Please select your home edition
Edition
RS Sailing 2021 - LEADERBOARD

NOAA warns: Don’t shoot seals or sea lions

by NOAA Fisheries 17 May 2018 19:26 BST
A Steller sea lion and her pup © NOAA Fisheries

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) prohibits “take” of marine mammals unless an exception or exemption applies such as the take exemption for subsistence harvests by Alaska Natives.

The MMPA defines "take" as "to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill, any marine mammal." The MMPA defines "harassment" as "any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance which has the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild; or has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering."

Penalties for violating the MMPA include up to $28,520 and/or one year imprisonment.

"Marine mammals are an integral part of a healthy ecosystem," said NOAA Fisheries Alaska Regional Administrator Dr. Jim Balsiger. "Unless it is being harvested for subsistence purposes, or is otherwise authorized, intentionally killing a marine mammal is illegal."

The MMPA provides an exemption from the take prohibition for Alaska natives if such taking is for subsistence purposes or is done for the purpose of creating or selling authentic native articles of handicraft or clothing, and is not accomplished in a wasteful manner. This is a protected tradition that dates back thousands of years.

Fisheries interactions

Seals and sea lions sometimes struggle to survive, especially in low fish years. NOAA Fisheries Stranding Program responded to multiple dead, emaciated Steller sea lions in 2017 and 2018, indicating that pinnipeds may be challenged to find enough food in some years and in some areas.

While there may be instances where pinnipeds damage fishing gear and catch when a fisherman is hauling a full net of fish, fishermen can often avoid pinnipeds without harming them.

Under the MMPA, fishermen may deter a marine mammal from damaging the gear or catch so long as such measures do not result in serious injury or the death of the marine mammal. However, this exception does not apply to ESA-listed marine mammals, such as the western distinct population segment of Steller sea lion, which primarily occurs west of Cape Suckling, Alaska (west of 144 degrees W longitude).

NOAA Fisheries is currently working on publishing guidelines for safely deterring marine mammals. Once finalized, fisherman who take actions to deter marine mammals consistent with such guidelines or specific measures will not violate the law.

People, seals, and sea lions

Most people—including visitors and year-round residents—enjoy watching seals and sea lions. Marine mammal viewing is a growing industry and supports Alaska's economy.

NOAA Fisheries responds to dead and injured marine mammals and collects information and evidence to determine cause of death or injury. If a marine mammal appears to have been wounded or killed illegally, this information is provided to law enforcement.

NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement investigates allegations of the MMPA violations including unlawful takes.

To report a marine mammal violation, call (800) 853-1964. NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement provides live operator coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To report a dead, injured, or otherwise stranded marine mammal in Alaska, call (877) 925-7773 (also 24/7 operator assistance).

Related Articles

RS Feva UK National Championships
Big winds, fancy dress and competitive racing The sun might have stayed hidden this bank holiday weekend, but the wind certainly showed up in force for the 2025 RS Feva National Championships. Over 90 dinghies from across the UK gathered at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club in Scotland. Posted on 28 May
Dutch Youth Regatta - EuroCup 6 is about to begin
Making waves right away is Sweden's Henric Wigforss, the Optimist World Champion Get ready - 43 teams from eight countries are set to hit the water for one of the most exciting youth sailing events of the year! Posted on 28 May
Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta day 1
Ideal conditions for starting the Southern Wind RendezVous and Trophy The 2025 edition of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, organised by the YCCS with the support of title sponsor Giorgio Armani, got under way right on time today, 28 May 2025 at 11.30 a.m. on the waters off Porto Cervo. Posted on 28 May
CIC Normandy Channel Race day 4
Heavy two-way traffic in the Celtic Sea Virtually all the fleet has now rounded the compulsory Chaussée de Sein passage mark off the west coast of Brittany. The Class40 Bleu Blanc Planète Location is currently bringing up the rear after a pit stop in Roscoff to repair a cracked rudder bearing. Posted on 28 May
America's Cup Power Plays
And Growing Sailing Through Learning There's always so much speculation and intrigue in-between each edition of the America's Cup. Everyone wants to know what is happening behind closed doors, inside the teams, and when the Challengers meet with the Defender. Posted on 28 May
Northern Irish sailors shine at RS Feva Nationals
Ben McCaldin finished as first junior All Northern Irish sailors made it into the Gold Fleet, which represents the top selection of boats after the initial races, highlighting the quality of local sailors here in Northern Ireland. Posted on 28 May
Europe class UK Nationals runners and riders
Some big names are in the mix this weekend at Stokes Bay As the 2025 UK Europe National Championships approach, anticipation is building for what promises to be one of the most competitive events in recent memory. With a stacked fleet of seasoned champions, fresh talent, and local heroes all eyeing the title. Posted on 28 May
2025 is going to be a huge season for IMOCA
Antoine Mermod talks about the season ahead Over the next four years the most exciting monohull class in world offshore ocean racing will take on no less than 17 races, covering tens of thousands of miles of the world's oceans. Posted on 28 May
America's Cup enthusiastically received in Naples
The Castel dell'Ovo, was the venue for the arrival of the America's Cup in Napes The Castel dell'Ovo, set on the tuft peninsula of Megaride was the outstanding setting for the Official Host Venue Presentation of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup. Posted on 28 May
PredictWind JOG Cowes to Deauville Race
A landmark and one of the highlights of the calendar JOG Yacht Racing's Bank Holiday race got away from a committee boat start and a line managed by the Royal London Yacht Club off the Royal Southern buoy, marking the parentage of a race first started in 1962 with the Yacht Club de Deauville. Posted on 28 May