In his decision just handed down in the U.S. District Court of Oregon, U.S. District Judge Michael Mosman categorically rejected the humane society arguments and found that NMFS’ decision was sound.

“We appreciate Judge Mosman’s recognition that the public process that began over two years ago was the appropriate avenue for addressing the situation at Bonneville Dam,” said Rob Lothrop, interim executive director for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. “Now that this decision is behind us the tribes are looking forward to continuing our work with the states.”

Over the past few years, biologists have seen the number of sea lions at Bonneville Dam skyrocket and their impacts to endangered migrating salmon increase. In 2008, 84 sea lions were observed consuming 4243 adult salmon in the first 100 feet downstream of the dam. This decision allows the states of Oregon and Washington to proceed with the removal.

Judge Mosman’s decision is the latest in an on-going lawsuit over the removal of California sea lions from Bonneville Dam to protect endangered salmon. The lawsuit will now go to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Both parties are seeking a final decision by March 1, 2009 when the Columbia River’s spring salmon run begins.