Astoria Sea Lion Branding Sparks Outcry

One of the tactics used to manage problem sea lions that feast on endangered salmon and steelhead at the Bonneville Dam buffet on the Columbia has attracted the attention of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

The same activists that brought you Whale Wars are upset about the method the ODFW employs to tag problem animals for lethal removal or adoption by aquariums. That method? Branding. ODFW argues that branding does not harm the animals, despite them occasionally catching fire, and that there is no evidence supporting Sea Shepherd's claim of at least one animal dying in the process.

Good luck convincing the animal rights groups who are already actively fighting tooth and nail to stop the lethal removal program all together. Regardless of the science this is a public relations loser.

LINK (via: OPB)