April 14, 2005

Mr. D. Robert Lohn Regional Administrator NOAA Fisheries 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Bldg 1 Seattle, WA 98115-0070

Mr. William Grisoli Brigadier General U.S. Army Corps of Engineers P.O. Box 2870 Portland, OR 97208

Dear Sirs:

The Northwest Power and Conservation Council requests that your agencies immediately initiate all available actions under the Marine Mammal Protection Act for the exclusion of predatory sea lions and seals from the Columbia River immediately below Bonneville Dam and from the anadromous fish passage facilities of the dam itself. 

The Updated Proposed Action for the operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System documents that predation by marine mammals on Columbia River salmon has been increasing in recent years and there is currently obvious interference on this spring's migration in the Bonneville fish ladder itself. We think more directed effort to exclude marine mammals from this critical point of salmon migration is urgently needed. 

The Pacific Northwest invests significant resources in the restoration and recovery of Columbia River anadromous fish. Safe passage at Bonneville Dam is essential to the health and improvement of these species. We think the Marine Mammal Protection Act recognizes such circumstances and provides exceptions for such conflicts in the interest of listed species recovery and protection of fisheries. All available exceptions must be immediately pursued including those that would permit exclusion of marine mammals from immediately below Bonneville Dam.

We support your efforts to date and are ready to offer you our assistance immediately.

Sincerely,

Melinda S. Eden, Chair