12-13-2018
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill Tuesday that lifts some restrictions under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, making it easier to kill sea lions preying on salmon.
Oregon Public Broadcasting reports the measure will usher in a more streamlined process for Washington, Idaho, Oregon and several Pacific Northwest tribes to capture and euthanize sea lions.
Wildlife managers say sea lion populations have grown so large that they no longer need all the protections that were put in place for them in 1972.
Governor Inslee’s orca task force also backed the legislation hoping it will boost fish supply for the struggling population of southern resident killer whales.