Update: The US Humane Society had to file suit against the federal government again to protect sea lions feeding in the Columbia River, but this time the parties reached an agreement to suspend lethal removal. Only one sea lion was killed this year according to NOAA. Plans were approved to kill as many as 85 sea lions after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the previous year authorization for lethal removal. The suspension agreement lasts until September 1st.
{15.5.11} Is it just
US Person's perception? Or is the reality seen in the local fishwrap a vision seen through a cracked glass? With a tone of pride the paper announces the state has again received permission to kill sea lions just trying to survive by eating salmon below Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River. Then, in another section, the newspaper reports the Bonneville Power Administration will pull the plug on wind power producers because of excess hydropower generated during the spring run off. Only 50 sea lions were seen below the dam this year, yet under pressure from fishing interests, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a decision resuming the lethal removal of sea lions feeding on salmon. The Ninth Circuit ordered a stop to removal until the agency explained how fishermen can take 17% of endangered salmon runs, but sea lions pursuing their natural prey can take effectively none if humans can help it.
{"sea lions"} Of course in response to the appeals court's logic, the agency hired some biology contractors to produce statistics showing the pinnipeds take almost as much fish as humans. The Humane Society of the United States is considering another appeal, and the seals deserve it.
Does it make any sense to increase salmon populations by removing dams no longer need or allowing more spill as wind power and other renewable sources ramp up energy production? It is undisputed that dam turbines kill thousands of young salmon every year on the return runs to the ocean. Multiple dams block breeding salmon on the way back. Sockeyes have it the worst of all salmon species. They have been dammed out of one third of their breeding habitat in high desert creeks by dams on the lower Snake River where there is no way around. Dams are incredibly difficult obstacles to overcome even when man allows it. That is why salmon pool below them to muster the strength and nerve to enter the made-made labyrinths of death. Sea lions are not the cause of fewer salmon; man's extreme alteration of the land is the cause. But only man can affix blame for his poor stewardship on other creatures.
