New restrictions have just been proposed to protect sea lions in the Aleutians. The Federal National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to close all commercial fishing for mackerel and pacific cod. These are remote areas but valuable to fisherman. However it is important that Alaska not only ensures sustainable fishing practices but protects other marine mammals. It is hoped that this measure will increase sea lion numbers in the next few years as they will not be competing with fisherman for the fish. The fisheries service is currently accepting comments on the proposal
Source:
- http://www.adn.com/2010/08/02/1392232/sea-lion-decline-prompts-fed-plan.html
Fishing Restricted to Protect Sea lions