Update On Cape Lisburne Walrus Investigation

Anchorage, Alaska – United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler and Ryan Noel, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Region, announced today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement has determined that the deaths of some walruses at a haulout near Cape Lisburne, Alaska, were human caused.  The Service believes it has identified responsible individuals.  However, no charges have been filed to date and the investigation continues.  No further information concerning the investigation will be released at this time. 

The Service has coordinated closely with the Eskimo Walrus Commission and was assisted by the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management and the Alaska SeaLife Center on necropsies of the dead walruses. 

The Marine Mammal Protection Act permits the non-wasteful taking of marine mammals for subsistence and handicraft purposes by Alaska Natives living along the coast.  Anyone can collect bones, teeth, and ivory of dead walrus found on a beach, however, items must be registered with the Service within 30 days of collection. 

“We encourage and support all member communities from Barrow to Bristol Bay region to harvest walrus that is needed for food and creation of handicrafts in compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act,” said a written statement released by the Eskimo Walrus Commission to its members.  “EWC’s mission is to protect the walrus population and manage it sustainably for the benefit of our hunters and well into the future.” 

For more information regarding walrus and walrus research, visit: 

USFWS: http://www.fws.gov/alaska/fisheries/mmm/walrus/wmain.htm

USGS: http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/walrus/index.html

For updates on NOAA’s aerial surveys of Arctic marine mammals, visit: 

http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/cetacean/bwasp/index.php

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  For more information, visit www.fws.gov, or connect with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through any of these social media at http://www.fws.gov/home/socialmedia/index.html.