An anthropogenically induced environmental conundrum no doubt: The image at left shows a federally protected endangered Stellar sea lion consuming an endangered white sturgeon in the Columbia River. The sea lions are also feasting on precious wild steelhead and salmon. No doubt, humans have caused both sea lions and white sturgeon to decline, and poor management is also probably causing the current dilemma. From Bend Weekly, OR:
Officials said one of the main facets of the problem is that the [Steller] sea lions have targeted egg-bearing sturgeon.”These fish are essentially the anchor for the entire species on the West Coast of North America,” sturgeon biologist Blaine Parker said.
Wildlife experts say stronger measures need to be taken against the sea lions for the sturgeon to survive.
“I’m not going to dispute the fact that Stellers need protection, also,” Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association Executive Director Liz Hamilton said.
