1999 News Release National Marine Fisheries Service

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	National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Region NEWS RELEASE
	Alaska Region, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99802-1668

CONTACT:
Carol Tocco
Public Affairs NMFS
(907) 586-7032

NMFS 99-10-AKR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 20, 1999

DON'T TOUCH THAT SEAL PUP!
A Reminder from the National Marine Fisheries Service
to Resist the Urge to "Rescue" Seal Pups

Mid-May to early July is the peak time for the birthing of seal pups in Alaska, and already a few baby seals are being spotted in some popular viewing locations, such as Tracy Arm . Seal pups frequently found on ocean beaches in late spring and early summer may appear to be abandoned. However, in most cases, the mother is at sea feeding and will return to her pup. Kaja Brix, wildlife biologist for the National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Region, asks that individuals finding seal pups not touch or approach them. "Although their intentions are well-meant," said Brix, "individuals who remove seal pups from beaches may eliminate the possibility of a pup reuniting with its mother."

The National Marine Fisheries Service also cautions that harassing a seal pup or any other marine mammal is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which could result in fines up to $10,000.

To report circumstances that may require intervention by a trained response team, concerned citizens should contact the Protected Resources Management Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service in Juneau at (907)586-7235 or in Anchorage at (907) 271-5006.

The National Marine Fisheries Service is an agency of the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NMFS conducts scientific research and service in support of protected species and fisheries management, enforcement, and habitat conservation programs.