The underwater explosives didn’t work. Neither did the rubber bullets. Now wildlife officials have resorted to euthanizing Sea Lions that prey (too much) on endangered Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). This has occured for the past year–last year just 11 sea lions were killed. Last week marked the first time one was euthanized in 2010.
This has [...]
The underwater explosives didn’t work. Neither did the rubber bullets. Now wildlife officials have resorted to euthanizing Sea Lions that prey (too much) on endangered Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). This has occured for the past year–last year just 11 sea lions were killed. Last week marked the first time one was euthanized in 2010.
This has come into the media spotlight as one of the largest Salmon runs is expected to occur this spring. Last spring an estimated 170,00 salmon headed up the Columbia River; this year researchers estimate over 450,000 will make the annual trip thanks to forgiving ocean conditions for juveniles. [Note: The population numbers and endangered status of Chinook Salmon range by location--some are protected under the Endangered Species Act, while those farther north in Alaska show healthier populations.]
Some critics have lashed out that population numbers cited for California Salmon are not being accounted properly. Others have stated the electric dams have proven more detrimental to their livelihood. It’s a poor situation all around, lets hope this action plan is successful. Anthropocentrism is the new environmentalism.
[AP]
[flickr: nchill]
