PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A federal agency has authorized the lethal removal of sea lions that prey on migrating salmon and steelhead at the base of Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River.

The killings are limited to sea lions deemed to have a significant effect on the decline or recovery of federally protected salmon and steelhead stocks, and the offenders must have been seen eating salmonids.

The order is from the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act, and the allowable kill would be limited to about 85 animals.

An amendment to the 1972 act permits the killing of sea lions if Columbia River states ask for and get federal permission.

Oregon and Washington asked for permission in 2006.

By some estimates, sea lions at the base of the dam take up to 4 percent of the spring chinook run.