This is in response to the Aug. 27 opinion column by Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, “To save steelhead, we must cut sea lion numbers.”
I also propose we ban sport fishing from the Columbia River. When working in Portland, I’d commute across the I-5 Bridge, then east on Marine Drive. During fishing season, I’d see boats as far as the eye could see. And how many fish are caught?
Our fish are doomed by warming temperatures. Really, nothing can save the fish except maybe banning all coal-fired power plants immediately. And what our congresswoman doesn’t seem to realize is that she is part of the problem. She supports the Republican agenda and has voted along party lines to, once again, allow pollutants into our streams and for dirtier air.
I don’t think it is right to kill sea lions for following their instincts. And I don’t think it will work. We can make better fish ladders. We can try to lower the temperatures of flowing rivers. We can demolish those four dams on the lower Snake. We can ban sport fishing from the Columbia. Those will do far more for the fish than killing sea lions, which is only a temporary fix.
