The state has been granted the authority, by NOAA, to add nine more sea lions to the list of those who may now be killed.
According to the latest Letter of Authority (LOA) issued by NOAA, these are the animals they may now kill, along with their alleged offenses:

C779 – Observed in the tailrace observation area below the dam on 18 days over a two-year
period from 2009 through 2010 with 63 documented salmonids consumed.
C881- Observed at the dam on 6 days in 2010 with 5 documented salmonids consumed.
C930 – Observed at the dam on 6 days in 2010 with 8 documented salmonids consumed.
C961 – Observed at the dam on 7 days in 2010 with 19 documented salmonids consumed.
C971 – Observed at the dam on 5 days in 2010 with 3 documented salmonids consumed.
U18 – Observed at the dam on 5 days in 2010 with 8 documented salmonids consumed.
B301 – Observed in the tailrace observation area below the dam on 17 days over a twoyear
period from 2009 through 2010 with 26 documented salmonids consumed.
B307 – Observed at the dam on 5 days in 2010 with 5 documented salmonids consumed.
B308 – Observed at the dam on 5 days in 2010 with 9 documented salmonids consumed.

Note that 6 of the nine animals stand accused of eating fewer than 10 salmon. One was seen catching only three fish. Again, we have been told that they would only kill “the worst offenders.” How many members of the public, do you suppose, have consumed 3 or more salmon over the pastyear? How many fishermen do you think might have caught 3 or more salmon? Why is eating fish a crime punishable by death for native predators, but a condoned culinary delight for humans? If we really want to save the salmon, should we not begin with the predation by our own species?

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