The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service has accepted an application under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to lethally remove California sea lions from Bonneville Dam.

The application from Idaho, Oregon and Washington asks that a task force investigate the effect sea lions have on Endangered Species Act-listed salmon and steelhead.

The Pinniped-Fishery Interaction Task Force will review information following a public comment period.

Representatives of NOAA Fisheries, independent scientists, tribes, conservation groups and states will participate in reviewing the application, public comments, and other relevant information before recommending approval or denial.