Spring Ritual: States Begin Trapping, Euthanizing Sea Lions Feasting On Chinook At Bonneville Dam
A total of six California sea lions known to frequent the lower Columbia River’s Bonneville Dam in the past and feast on spring chinook salmon were trapped this week and euthanized as a part of a state plan to reduce predation on fish stocks that are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
The six animals were captured as they rested aboard floating traps placed below the dam. The Tuesday removals were the first this year. The program, first approved in 2008 by NOAA Fisheries Service, has overall involved the removal of 58 California sea lions from below the dam -- 13 of which were sent to zoos and aquaria, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The removal authority was requested by fish and wildlife agencies in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
For more information on the program, go to:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/SeaLion/index.asp California sea lions identified as having made multiple visits to the dam and having been observed preying on salmon are eligible – added to the “list” -- for removal under criteria approved by NOAA Fisheries. The removal authority comes as an exemption to the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Five California seas lions were trapped, branded and released Wednesday. The animals did not meet criteria for ....
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