Minimize Disturbance Procedures
Cape Seniavin Walrus Resting Area
Posted Tuesday April 16, 2002
Cape Seniavin Walrus Resting Area
View Image (PDF, 59 KB)
YOUR SUPPORT AND COOPERATION IS REQUESTED TO
MINIMIZE DISTURBANCE TO WALRUS RESTING AT CAPE SENIAVIN
CAPE SENIAVIN IS AN IMPORTANT RESTING AREA FOR PACIFIC WALRUS. Each summer, thousands of walrus migrate into Bristol Bay to feed on rich beds of clams and other marine organisms. Between feeding cycles, they come to shore to rest at isolated resting areas (haulouts) distributed around the Bay. In recent years, the number of walrus using the haulout at Cape Seniavin on the Alaska Peninsula has increased substantially and this haulout has become one of the most important resting areas for walrus in Alaska.
WALRUS ARE SENSITIVE TO HUMAN DISTURBANCES.Although responses to human activities are variable, walrus will often flee haulouts in response to the sight, sound, or odor of humans or their machines. Trampling deaths associated with haulout disturbance is one of the largest known sources of natural mortality for walrus. Frequent or prolonged disturbances may even result in long term haulout abandonment.
DISTURBING WALRUS IS AGAINST THE LAW. Operating an aircraft or boat in a manner which results in disturbing, harassing, herding, hazing, or driving of walrus is prohibited under provisions of the Marine Mammals Protection Act and Federal Airborne Hunting Act.
YOU CAN HELP MINIMIZE DISTURBANCES TO WALRUS AT CAPE SENIAVIN. To ensure that walrus are not disturbed, please follow these guidelines between April 1st and October 31st when traveling near Cape Seniavin:
- Fixed wing aircraft remain at altitudes greater than 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL) within 1/2 mile of Cape Seniavin (56° 24' N, 160° 09' W). Helicopters remain at altitudes greater than 5,000 feet AGL within one (1) nautical mile of the Cape. If cloud conditions necessitate flying lower than these recommended altitudes, please pass inland to avoid flushing walrus from the beach.
- Walrus are particularly sensitive to changes in engine noise and are more likely to stampede off beaches when planes turn or fly low overhead - please avoid circling or turning while in the area of the haulout.
- Aircraft visiting Cape Seniavin should land well away from the haulout and only taxi as close to the haulout as is necessary for landing and take off. Approaching the haulout by foot will greatly reduce the amount of disturbance to the animals resting at the haulout.
- Marine vessels are requested to remain at least 1/2 mile from shore when transiting past the Cape.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AND COOPERATION.
To report incidences of harassment contact:
- USFWS Law Enforcement Division: 1-800-858-7621
-
United States Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
Marine Mammals Management Field Office
1011 E. Tudor Road
Anchorage Alaska 99503-6199
Toll free: 1-800-362-5148; fax 786-3816
Questions?
