Police in Oregon Seek Sea Lion Shooter

Investigators say it happened Wednesday around 12:30 PM. They learned of the shooting after a call was placed to a local law enforcement agency, informing them that a sea lion was shot in the area of Coon Island near Gilbert River Boat Ramp.

Injured sea lion Photo courtesy: Oregon State Police

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The shooting of a federally-protected California sea lion in the Multnomah Channel of the Willamette River is drawing both state and federal resources as police try to determine exactly who is responsible for pulling the trigger.

Agencies investigating the incidenta that happened near Coon Island in Columbia County include Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division and NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service.

Investigators say it happened Wednesday around 12:30 PM. They learned of the shooting after a call was placed to a local law enforcement agency, informing them that a sea lion was shot in the area of Coon Island near Gilbert River Boat Ramp.

Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife troopers joined deputies from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and a Multnomah County Sheriff's Office boat patrol in responding to the area. The NOAA Fisheries Service's Office of Law Enforcement sent a federal agent to the scene at OSP's request.

Greg Hastings with OSP says the preliminary investigation indicates that a group of boats were tied up to the dock at Coon Island fishing for salmon.

"One of the fishermen had a hooked salmon taken from his line by a sea lion. A suspect fishing nearby allegedly shot at the sea lion hitting it twice in the neck and head. The 60-year old suspect from Rainier, Ore. was identified, but has not been arrested or cited at this time. The .22-caliber rifle was recovered later that day and seized along with ammunition and its ammo clip."

OSP Sergeant Chris Allori accompanied Multnomah County officers as they conducted a boat patrol in search of the injured sea lion after the incident. The animal was subsequently located about a half mile downstream from Gilbert River Boat Ramp. As of Wednesday evening, the sea lion was still alive and remained in the river.

Hastings says sea lions are listed under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.

"It is unlawful to harm, injure or kill a marine mammal listed under the protection act. Violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act can result in $12,000 in civil penalties and criminal fines of up to $20,000 and jail time".