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2018–2022 Ice Seal Unusual Mortality Event in Alaska
Since June 1, 2018, elevated ice seal strandings have occurred in the Bering and Chukchi seas in Alaska. This event has been declared an Unusual Mortality Event (UME).
Since June 1, 2018, elevated strandings for bearded, ringed, and spotted seals have occurred in the Bering and Chukchi seas in Alaska. This event has been declared an Unusual Mortality Event (UME).
Ice Seal Strandings (as of January 7, 2022)
Year
Bearded
Ringed
Spotted
Unidentified
Total
2018 (June 1-Dec 31)
35
29
20
27
111
2019
50
35
26
53
164
2020
10
9
8
11
38
2021
11
22
8
14
55
2022 (as of January 7)
0
0
0
0
0
Total
106
95
62
105
368
Why are Ice Seals Stranding?
We currently do not know why the ice seals are stranding. All age classes of seals have been reported, and a subset of seals have been sampled for genetics and harmful algal bloom exposure, with a few having histopathology collected. Results are pending.
As part of the UME investigation process, NOAA is assembling an independent team of scientists to coordinate with the Working Group on Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events to review the data collected, sample stranded seals, and determine the next steps for the investigation.
Map of 2019 ice seal strandings in the Bering and Chukchi seas, February 12 through September 4, 2019.
Report a Stranded or Floating Seal
The most important action someone can take is to immediately report dead, injured, or stranded marine mammals. Do not approach or touch injured or dead marine mammals.
Make the report by calling NOAA’s Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network Hotline at (877) 925-7773 or contact your local wildlife authorities at the following numbers:
North Slope Borough: North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management: (907) 852-0350
All marine mammals are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Only local and state officials and people authorized by NOAA Fisheries may legally handle live and dead marine mammals.