Commonly seen gracefully navigating the waters of Seattle’s Elliott Bay, California sea lions’ rowdy barking can be heard for almost a mile as they jostle for position to rest on the mid-channel buoys.

The numbers of these gregarious animals increase in fall months as they migrate to our area in search of food. Coinciding with fishing season and salmon runs, sea lion killings also increase each fall. Seals and sea lions are too often scapegoated for dwindling fish stocks - and pay the ultimate price with their lives.

For almost two months now, dead sea lions have been washing up along West Seattle’s shoreline. Since early October, necropsies revealed that two animals had been shot in the head (confirmed by radiographs). Projectiles were recovered and turned over to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement for what is an open and active inquiry.

In just the past week, Seal Sitters’ First Responders have investigated three more deceased sea lions. In the photo above, SSMMSN Co-Investigator Lynn Shimamoto photo documents the condition of an 8-foot, fresh dead male below the Alki Avenue sea wall. A limited initial exam, due to surging tide, revealed a bleeding, small circular wound on the animal’s back along with additional wounds of unknown origin.

Due to location and tide, responders were unable to secure the sea lion to shore. The hope is to tow the now floating carcass to a secure location for a necropsy. The animal was marked with biodegradable livestock paint for identification and was last sighted near Duwamish Head yesterday.

Early yesterday morning, Lynn responded to yet another report of a dead sea lion, floating just offshore near the public fishing pier. With the help of divers Jim and Joe, Seal Sitters volunteer and Co-Director of SR3 Casey McLean (photo above), and Lynn managed to tie the 9-foot robust animal, estimated to weigh about 900 lbs, to beach driftwood. An initial exam revealed three wounds on the head and shoulder of this fresh-dead animal that may have contributed to death. Seal Sitters has initiated a plan for necropsy and disposal.

Additionally, there are four suspected acute trauma cases (possibly shot) on the Kitsap peninsula, a similar report of a case in Hood Canal and reports of three other possible cases from neighboring Marine Mammal Stranding Networks. These are just the cases we are aware of and likely the tip of the iceberg. Due to EPA permit restrictions regarding disposal of carcasses, these necropsies have been stalled until the permits come through, often taking weeks to be issued.

All marine mammals are protected from harm by Federal law, the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Over the past weeks, Seal Sitters hotline (206-905-7325) and first responders have received numerous reports of violence against sea lions and shots fired, often at night. A caller from South Park also reported witnessing a fishing boat intentionally run over and strike a sea lion in the Duwamish River.

NOAA urges the public to report any information or incidents they see or hear to NOAA Office of Law Enforcement: during regular business hours, call 206-526-6133, after hours 1-800-853-1964. A vigilant public - eyes and ears along the waterfront - is a valuable resource for enforcement and might help solve these potential crimes.

Tags: sea lion shootings, shot sea lions 2018