Court Decides on what to do when Protected Sea Lions Kill and Eat Protected Salmon
The Ninth Circuit (Humane Society of the United States v. Bryson) has upheld the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) decision to allow several states to kill California sea lions. Endangered salmon congregate at the base of Bonneville Dam awaiting an opportunity to climb the fish ladders and were easy prey for the sea lions. Deterrence efforts against the sea lions have been ineffective. The Court has found that the NMRS authorization does not violate the protections offered the sea lions under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. For full details, please read the opinion and order.