Cordova District Fishermen United has upped the reward for information leading to a conviction in the case of several deliberately killed Steller sea lions discovered near Cordova last month. The group is adding $5,000 to the $2,500 reward already offered by NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, bringing the total reward to $7,500.
On June 1, NOAA Fisheries received a report of several dead marine mammals on a beach near Cordova, Alaska. With support from a District 17 US Coast Guard helicopter crew, NOAA biologists and law enforcement personnel were able to reach the remote site, where they examined several dead Steller sea lions with wounds indicating they had been intentionally killed.
NOAA officials seek information from anyone with details of this incident. Tips may be left anonymously by calling NOAA Special Agent Glenn Charles at (907) 271-1824.
Killing marine mammals is a violation of federal law under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, with limited exceptions such as for subsistence hunting by Alaska Natives. The western population of Steller sea lions is also protected under the Endangered Species Act, which likewise prohibits harassing, harming, or killing listed species, with very limited exceptions. To report a stranded, injured, or sick marine mammal, call (877)9-AKR-PRD (877-925-7773).
