Sea lions versus salmon

A bill to expand the authority of Northwest fisheries agencies to help struggling native species in the lower Columbia and Willamette rivers by killing sea lions there passed the U.S. House on Tuesday.

Section:Gallery

Wed., June 27, 2018

In this Sept. 23, 2015 photo, a spring chinook salmon reaches the end of the run at the McKenzie Hatchery, where mature fish are gathering in an annual fall ritual east of Springfield, Ore.

Brian Davies Associated Press
In this March 14, 2018, photo, a California sea lion waits to be released into the Pacific Ocean in Newport, Ore. Two species of fish listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act are facing a growing challenge in Oregon from hungry sea lions. The federally protected California sea lions are traveling into the Columbia River and its tributaries to snack on fragile fish populations. After a decade killing the hungriest sea lions in one area, wildlife officials now want to expand the program.

Don Ryan Associated Press
FILE - In this May 4, 2011, file photo, a canoe full of people glides past the base of Willamette Falls, which is a favorite feeding area where California sea lions feast on salmon, in Oregon City, Ore. After a decade killing the hungriest sea lions in one area, wildlife officials now want to do so at the falls to protest the fish runs.

Don Ryan Associated Press