Several people asked us on Sunday – and another one, just as we started writing this – about a dead marine mammal at Seacrest, near the West Seattle Water Taxi dock (that’s part of it in the foreground of the photo above, taken last night). As always, we referred inquiries to Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network (206-905-SEAL) and then asked the group ourselves. Here’s what Robin Lindsey from Seal Sitters tells WSB:
It is an adult California sea lion. There is rope tied around the body which indicates that someone unsuccessfully tried to sink the dead animal. At this point, there is no apparent indication of foul play or entanglement.
We have documented the condition of the carcass and contacted our regional NOAA stranding coordinator. The EPA recently changed requirements for towing and/or sinking marine mammals (not only large whales, but sea lion carcasses) and Seal Sitters MMSN has begun the process to secure any required permit from the government agency in order to handle the floating, decomposing seal lion. Unfortunately, that process may not be terribly expedient.
Robin is hoping to hear from NOAA today; we’ll add an update here when she does. Whatever happens won’t be easy, she warns: “I might add that weighting and sinking a large animal is not the easiest task – nor is disposal or burial of such a large, heavy animal should he drift onto shore.”
| 5 COMMENTS