Fibber Whale

A fake whale is being used in Oregon City to scare sea lions out of the port.

17:57 08 June 2015

Port officials in Oregon City are using a 32 ft long fiberglass whale to scare sea lions who did not leave as expected after the weather got warmer. However, the first attempt failed as the motor of the fake orca became flooded on Thursday. Officials say that they’re going to try it again on Friday. 

 

Jim Knight, Port of Astoria Executive Director, said: "It really is a sign of how desperate the measures are that we're taking to try and solve this problem.” 

 

"We simply don't have the financial resources to build barriers. We have no choice but to look for very creative and low-cost solutions."

 

Mr Knight added that the sea lions were threatening various commercial and sport fishing operations in the area. "There are thousands of jobs that are at risk in our community," Mr Knight said of the city of some 10,000 people situated near the mouth of the Columbia river.