By The Canadian Press

Conservationists say sea lion found dead of gunshot to the head on Hornby Island

Mar 20, 2019 | 4:03 PM

HORNBY ISLAND — A sea lion was discovered washed up on a Hornby Island beach this week, dead from a gunshot to the head. 

The carcass was discovered by the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, who said they’ve also observed abuse of the animals on the water. 

The society says the sea lions depend on herring runs for food and are calling on Ottawa to place a moratorium on commercial roe herring fisheries in the Strait of Georgia to help stocks rebound.

The federal government declined the call for a moratorium.

Meanwhile, some commercial fishermen are asking the federal government to approve a seal and sea lion cull to protect declining salmon stocks, arguing pinniped numbers have spiked in recent years.

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Several scientists have disputed the claim, saying the mammals’ numbers have only rebounded to natural levels after they were depleted by human activity.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Canadian Press