Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Fisheries Service
- Office for Law Enforcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 08, 2006

NOAA OFFERS REWARD FOR INFORMATION ON HARBOR SEAL SHOOTINGS

NOAA Fisheries Service’s Office for Law Enforcement is offering up to $2,500 for information about the shooting of two Harbor Seals near Juneau, Alaska. Both shootings are believed to have occurred during the second week of February 2006, near Outer Point on Douglas Island. The reward is conditional upon information leading to an arrest, conviction, civil penalty assessment or forfeiture of property for violations against those responsible.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 is a federal law that protects seals, sea lions, whales and all other species of marine mammals. Under the MMPA and its corresponding regulations, it is illegal to harass, shoot, pursue or feed marine mammals in the wild. A violation of the Act can result in civil penalties of up to $12,000 and criminal fines of up to $20,000 and imprisonment.

Anyone with information is asked to call one of the following numbers:

· Special Agent Allee: 907-586-7225
· Office for Law Enforcement - National Hotline: 800-853-1964

NOAA Fisheries Service is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation’s living marine resources and their habitats through scientific research, management and enforcement. NOAA Fisheries Service provides effective stewardship of these resources for the benefit of the nation, supporting coastal communities that depend upon them, and helping to provide safe and healthy seafood to consumers and recreational opportunities for the American public.

* Any officer or employee of the United States or of any Foreign, State or local government, or their family members, who furnishes information or renders service in the performance of his official duties shall not be eligible for payment under this reward offer.

On the Web:
NOAA Fisheries in Alaska: alaskafisheries.noaa.gov
NOAA's Alaska Fisheries Science Center: www.afsc.noaa.gov
NOAA Fisheries Service’s Office for Law Enforcement: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole
NOAA Fisheries Service: www.nmfs.noaa.gov
NOAA: www.noaa.gov