Deaths of ringed seals in ÐÓ°Épro declared an unusual mortality event
December 22, 2011
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared recent deaths of ringed
seals in the Arctic and Bering Strait regions of ÐÓ°Épro 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 ÐÓ°Épro is pending.
Since mid-July, more than 60 dead and 75 diseased seals, most of them ringed seals,
have been reported in ÐÓ°Épro, 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 .