Sea Lions killed for being sea lions

March 09, 2010

Here's a ridiculous one: ``A task force is expected to recommend that pesky sea lions that gobble up threatened salmon at Bonneville Dam be killed in order to help conserve fish runs''

sacremento bee

Last year, 11 sea lions were euthanized. Another four were transferred to zoos or aquariums. The sea lions represent a massive headache each year as chinook salmon begin arriving at the Bonneville Dam east of Portland, congregating in large numbers as they return from the ocean. Sea lions have become keenly aware that the dam is a great spot to feast on salmon, easy pickings as they wait to go up the dam's fish ladders.

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Sea lions have gobbled salmon forever. But their numbers have soared in recent years, as has the number of those cruising upriver to dine on salmon at Bonneville Dam. Frustrations peaked, especially among fishermen who have watched sea lions snatch salmon right out of their gill nets.