NOAA REACHES SETTLEMENT IN CASE AGAINST STELLER SEAL LION RESEARCHER

NOAA’s Office of General Counsel for Fisheries in Alaska has reached settlement in a case against Randall Davis, a Steller sea lion researcher from Texas A&M University.

Davis was charged with conducting research on Steller sea lions, which is an endangered species, in Resurrection Bay and Prince William Sound without a reauthorization to resume research, as was required in his permit. Other alleged violations included using unauthorized sedatives; capturing animals in an age group not authorized in his permit, failing to provide the names and qualifications of individuals who were anesthetizing Steller sea lions; and failing to follow protocols in marking the Steller sea lions.

Davis paid $6,666 as part of the settlement. He also agreed that he may not act as a principal investigator, co-investigator or research assistant under any permit issued by NOAA through 2006. NOAA will not issue or approve any permit that names Davis as an applicant, principal investigator, co-investigator or research assistant through December 31, 2006.

Davis further agreed that, for a period of two years beginning on January 1, 2007, NOAA will not issue or approve any permit where Davis is listed as the applicant or principal investigator. During that same time, any permit holder and/or principal investigator with a permit listing Davis as a co-investigator or research assistant will provide direct, on-site supervision of Davis.

In 2003 and 2004 Davis was working on research projects in Prince William Sound, studying the behavior patterns of Steller sea lions. The violations were originally reported to special agents from NOAA Fisheries Service’s Office for Law Enforcement in Anchorage.

Violations of the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protect Act or any other marine resource violation can be reported to the NOAA Fisheries Service Office of Law Enforcement’s 24-hour hotline at 800-853-1964.

NOAA Fisheries Service is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation’s living marine resources and their habitats through scientific research, management and enforcement. NOAA Fisheries Service provides effective stewardship of these resources for the benefit of the nation, supporting coastal communities that depend upon them, and helping to provide safe and healthy seafood to consumers and recreational opportunities for the American public.

On the Web: