Reports of stranded seals primarily occurred from June to September. All age classes of ice seals were reported. A subset of ice seals were sampled for harmful algal blooms and health parameters. When possible, skin was collected from stranded seals to help determine the species. Results are pending.


Why Declare an Unusual Mortality Event?

The Marine Mammal Protection Act defines an Unusual Mortality Event as a stranding event that is unexpected, involves a significant die-off, and demands an immediate response. NOAA Fisheries assessed whether the increased ice seal mortalities met at least one of seven criteria required for a UME.

We concluded that the ice seal die-off met the first criterion: A marked increase in the magnitude or a marked change in the nature of morbidity, mortality, or strandings when compared with prior records.

Declaration of a UME will bring more focus, expertise, and resources to help the investigation. The public may use Pay.gov to donate to the Marine Mammal UME Contingency Fund for this or other UMEs and help cover costs incurred by the Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network.