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State of Oregon
Oregon State Police
- Fish & Wildlife Division
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2007
| CONTACT: |
Mark Oswell |
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(301) 427-2300
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INVESTIGATION CONTINUING INTO SHOOTING OF CALIFORNIA SEA LION IN COLUMBIA COUNTY
The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division and NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service are investigating the shooting of a federally-protected California sea lion in the Multnomah Channel of the Willamette River near Coon Island in Columbia County.
On April 18, 2007 at approximately 12:30 p.m. a call was received by local law enforcement informing that a sea lion was shot in the area of Coon Island near Gilbert River Boat Ramp. Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division, Columbia County Sheriff's Office and a Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) boat patrol responded to the area. OSP contacted NOAA Fisheries Service's Office of Law Enforcement, who responded by sending a federal agent to the scene.
The preliminary investigation indicates a group of boats were tied up to the dock at Coon Island fishing for salmon. One of the fishermen had a hooked salmon taken from his line by a sea lion. A suspect fishing nearby allegedly shot at the sea lion hitting it twice in the neck and head. The 60-year old suspect from Rainier , Ore. was identified, but has not been arrested or cited at this time. The .22-caliber rifle was recovered later that day and seized along with ammunition and its ammo clip.
OSP Sergeant Chris Allori accompanied the MCSO as they conducted a boat patrol in search of the injured sea lion after the incident. The animal was subsequently located about a half mile downstream from Gilbert River Boat Ramp. As of Wednesday evening, the sea lion was still alive and remained in the river.
Sea lions are listed under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is unlawful to harm, injure or kill a marine mammal listed under the protection act. Violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act can result in $12,000 in civil penalties and criminal fines of up to $20,000 and jail time.
Questions regarding this incident and the Marine Mammal Protection Act should be directed to NOAA Fisheries Service Office of Law Enforcement at 301-427-2300.
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