Statement from Congressman Hastings on Final NOAA Sea Lion Plan

Statement

Statement from Congressman Hastings on Final NOAA Sea Lion Plan

Today the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced its final plan for addressing sea lions that prey on thousands of endangered fish in the Columbia River each year. Under the NOAA plan, once certain conditions are met, Washington, Oregon and Idaho officials would have the authority to lethally remove up to 85 sea lions each year for five years. Following is a statement from Congressman Doc Hastings on NOAA's decision.

"With the spring salmon runs only weeks away, it is critical to implement this plan quickly to help prevent sea lions from devouring endangered salmon. It has taken over two years to reach this point, and I am hopeful that this effort is able to move forward without getting blocked by lawsuits."

BACKGROUND:
Last month, Congressman Doc Hastings wrote to NOAA urging them to act quickly to grant the states the authority to remove sea lions. Congressman Hastings (R-WA) and Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA) have authored legislation creating an expedited process for the states of Washington and Oregon and the four Columbia River treaty tribes to obtain permits for the lethal removal of a limited number of California sea lions preying on salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River.

Source