All marine mammals, including seals and sea lions, are federally protected by the
Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). It is illegal to shoot seals or sea lions unless you are an Alaska Native
and the take is for subsistence purposes (food or handicraft) and is not accomplished in a wasteful manner.
Illegal shooting of a seal or sea lion may result in:
- Paying civil penalties greater than $29,000 per count
- Spending up to a year in jail
- Paying criminal fines
- Forfeiture of your vessel
- Harming your fishery's good reputation.
Report Violations
To report a marine mammal violation, call 1- (800) 853-1964. NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement provides live operator coverage 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.
More Information
Spectators spot whales on a WhaleSENSE whale watching trip in Juneau, Alaska. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
North Pacific right whale. Credit: Brenda K. Rone
Veteran intern Antonio Jones at an oyster farm in Drayton Harbor, Washington, checking traps for European Invasive Green Crab. Credit: Northwest Straits Commission
