Check out the Seattle PI story on the Makah whaling issue. The Makah's would like an exemption from the Marine Mammal Protection Act, from NMFS to continue to hunt whales.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/211927_makah14.html

I have no opinion on whether this is a good idea or not. However, if the Makah's can get an exemption from the MMPA for whales, why can't someone get a similar exemption to selectivily remove sea lions from the lower Columbia River, e.g., the base of Bonneville Dam? Seems like the States of Oregon and Washington ought to keep a close eye on this issue.

I don't have a problem with a few sea lions taking a few salmon but that's not what's happening. Alot of sea lions are taking a lot of salmon, many of which are listed under the ESA. If the tribes can get a waiver from the MMPA, so can the State.

Maybe not. The Makah have a treaty with the U.S. government that specifically reserves the right to take seals and whales, along with fish. The states of OR and WA do not.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Maybe as an act of good faith towards resolving the winter troll issue, the Makahs get a waiver for sealions and head down to the Columbia and remediate some their damage.

Now I would consider that a true way to make it up to us. lol

Would be fun to watch