Deaths of ringed seals in Alaska declared an unusual mortality event

December 22, 2011

Marmian Grimes

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared recent deaths of ringed seals in the Arctic and Bering Strait regions of Alaska an unusual mortality event, triggering a focused, expert investigation into the cause. The declaration was announced Dec. 20. A decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on making such a declaration for Pacific walrus in Alaska is pending.

Since mid-July, more than 60 dead and 75 diseased seals, most of them ringed seals, have been reported in Alaska, with reports continuing to come in. During their fall survey, scientists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also identified diseased and dead walruses at the annual mass haul-out at Point Lay.

More information and the complete news release are available on the NOAA website.