Seal Bombs -- acoustic harassment devices (AHDs).  Barbaric but legal. Exploding devices sanctioned by the US Government to deter seals from feeding off fishing lines and nets. 

These bombs are meant to be thrown into the water with the resulting underwater explosion scaring away the seals.

In practice it is sometimes even more barbaric (but illegal) as some fishermen stuff the bombs in bait fish and then feed it directly to seals. The bomb explodes in the seal's mouth causing a painful, immediate death or serious injury (see photo) that can lead to an agonizing death from starvation or infection.

Seal bombs are one of the methods approved by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to "harass" seals.  According to NOAA the bombs are not particularly effective and can result in injury to seals, other marine animals and humans.

The Friends of Animals Marine Animal Rescue project has been able to rescue some of the injured animals.  However, as most of the injuries occur far out at sea, the seals often die without evidence or notice.

Ask the NOAA to end the use of seal bombs:

Dr. Jane Lubchenco, NOAA Administrator
NOAA Fisheries Service
Partnerships & Communications
1315 East West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Please sign the petition below.