A little "balance-of-nature" wouldn't hurt. One of those guys could bite a big male sea lion in half......