Shot sea lion numbers end bleak year
Dec/24/20 09:15 AM
2020 has been a tough one on so many levels for Puget Sound’s marine mammal stranding networks.
The unlawful and rampant shootings of sea lions has ended the year on a frustrating, infuriating and tragic note. At last count, out of 23+ sea lion carcasses since Fall, there have been 14 confirmed shot dead. Three additional carcasses are pending radiographs, along with another 2 highly suspect deaths. Others were unable to be examined due to location. Several additional sea lion carcasses have been sighted floating in Elliott Bay, but disappeared before the networks were notified and able to respond.
Sea lions and seals are unwitting and unjustified scapegoats for dwindling fish stocks; the annual rash of shootings typically corresponds with fish runs and fishing seasons.
The unlawful and rampant shootings of sea lions has ended the year on a frustrating, infuriating and tragic note. At last count, out of 23+ sea lion carcasses since Fall, there have been 14 confirmed shot dead. Three additional carcasses are pending radiographs, along with another 2 highly suspect deaths. Others were unable to be examined due to location. Several additional sea lion carcasses have been sighted floating in Elliott Bay, but disappeared before the networks were notified and able to respond.
Sea lions and seals are unwitting and unjustified scapegoats for dwindling fish stocks; the annual rash of shootings typically corresponds with fish runs and fishing seasons.
