Bill would open the Farallones to visitors

Two members of Congress introduced a bill to open the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge to visitors.

But scientists say the 211-acre island refuge off the San Francisco coast should remain off-limits to the public to protect marine mammals, including the endangered Steller sea lion, and the largest seabird breeding colony in the lower 48 states. Ellie Cohen, who heads a team of researchers working at the islands since 1968, says half the 250,000 seabirds at the refuge lay only one egg a year in easily crushed, sandy burrows, and Steller sea lions sometimes stampede from humans, trampling their pups.

Reps. Richard W. Pombo (R-Tracy) and Nick J. Rahall (D-W.Va.) introduced the bill Jan. 25 at the request of ham radio operators who seek to transmit from remote locations, including two other refuges in the Caribbean. But Rep. Tom Lantos (D-San Mateo) says he will press lawmakers to drop the Farallones from the bill.