Yakama Nation shifts fishing site on Columbia River


The Yakama Nation of Washington is sending fisherman to a new location on the Columbia River due to dwindling runs of salmon.

The tribe signed an agreement with the state to shift its fishing site to one below the Bonneville Dam. That's where salmon have been staying longer than normal, affecting the tribal fishing season and tribal ceremonies.

One reason for the dwindling runs might be tied to rising numbers of sea lions on the river. The Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission praised a decision by the National Marine Fisheries Service to allow Oregon and Washington officials to catch and kill sea lions.

Get the Story:
Yakamas shift fishing site on Columbia River (The Yakima Herald-Republic 3/20)
Sea Lions at Ore. Dam Sentenced to Death (AP 3/20)

An Opinion:
Editorial: No free lunch for sea lions (The Seattle Times 3/20)