Statewide | Mammals
Lose the loop with the Pinniped Entanglement Group: A global community dedicated to reducing pinniped entanglements in marine debris and fishing gear
Presenter: Kim Raum-Suryan , kim.raum-suryan@noaa.gov, NOAA Fisheries Lauri Jemison , lauri.jemison@alaska.gov, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Michael Williams , michael.williams@noaa.gov, NOAA/NMFS
The Pinniped Entanglement Group (PEG) was founded in 2009 by four United States marine mammal biologists focused on pinniped (seal and sea lion) entanglement prevention and outreach. Over the years, we have grown into a global community of nearly 150 members in 18 countries, all dedicated to the safety and welfare of pinnipeds. PEG activities include entanglement prevention, outreach and education, sharing of disentanglement tools and techniques, and using the latest best entanglement response practices to safely rescue and release entangled seals and sea lions. Advances in response include new capture nets, restraint techniques, and remote sedation allowing greater access to safely disentangle more seals. However, our ability to observe and respond to entanglements is likely only a small proportion of those entangled. It is important to collectively work together to proactively find solutions to prevent marine debris from entering our waterways and ultimately the oceans. By working together on outreach and prevention, we can help to mitigate the impacts of marine debris on pinnipeds and all marine species. Some simple suggestions include 1) Lose the loop – cut any loop before discarding in the trash 2) Stash the Trash – help keep plastic and other trash out of the ocean; 3) Reduce Single Use - reuse; 4) Participate in beach and community clean-ups; 4) Contact manufacturers to eliminate the use of plastic packing bands and find alternatives to single use items; and 5) Support our efforts https:// pinnipedentanglementgroup.org/. Prevention of marine debris from entering our waterways is the key to solving this global problem.
Alaska Marine Science Symposium 2023 238
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