US lawmakers flag sea lion predation risk to Pacific Northwest salmon
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers from Washington state has raised concerns about the impact of growing sea lion populations on salmon and steelhead trout in the Pacific Northwest, arguing that current protections are putting pressure on already vulnerable fish stocks.
Republican congressman Michael Baumgartner and Democratic congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez said predation by California sea lions has become a serious issue for salmon runs in the Columbia River system.
The population of California sea lions has increased significantly since the introduction of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife describing the animals as a “serious threat” to Columbia River salmon and steelhead trout. Both species are central to the region’s fishing industry, hydropower systems, and cultural heritage.
Baumgartner said large numbers of sea lions now congregate at the mouth of the Columbia River, where they prey heavily on migrating salmon. He has called for broader authority to deploy more aggressive sea lion management measures.
Gluesenkamp Perez said the issue represents a practical, non-partisan challenge for Congress, adding that lethal removal options should be explored to protect fish populations that local communities depend on.
The issue was discussed earlier this month at a hearing of a House Natural Resources Committee subcommittee, where both lawmakers participated. The hearing examined sea lion predation and potential changes to federal management rules governing marine mammals in the region.