In brief: Washington agency seeks protection for tufted puffin

OLYMPIA – Washington wildlife managers want to list tufted puffins as an endangered species in the state, while removing protective status for Steller sea lions.

The native seabirds, with striking feathers and a bright orange bill, were once common in the San Juan Islands and along the coast.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife said there’s been a dramatic decline in their historic breeding sites in recent decades.

Meanwhile, the agency said the population of Steller sea lions that range from southeast Alaska to northern California has grown steadily and should be removed from the state’s threatened species list.

The federal government removed that population from federal protection in 2013.

Fish and Wildlife names Unsworth as director

TUMWATER, Wash. – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has a new director.

Jim Unsworth will lead the agency of more than 1,600 employees and with a two-year operating budget of $376 million.

The 57-year-old recently served as deputy director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. He will replace Phil Anderson.

The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission announced his appointment Saturday.

Unsworth has been with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for 30 years. He has served as the agency’s deputy director since 2008. He has a doctorate in forestry, wildlife and range sciences from the University of Idaho. His annual salary will be $146,500.