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Sea Lions, Salmon, and the Columbia River—A Chronology

1950's
California sea lion population estimated at around 10,000.
1972
Marine Mammal Protection Act passed.
1986
Overall California sea lion population estimated at approximately 177,000.
1999
First listing of upper Columbia spring Chinook listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Alarm raised to Congress regarding sea lion predation on Columbia River salmon.
2002
Active monitoring of sea lion activity begun at Bonneville Dam.
2006
Overall California sea lion population approaches 300,000.
9/2006
Washington, Oregon, and Idaho make a section 120 application to lethally remove problem sea lions at Bonneville Dam.
3/2007
Reps. Baird and Hastings introduce H.R. 1769—The Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act which would allow states more control in protecting salmon from sea lions.
9/2007
The Pinniped Task Force is established to evaluate the situtation and send its recommendation to Congress.
10/2007
The Pinniped Task Force votes 17-1 to recommend lethal removal of the problem sea lions.
1/18/08
NOAA Fisheries issues a draft decision recommending lethal removal.
3/18/08
Final decision made by NOAA Fisheries to conduct lethal removal of up to 85 problem sea lions below Bonneville Dam.
3/20/08
Humane Society of the US files complaint in federal district court of the District of Columbia.
3/21/08
Humane Society of the US withdraws complaint.
3/24/08
Humane Society of the US refiles complaint in federal district court in Oregon.

 


California sea lion feeding on a Chinook salmon near Bonneville Dam tailrace, April 2004. Photo Courtesy of ODFW.

Click here to read CRITFC's response to the 17 January 2008 Environmental Assessment release.

Click here to read CRITFC Chairwoman Fidelia Andy's Opinion Editorial that appeared in the Feb 15, 2008 Seattle Times.

 

 

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