WHAT:

The loaning of seized/abandoned property to zoos, universities, aquariums, institutes and other organizations.

WHY:

For "scientific, educational or public display purposes" only.

WHO:

Requests should be mailed on official letterhead to:

NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement
Attn: Director Bruce Buckson
8484 Georgia Ave, Suite 415
Silver Spring, MD 20910

HOW:

Requests should be on official organizational letterhead.
Requests should come from the department head, director or similar level person.
Requests should have two points of contact (individuals' names) listed.

CONTACT:

Lesli Bales-Sherrod, communications specialist, at 301-427-2300 ext. 103 or Lesli.Bales-Sherrod@noaa.gov.

BACKGROUND:

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

LOGISTICS:

Requests are based upon available property and number of requests sent in to OLE. Items may include seal pelts, seal products, whale teeth, whale baleen, sea turtle products and various other marine animal parts. Shipping is paid for by OLE, with the exception of large whale parts and bones.