Jun 9 2015

Sea lions not leaving Port of Astoria anytime soon

by Stephanie Yao Long

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The saga continues for Port of Astoria officials in what to do with the dozens of sea lions that are lounging around on their docks.

In case you missed it last week, a motorized fiberglass orca was brought down from Bellingham, Washington in an attempt to scare away the barking beasts.

First, mechanical problems halted its use, then it was tipped over in the wake of a passing ship and started taking on water.

The fake orca is gone now, but the sightseeing humans are still flocking to the area to watch the sea lions basking in the sun.

The tolerance for the invaders varies. Some neighbors don’t mind the animals’ noisy communication. Fishermen see the sea lions stealing up to 75% of their catch according to an earlier account.

The Associated Press says:

“Sea lion numbers along the West Coast have grown sharply since they were protected under a 1972 federal law. The sea lions that have been taking over docks at the Port of Astoria are attracted by runs of a fish known as smelt, federal biologists say.”

Officials have tried just about everything to keep the sea lions away — including beach balls, colorful tape, chicken wire and electrified mats.


Read the original post: oregonlive.com

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