WHAT:

The loaning of seized/abandoned property to universities, institutes, zoos & aquariums for the purpose of "scientific, educational or public display purposes."

WHY:

Loans may be made to institutions or organizations for "scientific, educational or public display purposes." Due to available resources, loans are not made to elementary, middle or high schools.

WHO:

Requests sent to:

NOAA Fisheries Service's Office for Law Enforcement
Attn: Director Dale Jones
8484 Georgia Ave, Suite 415
Silver Spring, MD 20910

HOW:

	Requests should be on institute or organizational letterhead
	Requests should come from the department head, director or similar level person
	Requests should have 2 points of contact (individual’s names) listed

CONTACT:

Mark Oswell, OLE's National Media & Constituent Affairs Officer 301-427-2300 W / (301) 427-2055 Fax

BACKGROUND:

Loans are based upon 15 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Loans are typically are for 2 years, with the option of extending the loan for additional years.

LOGISTICS:

Requests are based upon available property, equal distribution of items and number of requests sent in to the OLE. Most requests take 3 months to process and ship. Items may include: seal pelts, seal products, whale teeth, whale baleen, sea turtle porducts and various other marine animal parts. Shipping is paid for by the OLE, with the exception of large whale parts & bones.