the film forum library tutorial contact

Sea Lions Threaten Salmon Runs as Removal Efforts at Bonneville Dam Face Funding Limits by Staff KATU, March 25, 2025

Sea lions preying on migrating salmon and steelhead is an ongoing problem in local rivers.

The sea lions' appetites are impacting vulnerable fish runs. Now, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says an extension on a federal permit to remove the marine mammals at Bonneville Dam is pending.

Wildlife officials, partner agencies, and tribes removed 182 sea lions at Bonneville Dam between October 2020 and late fall 2024. They removed 17 sea lions at Willamette Falls.

"WDFW continues to monitor sea lion activity in the Columbia River and its tributaries. Expanding removal efforts beyond Bonneville Dam under the current MMPA authorization is constrained by available funding. WDFW will continue to work with our state and federal partners to address these challenges and request the financial resources necessary to take direct action in other affected areas," a spokesperson told KATU News in an email on Tuesday.