19 entangled sea lions freed in Baja California

Nineteen California sea lions have been freed from fishing nets in a special operation conducted by Mexico's Federal Environmental Protection Agency (Profepa). The rescues occurred in various sea lion colonies within the protected Flora and Fauna Islands of the Gulf of California in Baja California.

The entanglement, which happens when sea lions become trapped in fishing gear, poses a severe threat. As the animals grow, the nets can embed in their bodies, causing injuries, pain, stress, and a high risk of death. The operation, spanning May 19-26, successfully freed nine females and 10 males.

Brigades patrolled six resting and breeding colonies, finding the animals with fishing net debris, particularly around their necks. Profepa utilized remote sedation to minimize stress during the rescue and performed surgical procedures when necessary to remove deeply embedded nets. The California sea lion is a species under special protection in Mexico.

The successful operation involved collaboration with the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), specialists, and volunteers from the Mexico Marine Wildlife Rescue Center, Autonomous University of Baja California Sur, the Zoo at the Children's Park Jersey, Vallarta Adventures, Cabo Adventures, and the local community of Bahía de los Ángeles.