Bonneville Dam, Four Euthanized, hundreds to go

Seven More California Sea Lions Captured Below Bonneville Dam, Four Euthanized

Trapping led by the states of Oregon and Washington below the Columbia River’s Bonneville Dam continued this week with seven California sea lions captured Tuesday.

Of that total, three were on the list for removal – having been observed at the dam on multiple occasions eating salmon and steelhead -- and were euthanized. Four were branded and released.

The effort, which began early this month, resulted in the capture of five California sea lions April 15, all of which were branded for future identification purposes and released. Six of the big animals had been trapped the previous day and euthanized.

(See CBB, April 18, 2014, “Spring Ritual: States Begin Trapping, Euthanizing Sea Lions Feasting On Chinook At Bonneville Dam” http://www.cbbulletin.com/430459.aspx)

In March 2012, NOAA Marine Fisheries issued a letter authorizing the states to remove specific California sea lions observed eating salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River. The pinnipeds’ presence at the dam, and predation by .... http://www.cbbulletin.com/430574.aspx

Now's the time to get after em' in all the closed PS streams too, why isn't that happening?

One deadly technique to increase those wild numbers.

They are a major problem that is getting worse. The numbers keep growing. I fear nothing significant will be done until someone gets hurt or worse.

There is a picture of a marina being taken over in Astoria. Its going to be a problem this summer during the bouy 10 season. They have no fear of humans or boats.

The "managers" of this system need to learn how it's done.

I doubt whether sea lions are among the major factors in salmon and steelhead decline, but even so, I have to wonder why they wait for these animals to repeat offend several times before euthanizing them. Seems to me that if you're gonna kill these things, it would be more cost effective and humane, as well as prevent more predation to simply cull some of them at first capture. Branding them and expecting them to abandon the smorgasbord that is Bonneville Dam seems not only foolish, but kind of bizarre and macabre as well.

Need to start a petition for euthanizing WFC....

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2009/march/031209.asp



Here's one that met the criteria back in 09, sick and might infect 1000's of others with a terminal illness.