Apr 2014
Seal on the beach? Who to call
Apr/07/14 01:23 PM
Seal Sitter Marine Mammal Stranding Network Hotline: 206-905-SEAL (7325)
Seal Sitters responds to both live and dead marine mammals in West Seattle (including Brace Point, south of Fauntleroy ferry dock) and the Duwamish River.
For more detailed information on who to call and when, see information below.
MARINE MAMMALS ON THE BEACH
If you see a marine mammal on the beach, stay back (NOAA recommends 100 yards if possible), keep people and dogs away and call the appropriate number listed below (or refer to linked stranding network map for your area). It is against federal law, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, to disturb a marine mammal. Any disruption which alters the behavior of the animal is considered a violation or “take” - this includes just causing a sleeping animal to wake up!
Rest is critical to the survival of seals and sea lions. It is normal for a seal pup to be on the beach alone to rest and warm up. However, if you see a pup (or other marine mammal) on any beach in West Seattle (including Brace Point, south of the Fauntleroy ferry dock) and the Duwamish River, please call the Seal Sitters Hotline @ 206-905-7325. Be as precise as possible with a location - street address, cross street or any identifying landmark. We do not have hotline volunteers available to answer calls after 8pm. Please leave a message with exact information about the location, species of the animal, whether it is dead or alive and include your name and phone number. If you leave a call at night, a responder will search for the seal at first light the following morning.
For all other beaches in Washington and Oregon, call the NOAA Stranding Hotline @ 1-866-767-6114 to report the location of the animal. To find the stranding network in your area, click here to view maps listing all networks in the states of Washington and Oregon.
If you see a marine mammal being harrassed or injured it is a matter for law enforcement. Call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline @ 1-800-853-1964 (monitored 24 hrs a day) and tell them an animal is being harmed. If the animal or the public is in imminent danger, CALL 911.
Please note: NOAA Enforcement is not an immediate response team, as there are limited officers in the Pacific Northwest. However, the line is answered 24 hours a day and a harassment should be reported to them immediately. They are an investigative unit and will fine and prosecute violators of the Marine Mammal Protection Act with the proper evidence: violator’s name, photo, or auto license plate number. Do not put yourself at risk to obtain this information. If you need a law enforcement presence because the public or animal is in imminent danger, call 911. After calling the police, please also call SS Hotline @ 206-905-7325 if the seal is on any beach from West Seattle (including Brace Point) and the Duwamish River basin.
To learn more about the NW Marine Mammal Stranding Network, visit our website.
DOWNLOAD STRANDING NETWORK MAPS HERE
For detailed maps outlining who to call in Washington and Oregon, please download the following NOAA Stranding Network maps:
NW Marine Mammal Stranding Network for Puget Sound
NW Marine Mammal Stranding Network for Washington
NW Marine Mammal Stranding Network for Oregon
Seal Sitters responds to both live and dead marine mammals in West Seattle (including Brace Point, south of Fauntleroy ferry dock) and the Duwamish River.
For more detailed information on who to call and when, see information below.
MARINE MAMMALS ON THE BEACH
If you see a marine mammal on the beach, stay back (NOAA recommends 100 yards if possible), keep people and dogs away and call the appropriate number listed below (or refer to linked stranding network map for your area). It is against federal law, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, to disturb a marine mammal. Any disruption which alters the behavior of the animal is considered a violation or “take” - this includes just causing a sleeping animal to wake up!
Rest is critical to the survival of seals and sea lions. It is normal for a seal pup to be on the beach alone to rest and warm up. However, if you see a pup (or other marine mammal) on any beach in West Seattle (including Brace Point, south of the Fauntleroy ferry dock) and the Duwamish River, please call the Seal Sitters Hotline @ 206-905-7325. Be as precise as possible with a location - street address, cross street or any identifying landmark. We do not have hotline volunteers available to answer calls after 8pm. Please leave a message with exact information about the location, species of the animal, whether it is dead or alive and include your name and phone number. If you leave a call at night, a responder will search for the seal at first light the following morning.
For all other beaches in Washington and Oregon, call the NOAA Stranding Hotline @ 1-866-767-6114 to report the location of the animal. To find the stranding network in your area, click here to view maps listing all networks in the states of Washington and Oregon.
If you see a marine mammal being harrassed or injured it is a matter for law enforcement. Call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline @ 1-800-853-1964 (monitored 24 hrs a day) and tell them an animal is being harmed. If the animal or the public is in imminent danger, CALL 911.
Please note: NOAA Enforcement is not an immediate response team, as there are limited officers in the Pacific Northwest. However, the line is answered 24 hours a day and a harassment should be reported to them immediately. They are an investigative unit and will fine and prosecute violators of the Marine Mammal Protection Act with the proper evidence: violator’s name, photo, or auto license plate number. Do not put yourself at risk to obtain this information. If you need a law enforcement presence because the public or animal is in imminent danger, call 911. After calling the police, please also call SS Hotline @ 206-905-7325 if the seal is on any beach from West Seattle (including Brace Point) and the Duwamish River basin.
To learn more about the NW Marine Mammal Stranding Network, visit our website.
DOWNLOAD STRANDING NETWORK MAPS HERE
For detailed maps outlining who to call in Washington and Oregon, please download the following NOAA Stranding Network maps:
NW Marine Mammal Stranding Network for Puget Sound
NW Marine Mammal Stranding Network for Washington
NW Marine Mammal Stranding Network for Oregon
