Over 20 Seals Found Dead on German Coast; Investigation Underway

Authorities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are investigating the deaths of more than 20 seals discovered along the state's northeast coast since early May. The majority of the deceased animals were found on the southeastern coast of the island of Rügen, with isolated cases reported on Usedom's outer coast and in the Greifswalder Bodden.

According to the environmental ministry, the adult seals had been in the water for an extended period, with some showing advanced stages of decomposition. Several carcasses have been collected and sent to the German Oceanographic Museum in Stralsund for further examination. Initial findings indicate that an unnatural cause of death cannot be ruled out for one of the three animals studied so far from this area.

While the investigation is ongoing, current knowledge suggests no link between these seal deaths and fishing activities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The responsible authorities are in close contact to clarify the causes. Environmental Minister Till Backhaus stated, "We take the seal deaths very seriously. However, it would be premature at this time to draw conclusions about the causes of death. Our goal is to clarify the causes based on scientific findings and not to speculate."

The State Office for Agriculture, Food Safety, and Fisheries (LALLF) reviewed local fishing practices. No fishing nets were in use in the Greifswalder Bodden or along the southeastern coast of Rügen and Usedom during the relevant period. All nets deployed this year were confirmed to have the required anti-entry barriers mandated by the environmental ministry, a fact verified by fisheries surveillance. No evidence of seals being caught as bycatch has been reported to the fisheries authorities thus far. This follows similar incidents in October 2024, when over 40 dead seals washed ashore on Rügen, and a cluster of deaths in 2017, where experts suggested drowning in nets or traps as a likely cause.

“

We take the seal deaths very seriously. However, it would be premature at this time to draw conclusions about the causes of death. Our goal is to clarify the causes based on scientific findings and not to speculate.