Sea lions may be killing more salmon than estimated, NOAA study says

By The Associated Press
The Oregonian

Sea lions may be killing more returning salmon at the mouth of the Columbia River than previously thought, according to research on fish survival.

Preliminary research by NOAA Fisheries shows a steady increase in fish mortality over a five-year period that may be attributable to seals and sea lions, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council said.

A NOAA researcher presented numbers Tuesday to a council committee meeting in Portland, The Daily News reported.

The average spring Chinook salmon survival in 2014 at Bonneville Dam was just 55 percent, down from 69 percent in 2013 and 82 percent in 2012. Read more