Sea lions are intelligent, social marine mammals who belong in the wild waters of the Pacific — not on government kill lists.

Yet some lawmakers are now pushing to expand lethal removal of sea lions from the Columbia River, blaming them for eating endangered salmon at dam sites. While the goal of protecting salmon is important, killing sea lions is not the answer.

Under a 2020 federal law, up to 716 sea lions can already be legally killed through 2030. These animals are tracked, trapped, and euthanized under a system that was meant to be a last resort. But now, some in Congress want to make that process easier and more aggressive — even suggesting that fishers or tribal members could bid on permits to assist in the killings.

This petition calls on Congress and state wildlife officials to stop any expansion of lethal sea lion removals. Instead, we ask for investment in:

• Non-lethal deterrents that are humane and science-based
• Restoration of natural salmon habitat
• Reforming dams and fish passage systems that make salmon vulnerable

Sea lions are not invaders. They are part of the coastal ecosystem. Targeting them for doing what comes naturally, hunting for fish, sets a dangerous precedent and distracts from real solutions to protect salmon and river health.

If you believe wildlife deserves compassion and science-based policy, not culling, sign this petition to stand against expanded sea lion killings in the Columbia River.

We must find a better way — for the sake of both sea lions and salmon.