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Another sea lion has been found dead on the Columbia, as the death toll rises. This one was just found this afternoon, floating in the water near the I-5 bridge. Officials have not commented on the cause of death, but one would not be unreasonable to conclude that humans had a hand in it. In the wake of at least 8 deaths related to the government trapping, officials have just called off any plans to trap, kill, or imprison any more sea lions this year. Now, apparently, they can just sit back and let the fishermen do their dirty work for them. I would like to report that the remaining sea lions have received a temporary reprieve, but I cannot: There is no telling how many more will be found bleeding in the water, victims of fanatical fishermen and human aggression. Meanwhile, officials weigh the options for next year, and a court battle continues. Since the hunting and trapping has been ended for this year, the hearing scheduled for later this week in the 9th circuit court of appeals to determine the status of the injunction against shooting has been canceled. However, the legal fight is far from over. read more >> Sea Lion Demonstration at Bonneville: Report BackBeneath the warm sun, about a dozen demonstrators chanted, sang, and reflected on the circle of life up at Bonneville dam yesterday. In the background, the roaring Columbia tumbled through the dam, and sea lions played in the crashing waves. It was beautiful up there, but most of us felt the somber weight of the senseless slaughter that had taken place on this very spot, only a day ago. Across the river, government workers in bright orange vests could be seen crouching and prodding within the bloody, eerie, shameful cages that had served as death traps for six beings who should have been protected from our predations by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, but were not. read more >>
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