An appeals court has ruled a federal agency acted properly when limiting fishing in the western Aleutian Islands to protect endangered Steller sea lions.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday issued its ruling in the challenge brought by the state of Alaska and commercial fishing interests. The decision upholds a lower court ruling.
The National Marine Fisheries Service in 2011 curtailed fishing after determining the western population of Steller sea lions is nutritionally stressed because they aren't getting enough to eat.
The state and seafood organizations sued, argued restricting fishing is unnecessary when the population is growing.
Environmental groups Oceana and Greenpeace intervened on behalf of the fisheries service.
Oceana's Susan Murray says in a statement that Tuesday's decision is a "victory for healthy oceans."
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Appeals Court Upholds Sea Lions Decision
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