Last year, sea lions devoured an estimated 9 percent of steelhead and 5 percent of spring chinook trying to make their way upstream past Bonneville Dam. Even more disconcerting, an estimated 24 percent of chinook disappeared between the mouth of the Columbia and the dam.
The Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Protection Act (H.R. 2083) would clear the way for tribal and government fish managers to kill sea lions along the Columbia to help protect runs of native fish. The legislation would allow for the shooting of up to 100 sea lions per permit and would streamline the permitting process.
LINK (via: The Columbian)
