Shawn Alladio
02-07-2007, 07:40 PM
NOAA Accepts Apps for Sea Lion Removal - CA MIA?
Northwest - NOAA Fisheries Accepts States' Application for Sea Lion Removal Authority; Task Force to be Established
Last month, the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho formally asked NOAA Fisheries for permission to permanently remove California sea lions that are having a significant negative impact on populations of salmon and steelhead protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA has agreed to consider this request, under conditions provided for in the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The MMPA allows NOAA Fisheries to authorize the intentional lethal taking of individually identifiable pinnipeds that are having a significant negative impact on the decline or recovery of salmonids that are listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA.
NOAA is currently seeking public comment on the states' application, as well as any additional information on sea lion predation of salmon at Bonneville Dam. In particular, NOAA Fisheries requests information regarding:
1) Observations of sea lions (number, species and predation on salmonids) in the Columbia River above or below Bonneville Dam;
2) Information on areas where numbers of sea lions are concentrated in the lower Columbia River, between Tongue Point (river mile 16) and Navigation Marker 85 (river mile 135), including resting (haulout) sites and locations where sea lions have been repeatedly observed taking salmonids; and
3) Dates when sea lions have been observed in the river above Tongue Point to Bonneville Dam.
Please send information to SeaLion.Predation@noaa.gov by April 2, 2007.
In addition, a special task force will be set up to examine the states' request. NOAA is seeking the names and affiliations of experts from the academic and scientific community, tribes, Federal and state agencies, and the private sector for consideration as potential Task Force members. Nominations must include sufficient background information (e.g., 1-page resume) and should also indicate the prospective candidate's willingness to serve without compensation.
For more information, visit the Northwest Region's website.
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Northwest - NOAA Fisheries Accepts States' Application for Sea Lion Removal Authority; Task Force to be Established
Last month, the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho formally asked NOAA Fisheries for permission to permanently remove California sea lions that are having a significant negative impact on populations of salmon and steelhead protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). NOAA has agreed to consider this request, under conditions provided for in the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The MMPA allows NOAA Fisheries to authorize the intentional lethal taking of individually identifiable pinnipeds that are having a significant negative impact on the decline or recovery of salmonids that are listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA.
NOAA is currently seeking public comment on the states' application, as well as any additional information on sea lion predation of salmon at Bonneville Dam. In particular, NOAA Fisheries requests information regarding:
1) Observations of sea lions (number, species and predation on salmonids) in the Columbia River above or below Bonneville Dam;
2) Information on areas where numbers of sea lions are concentrated in the lower Columbia River, between Tongue Point (river mile 16) and Navigation Marker 85 (river mile 135), including resting (haulout) sites and locations where sea lions have been repeatedly observed taking salmonids; and
3) Dates when sea lions have been observed in the river above Tongue Point to Bonneville Dam.
Please send information to SeaLion.Predation@noaa.gov by April 2, 2007.
In addition, a special task force will be set up to examine the states' request. NOAA is seeking the names and affiliations of experts from the academic and scientific community, tribes, Federal and state agencies, and the private sector for consideration as potential Task Force members. Nominations must include sufficient background information (e.g., 1-page resume) and should also indicate the prospective candidate's willingness to serve without compensation.
For more information, visit the Northwest Region's website.
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