July 25, 2026

Episode 55 - Killing Seals Won't Save Salmon

43 minutes

A new bill in Congress would dramatically expand the killing of seals and sea lions in Washington waters in the name of salmon recovery. We’re joined by Casey McLean, executive director and veterinary nurse at SR3, to examine the history and science behind pinniped culls—and why removing predators from a complex marine ecosystem could have serious unintended consequences.

We discuss the lack of current pinniped population data, the many human-caused pressures affecting salmon, the absence of clear monitoring and measures of success in the proposed legislation, and the overlooked dietary needs of the growing Bigg’s killer whale population. We also explore where the bill stands and how listeners can make their voices heard.

If you are enjoying listening to our podcast, please share this with your friends, follow/subscribe, and leave us feedback/reviews wherever you listen to podcasts!

And if you’d like to join Jeff and Sara on a whale watching tour in 2026, please check out to Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching to book!

You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube. Please send feedback or questions to [email protected].

And remember, stay safe out there.

Links from this episode:

H. R. 9621: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9621/text To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow for the taking of pinnipeds on the Columbia River, its tributaries, and the waters of the State of Washington to protect species of salmon listed as endangered species or threatened species and other nonlisted species of fish, and for other purposes.

H. R. 9621 Sponsors:

Rep. Baumgartner, Michael (R-WA-5)

Rep. Randall, Emily (D-WA-6)

Save the seals. Congress is trying to shoot its way to salmon recovery

Take Action: Oppose Culling of Sea Lions and Seals

Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries

Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.)

Vice Chair Mike Ezell (R-Miss.)

Rob Wittman (R-Va.)

Tom McClintock (R-Calif.)

Tim Walberg (R-Mich.)

Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa)

Daniel Webster (R-Fla.)

Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.)

Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.)

Jen Kiggans (R-Va.)

Celeste Maloy (R-Utah)

Addison McDowell (R-N.C.)

Jeff Crank (R-Colo.)

Troy Downing (R-Mont.)

...more

View all episodes

By Jeff Friedman and Sara Shimazu

5656 ratings