Congresswoman Seeks Easier Removal of Sea Lions Eating Salmon

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has called for changes that would make it easier to kill sea lions, saying the animals eat too many salmon in the Columbia River system in her home state of Washington. The congresswoman, first elected in 2022, wrote in an April letter that sea lions consume four times as many salmon as fishermen and Native American tribes from the Columbia River are able to catch in a year.

Last spring, nearly 25 percent of the fish at a large dam had bite wounds from sea lions. Sea lions weigh almost as much as a Toyota Corolla and cost $38,000 each to catch and kill, according to the article. Gluesenkamp Perez described sea lions as an invasive species that is consuming an endangered species.

The congresswoman has said the solution requires action by Congress and support from the agency led by the commerce secretary. " Gluesenkamp Perez represents a competitive district that stretches from the Pacific coast to the suburbs of Portland, Oregon, and the edge of Mount Rainier.

The article noted her record as a moderate Democrat who has broken with party leadership on some issues. The interview with Will Rahn covered why she has focused on sea lions, whether the issue connects to her reelection campaign, and related topics.

Her responses were edited for clarity and length. The article was published on May 11, 2026.