The San Francisco call., 1899-04-07
VERDICT OF DEATH
GIVEN FOR SEA LIONS
THE REDUCTION OF THE VAST
HERDS is ADVOCATED.
Many Interested Parties Are Wiling
to Assist the Fish Commis-
sioners in the Project.

The resolution of the State Fish and
Game Commissioners to make a big re-
duction of the numbers of sea lions that
are destroying thousands of tons of fish
along the coast every month, as pub
lished yesterday in The Call, has caused
much comment by men in many walks
OF life in this city. AS the move appeals
more particularly to those interested in
the fishing industry it is natural to sup
pose that this class is its stanchest sup
porter. At an early hour yesterday a
half dozen or more fish dealers and pro-
prietors of fishing institutions telephoned
to the commission and promised all the
support that the movement requires. Not
a few called and stated that they have
suffered for long time from the dep
relations of these rapacious animals
which have destroyed nets to the value
of hundreds of dollars, to say nothing Of
the fish they have killed.
Among the visitors was J. P. Haller Of
Booth & Haller Of the Sacramento River
Packers Association. The gentleman
stated that for years past he has OBJ
served the destruction of salmon during
the spawning season at the principal
points up the river and bay by sea lions
and it is not exaggerating the case to say
that these animals Kill every season in
the bay more fish than the canneries
pack, and the habit of the sea lion is to
kill so Der cent more than il eats The
Gamers and fishermen have long wanted
to start crusade against their common
enemy, but believed that to do soft would
be necessary to have the backing of the
State officers. Mr.. Haller said that bis
firm was willing and would be glad to
stand q part of the expense of the thin
ming out of the sea lion herds.
Another interested party was f. e.
benjamin, who for years has had ample
opportunity to observe the destructive
propensities of the much-despised Great
ures He sent the following letter ad-
dressed to Secretary ]. P. Babcock:
Dear Sir: Allow me to express my appreca-
tion of your efforts to- protect OR salmon fish
cries by exterminating the herds of lions
along the coast. l am a friend of the salmon
and from personal observations 1 know that
your statements as set forth in this morning S
Call are correct in every particular II is the
sincere hope of myself and numerous friends
that you make a firm stand against the rapa-
cious seal, and that no sentimental arguments
in favor Of the majestic and picturesque sea
ion'' be allowed TO prevail against the fact
that those hordes of useless animals are de-
pleting our home supply of the finest and most
valuable food and game fish in the world.
Yours truly. F. E BENJAMIN.
c. S. Benedict informed Commissioner
NCgelsang that the move should be car
rioU out by all means. Mr.. Benedict has
studied the sea lion from q utilitarian
standpoint and his testimony IS that the
creature is commercially worthless. Sew
eral years ago q man in the southern part
of the State attempted to establish an
industry on his own hook by trying out
sea lions oil. He got the oil all right, but
after spending much time and money in
an attempt to deodorize 1t gave up the
project as a bad job. No practical use
can be made of the thick hide of the
beasts. The Commissioners do not expect
any opposition to the destruction of the
animals except from those who object to
killing from sentimental standpoint.
The meeting at which the matter will be
discussed will be held within week or
ten days.