Federal protection sought for rockfish

Puget Sound rockfish could become the latest of a host of underwater creatures to make the federal endangered species list.

The federal NOAA Fisheries Service said Monday it has accepted a petition from a retired state fisheries biologist to consider whether the fish are at risk of extinction.

The biologist, Sam Wright of Olympia, proposed five species of rockfish for federal protection. If federal scientists agree, the proposal then would go through a long review process before a final decision.

Some species of rockfish, which are often found at depths greater than 300 feet, can live as long as 100 years.

The fisheries service earlier had ruled that the fish didn't deserve a close review, but Wright submitted more information.

Seattle

Council passes law to track lobbyists

Some lobbyists in Seattle will have to register with the city, City Council decided unanimously, 9-0, on Monday.

Paid lobbyists who communicate with the city's elected officials or their staffs will have to report their activities, how much they get paid and by whom.

The Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission will enforce the rule and could fine violators up to $5,000.

The rule doesn't affect ordinary citizens who communicate with elected officials, and other government agencies, elected officials and union representatives in labor negotiations are also exempt. King County and the state already have similar requirements.

Portland

Agency OKs killing of sea lions at dam

A federal agency has authorized the "intentional legal taking" of individually identified California sea lions that prey on migrating salmon and steelhead at the base of Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River.

The killing is 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 between Jan. 1 and May 31 of any year, the National Marine Fisheries Service said in an order obtained by The Associated Press late Monday.

Sea lions are protected under the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the allowable kill would be limited to about 85 animals.

The ruling, scheduled to be released today, said sea lions captured in traps must be held for at least 48 hours before they are euthanized. In that time, it will be determined if a permanent holding facility can be found, such as a zoo, aquarium or research facility.

The order identifies about 60 sea lions "authorized for immediate removal."

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, and Idaho offered its support.

Tukwila

Shooting suspects may be released

Two men suspected of opening fire in a parking lot at the Westfield Shoppingtown Southcenter mall Wednesday evening, wounding a 21-year-old man, were expected to be released from jail late Monday because county prosecutors had not filed charges.

King County prosecutor's spokesman Dan Donohoe said Tukwila police, who are investigating the shooting, had not forwarded a case to prosecutors in time to meet a deadline to release the men, ages 18 and 20.

Tukwila police spokesman Mike Murphy said police are continuing their investigation.

The 8:30 p.m. shooting in the lot outside the Johnny Rockets restaurant followed an argument between two groups of men, police said.

Kent

Ex-trooper guilty in sex case

A former State Patrol trooper has been convicted of one count of custodial sexual misconduct for having sex with a woman during a traffic stop in 2005.

Carlos Torres, 46, who has been fired from the Patrol, now faces six to 12 months behind bars. Sentencing in King County Superior Court was set for May 2.

The 38-year-old victim told investigators that in June 2005 she was driving with her daughter and boyfriend when Torres stopped her and arrested her on suspicion of drunken driving.

While driving her to the police station, Torres took her to a Federal Way weigh station, where he sexually assaulted her, prosecutors alleged.

Olympia

Johnson to run for re-election

Justice Charles Johnson, the senior member of the state Supreme Court, announced Monday he is running for a fourth six-year term.

He is one of three incumbent justices facing the voters this fall. Justice Mary Fairhurst, of Olympia, faces her first re-election bid and is expecting strong opposition.

Justice Debra Stephens, of Spokane, recently elevated to the bench by Gov. Christine Gregoire, also is on the ballot.

None of the three has drawn a direct challenge yet.

Seattle

No auction bidders for ferry Chinook

For the second time, no one has bid to buy the state ferry Chinook.

The bidding on the Web site eBay ended Friday, with no one offering the $4.5 million minimum bid.

The state is waiting for an updated appraisal of the boat, which is expected within the week, before putting it back on the list with a lower minimum bid.

Times staff and news services