A badly wounded California sea lion that had spent more than two weeks on the special public docks on the Newport bayfront after a suspected shark attack was euthanized Friday.

A decision was made to euthanize the male sea lion after Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network coordinator Jim Rice monitored the animal and noted changes in its appearance and behavior, the Oregon Coast Aquarium said in a news release.

Elizabeth Nash **A badly wounded California sea lion hauled out on the Newport dock for weeks was euthanized Friday.**

The sea lion’s injury — a suspected shark bite — spanned the left hindquarter of the animal, prompting public concern as he remained hauled out on the docks below the Clearwater restaurant.

“The decision to euthanize an animal is not made lightly, and follows extensive observation, discussion, permitting, and planning,” the Oregon Coast Aquarium stated. “Rice monitored the injured sea lion, documenting changes in appearance and behavior. While sea lions have been known to survive severe injuries, the health of this individual declined, prompting Rice to consult the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and OCAq to determine next steps.”

Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network first received reports of the injured sea lion March 21. After receiving approval from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, experts sedated the injured sea lion and then euthanized it. The sea lion’s body was taken to Oregon State University for a necropsy.

In accordance with ODFW policy, there are no rescue or rehabilitation options for sick or injured harbor seals and sea lions in Oregon. While the state policy is to minimize disturbance from people and let nature take its course, there are exceptions, such as when an animal is entangled in debris, harmed by human interference, or, as in this case, recovery isn’t feasible, the aquarium said in its release.

While state policy does not permit the rescue and rehabilitation of harbor seals and sea lions, Rice still encourages people to report every stranding.

“We maintain a stranding database and record about 700 stranding events each year,” Rice said. “We document each one, and the information gives us important data points that inform us about the health issues affecting marine mammals.”