UPDATE 11/25/18
In response to the many media inquiries, Seal Sitters MMSN would like to confirm that the numbers of confirmed shot and “suspected” shot sea lions is significantly higher than normal for this annual time period. A query of the NOAA National Marine Mammal Stranding database, looking back at 10 years of statistics for King and Kitsap counties, indicates that the current confirmed number of shot sea lions is 6 times higher than the yearly average for months September-November. This only reflects the number of found and reported animals. With seven additional suspect animals, that number is expected to increase. The “high” season for shot sea lions (Dec/Jan/Feb) is still to come, concurrent with fish runs.


SHOT SEA LION NUMBERS RISE (11/21/18)
In what is an alarming trend in Puget Sound, dead California sea lions continue to be found along the shoreline as biologists scramble to perform necropsies and determine cause of death.

Since September, 13 have been reported dead: 12 in Central Puget Sound and 1 on the Kitsap side of Hood Canal. Of those, 6 have been necropsied thus far and confirmed shot: 4 in West Seattle and 2 in Kitsap County. This past week, a sea lion carcass washed up in a small cove near Salty’s restaurant in West Seattle. The head had been sliced off. Due to decomposition, a necropsy was not performed. In view of potential delays securing an EPA permit for towing and sinking, Seattle Parks buried the huge carcass today on site.

All 13 animals are acute trauma cases (suspected from human interaction), based on body condition, other observations and photos. Unfortunately, several of the animals disappeared with the tide before exams could be done.

Sadly, this is just the beginning of what is likely to be a very deadly Fall/Winter season for sea lions and seals. Shootings not so coincidentally increase in correlation with fish runs, year-round. According to those who live and work along the Elliott Bay and Duwamish waterfront, shots are being heard even more frequently this year. Animals searching for food to survive and fishermen searching out fish for consumption or livelihood are on an annual, never-ending collision course.

Marine Mammals are protected by Federal law. It is illegal for a private citizen to “take” (kill, injure or harass) pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), with fines up to $25,000 and imprisonment. In certain, limited circumstances, tribal fisheries can do so. There is an active and open investigation into these killings by OLE and WDFW Enforcement. For NOAA’s official statement, please click here. For inquiries, please contact Michael Milstein, NOAA Public Affairs Officer @ 503-231-6268.

REPORT INCIDENTS
Please be on the alert. NOAA urges the public to report any information or incidents (shooting or harassment) they see or hear to NOAA Office of Law Enforcement (OLE): during regular business hours, call 206-526-6133, after hours 1-800-853-1964.

For time-sensitive reports as events are happening, call 911. After reporting to local police, request to be connected to WDFW Police. Afterwards, please notify your local Marine Mammal Stranding Network.

Valuable information for investigation and prosecution includes the type of boat, license number on side of vessel (even partial is helpful), time/location and photos. Do not put yourselves at risk.

REPORT ALL DEAD PINNIPEDS
If you see a dead marine mammal in West Seattle (from Brace Point thru the Duwamish River, including Harbor Island), please call Seal Sitters hotline @ 206-905-7325 (SEAL). For reports out of WS area, please all NOAA’s hotline at 1-866-767-6114. To find out which Marine Mammal Stranding Network covers your area, click here.

For all Blubberblog posts, past and present, relating to sea lion shootings, click here.

Tags: sea lion shootings, shot sea lions 2018