http://www.opb.org/news/article/sea-lions-under-the-gun/
20 Sea Lions Dead, Most from Gunshots, On Northwest Coast
The animals have been found mainly near the mouth of the Columbia River, a hot spot for salmon.
A marine mammal researcher told The Oregonian they’re being killed by fishermen who view them as competition for their catch.
Sean Stanley, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement in Portland, says people who shoot sea lions face up to 20,000 dollars in fines and a year in prison. But they’re tough cases to crack.
“Public Help is the single largest way in which we catch people who shoot sea lions or violate the marine protection act.”
Sea lions are federally protected but wildlife managers are allowed to kill the ones that eat salmon at Bonneville dam on the Columbia River.
Conservationists fear that sets a bad example for the fishermen and others who interact with these animals elsewhere.
If you have information about sea lion deaths call 1 800 853 1964.
Exposing the Big Game 
Reblogged this on hocuspocus13 and commented:
jinxx ♣ xoxo
Obviously the fishermen want it all. Since everything in nature is viewed as a human resource, it’s hardly surprising that the sea lions, as competitors, are in the way, especially since we haven’t found a lucrative or fun use for them. Let’s see, if we aren’t eating them, wearing them, betting on them, fighting them, or hunting them for sport, then they can’t be good for much. Maybe another “trash” animal?