Environmental Assessment: Reducing Predation Impacts on At-Risk Fish by California and Steller Sea Lions In the Columbia River Basin

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has prepared this Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This document considers the environmental consequences of alternative actions related to an application by certain States and Tribes to remove California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus: Eastern stock) (hereafter called sea lions) in the Columbia River and certain tributaries. The purpose of the application is to reduce sea lion predation impacts on at-risk fish species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the Columbia River Basin, and species of lamprey or sturgeon that are not listed as endangered or threatened but are listed as a species of concern.