Something that rarely discussed is the fact this seal/salmon problem is a symptom of ecosystem failure.

A recent harbor seal diet study found that during the spring (smolt migration period) only 1 to 2% of the diet were juvenile salmonids. Yes given the number of seals and the length of time the smolts are vulnerable that can add up to a lot of fish the fact remains the smolts are not necessarily the preferred food item.


The various cod (hake, Pacific, and Pollock), herring, anchovies, shiner perch, staghorn sculpins, etc. are all eaten at much higher rates than Chinook smolts. I would find it interesting to learn what is limiting the historic harbor seal forage base. Is it being limited by the seals themselves or some other factor. Are there actions that could be taken to increase that forage base?

The whole salmon and orca recovery discussions consistent lack a general holistic approach to required actions.

Curt