Scientists to see if Radiation Caused Sick Seals

A University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist will check tissue samples of Alaska's sickened ringed seals for evidence of radiation from Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant but would be surprised if that were the cause.

Taken on August 29, 2011 near Barrow. Photo by North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management staff. Sores around eyes

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by Associated Press

Story Created: Jan 4, 2012 at 9:14 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jan 4, 2012 at 9:14 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - A University of Alaska Fairbanks
scientist will check tissue samples of Alaska's sickened ringed
seals for evidence of radiation from Japan's Fukushima nuclear
plant but would be surprised if that were the cause.
Chemical oceanography professor emeritus John Kelly says his gut
feeling is that nothing will be found that's connected to the
nuclear plant damaged by a tsunami March 11.
Ringed seals in July started showing up on the Beaufort Sea
coast with lesions on hind flippers and inside their mouths and
other symptoms.
The National Marine Fisheries Service has confirmed more than 60
dead seals and 75 diseased seals in Alaska waters and outbreaks
have been reported in Russia and Canada. Scientists have also seen
symptoms but no deaths in Pacific walrus.

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