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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Rogue Valley doctor runs for governor on climate change platform ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... Rogue Valley doctor runs for governor on climate change platform ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... OREGON COAST Fake orca spouts, plays whale sounds to scare off sea lions It spouts and makes whale sounds near docks Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Jun. 4, 2015 at 5:57 PM Updated Jun 4, 2015 at 5:58 PM By The Associated Press Posted Jun. 4, 2015 at 5:57 PM Updated Jun 4, 2015 at 5:58 PM » Social News PORTLAND — A fake life-sized orca that spouts water and plays recordings of its real-life counterparts is being deployed to scare off hundreds of sea lions crowding docks off the Oregon Coast, but it ran into a snag its first day on the job. The orca was brought over land from Bellingham, Washington, on Thursday, but as soon as it hit the water at Astoria, its engine flooded, KGW-TV reported. Officials in Astoria say they have found a replacement motor and the fake orca will make it to the water near the docks within several hours. The fake orca, named "Island," belongs to a whale watching business and was originally built in the 1980s. It's outfitted with a Suzuki eight-horsepower outboard motor and speakers. The replica orca is actually a boat and will be driven around in the waters near Astoria, free of charge to the port. It will also tow a smaller, 7-foot-long orca behind it. Sea lions have become a nuisance to the city and commercial fishermen because they damage docks, prevent boaters from using them and eat too many salmon. In recent weeks, the Port of Astoria tried creative ways to keep the animals away, including installing beach balls, colorful tape, chicken wire and electrified mats — but were not successful. The sea lion population has increased dramatically in recent decades. The animals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, but the law includes provisions allowing for deterrence of the sea lions to protect private property. Officials said it's not known if the sea lions will actually be scared of the phony killer whale. Wildlife official say sea lions are smart and might figure out it's a fake. "It's a theory, we don't know how it will work. An orca is a natural predator to a sea lion. But we don't know if they will totally ignore it, or swim for their lives," said Port of Astoria Executive Director Jim Knight. Knight said one of the sounds the fake orca will emit is a "call to dinner" — usually emitted by the killer whales in the wild after they kill a sea lion or seal. By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Jun. 4, 2015 at 5:57 PM Updated Jun 4, 2015 at 5:58 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501