Contacts
Joel Garlich-Miller (907) 786-3820
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is requesting your support and cooperation in minimizing disturbances to walrus herds along the Chukchi Sea coast.
Walruses usually ?haul out? onto sea ice to rest between feeding trips. When sea ice is not available, walruses must come to shore to rest. In late summer, large herds of walruses may be found hauled out on isolated beaches and barrier islands along the Chukchi Sea coast. Walruses are sensitive to the sight, sound, and odor of humans and machines, and may stampede back into the water when disturbed. Large-scale mortality events have occasionally resulted from herd stampedes, with calves being particularly vulnerable to trampling injuries. Frequent disturbances may also impact animal health and condition if walruses are unable to obtain sufficient rest between feeding excursions.
GUIDELINES FOR PILOTS: The Service requests that pilots keep aircrafts at least 1,000 feet above, and well to one side of, herds of resting walruses. Such activities as buzzing, circling, landing, taking off, and taxiing near walrus groups are likely to cause disturbances. When weather conditions allow, pilots should fly well inland from walrus groups to avoid flushing animals into the water.
GUIDELINES FOR MARINE VESSELS: The Service recommends that marine vessels maintain a ½ mile buffer from shore when transiting past a walrus haulout. Vessels should also avoid excessive speed or sudden changes in speed or direction near walrus groups encountered in the water.
GUIDELINES FOR LAND BASED-VIEWING: The Service asks that people approach walruses hauled out on land cautiously. Viewing the animals should be done is a manner that allows the animals to remain unaware of human presence. The use of binoculars can help to ensure a good view without causing disruptions to animals.
Please remember that harassment of walruses or other marine mammals violates the Marine Mammal Protection Act and, if the disturbance involves an aircraft, the Federal Airborne Hunting Act. For more information about walrus conservation and management programs in Alaska visit http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/mmm/walrus/wmain.htm or call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Marine Mammals Management office at (800) 362-5148.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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