Sea lions get a rude awakening as hazing begins

Sea lions get a rude awakening as hazing begins »Play Video
The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife began hazing sea lions on the Willamette River below Willamette Falls on Monday, Feb. 4, 2013. The hazing (using non-lethal methods) was done by boat and along the walkway pictured here. KATU photo.




For the next three months (seven days a week) ODFW crews will head out on the Willamette River between Willamette Falls and the Interstate 205 bridge to try to scare off the sea lions.








Q&A on the Program from ODFW

Why is ODFW hazing sea lions?

ODFW is hazing California sea lions near the Willamette Falls fish ladders to protect two listed stocks of native fish - upper Willamette River spring chinook salmon and winter steelhead. Both are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.

When and where will ODFW's hazing activities take place?

Hazing will take place during daylight hours, seven days a week from Feb. 4 through April 30, 2013. The work will occur from Willamette Falls downstream one mile to the I-205 bridge. This timing coincides with the peak of the spring salmon and winter steelhead migration into the upper Willamette River.

What will hazing activities look like? What can people in nearby communities expect?

ODFW hazing crews will move sea lions downstream away from the fish ladders by pursuing them in an aluminum boat. If necessary, crews will use special fireworks that will make a "bang" to get the sea lions moving.

Why not just kill the sea lions and remove that threat to listed fish altogether?

Sea lions are federally protected. Only under very specific circumstances and certain procedures can federal authorization be obtained to lethally remove sea lions.

Is ODFW planning to apply for lethal take of sea lions on the Willamette?

No. ODFW is testing non-lethal approaches to resolve this problem.

How many sea lions are there and how many salmon/steelhead do they eat?

Biologists estimate these animals may consume 4-7 salmon/steelhead a day. Last year, observers counted as many as 21 sea lions between Willamette Falls and the Abernathy/I-205 Bridge.

Is there any evidence ODFW's Willamette River sea lion hazing project works?

Past work has shown that the hazing project is effective at moving sea lions away from the fish ladders. However, it's too soon to say if predation will be sufficiently curtailed in this area due to our efforts.

Where does the money come from for sea lion hazing on the Willamette?

The 2011 Oregon Legislature directed ODFW to carry out the sea lion hazing project at Willamette Falls through 2013. HB 3255 also authorized ODFW to spend funds generated by the sale of hunting and fishing licenses to complete the project. No tax dollars are used to fund this program.

How many employees are involved?

Seven temporary ODFW employees have been hired for the sea lion hazing project.

Does the sea lion hazing crew need special training?

Safety of the crew and the public is paramount. The area where the hazing takes place is also very dangerous. All crew members are trained in CPR, boating safety, and safe use of firearms and explosive acoustical devices.

Are these methods humane?

ODFW does not intend to harm sea lions and crew members are trained to ensure animals are not hurt.