Unalaska, AK – The spotted seal is now officially in trouble. The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration listed the southern distinct population as threatened, providing it some protection of under the Endangered Species Act.

This population of spotted seals is found in Russia and China. Just over 3,300 spotted seals are found in Peter the Great Bay and Liaodong Bay. Since this population is outside of the United States, what this listing means is that American fisherman are prohibited from taking the spotted seal and that its importation into the United States will now be regulated.

The two northern populations of seal, which can be found in Alaska waters, are healthy and are not being affected by this ruling.