Story perspectives

Congresswoman Pushes Sea Lion Culling to Protect Salmon

4/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington advocates expanding sea lion culling along the Columbia River to protect endangered salmon and steelhead.
She says sea lions consume four times more salmon than local fishermen and Tribes, harming fish populations.
She asked U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to study removal strategies, including lethal options.
Gluesenkamp Perez seeks to extend the removals area downriver to improve management and support local fisheries.

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Story summary

Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington advocates expanding sea lion culling along the Columbia River to protect endangered salmon and steelhead.
She says sea lions consume four times more salmon than local fishermen and Tribes, harming fish populations.
She asked U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to study removal strategies, including lethal options.
Gluesenkamp Perez seeks to extend the removals area downriver to improve management and support local fisheries.