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PACIFIC MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 10 

 SEAL AND SEA LION IMPACT ON SALMON AND STEELHEAD IN INLAND WATERS 



WHEREAS, under the moratorium imposed by the Marine Mammal Protection 

 Act, seal and sea lion numbers have increased in some rivers, bays and 

 estuaries of the Pacific Coast and the Act makes it illegal to control or 

 harass these animals; and 



WHEREAS, salmon and steelhead that have been injured or killed by 

 seals and sea lions which are appearing in increasing numbers in commercial 

 and recreational fisheries; and 



WHEREAS, the monetary value of salmon has risen sharply in rpcent 

 years, resulting in a more serious economic impact on commercial fisnermen 

 when losses to seals and sea lions occur; and 



WHEREAS, studies are needed to document the impact of the increasing 

 numbers of marine mammals on Pacific Coast fisheries; and 



WHEREAS, financing of these needed studies is an appropriate federal 

 obi igation; 



NOW BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Pacific Manne Fisheries 

 Commission requests that the necessary authority and sufficient funds be 

 provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to PMFC for 

 contract with appropriate state agencies for studies on inland salmon and 

 steelhead waters to determine: 



1. the impact of seals and sea lions on commercial and recreational 

 fisheries, including destruction of fishing gear; 



2. food habits of seals and sea lions in inland waters; 



3. methods of controlling depredation; 



4. modifications needed in the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 



Adopted at Portland, Oregon, 

 November 10, 1977 by unanimous 

 approval of the five Compact 

 States: Alaska, California, Idaho, 

 Oregon, and Washington 



