OLYMPIA, WA — A new proposal from Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, aims to create a voluntary funding stream for Washington’s sea lion management efforts by allowing boaters to contribute when renewing their vessel registrations.

Senate Bill 5851, pre-filed ahead of the 2026 legislative session, is intended to address a long-standing gap in funding for sea lion control, particularly in the Lower Columbia River and its tributaries. Wilson said the measure could help the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) expand operations to the Cowlitz River and other shallow waterways.

Wilson said his initial goal is to raise $300,000 for WDFW to purchase barges and equipment needed to conduct sea lion removal efforts in areas that have so far been inaccessible. While Washington and Oregon received federal authorization in 2020 to remove sea lions on parts of the Lower Columbia and Willamette rivers, tributaries on the Washington side have remained largely untreated due to equipment limitations.

Federal protections have allowed sea lion populations to increase over the last five decades. Hundreds migrate upriver each winter when juvenile salmon are present. According to National Marine Fisheries Service studies, sea lions account for an estimated 20% to 45% of endangered Spring Chinook losses on the Snake and Columbia rivers, depending on environmental conditions.

Wilson said attempts to secure state appropriations for additional control work in recent budget cycles were unsuccessful. He argued that a voluntary contribution option could give residents who are concerned about declining salmon runs a direct way to support the effort while demonstrating public interest to lawmakers.

If approved, the measure would create a permanent program allowing boaters to add contributions during vessel licensing transactions, with funds directed to WDFW’s sea lion management activities.

The bill will be considered when the Legislature convenes in 2026.