Sea Lion Predation on Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Dec. 12, 2018 |
| Report Number |
IF11045 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Harold F. Upton |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Since the 1990s, concerns have grown about sea lion
predation on Columbia River salmon and steelhead
(salmonids). Management of these species has been
complicated by requirements to protect sea lion populations
under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA; 16
U.S.C. §§1361 et seq.) while maintaining efforts to recover
salmonid populations under the Endangered Species Act
(ESA; 16 U.S.C. §§1531 et seq.). Sea lion populations have
increased since enactment of the MMPA in 1972. In the
Columbia River Basin, 13 salmonid runs now are listed as
threatened or endangered under the ESA. During the 115th
Congress, several bills were introduced that would provide
greater flexibility for lethal removal of sea lions in specific
segments of the Columbia River and its tributaries. One of
these bills, S. 3119, has passed the Senate and the House.
