Young seal dies in illegal fishing net in Finland

A young Saimaa ringed seal died after becoming trapped in an illegal fishing net on Lake Pihlajavesi, near Savonlinna, Finland. A boater discovered the dead pup on Saturday. Metsähallitus, a state-owned enterprise responsible for managing state-owned land and water areas, announced the death on Monday.

The pup, a healthy male born this spring, had recently become trapped in the collapsible net. The net, which had openings on both ends, was found floating in a restricted fishing area. Metsähallitus stated the net was illegal because its opening exceeded the 150-millimeter limit, allowing the seal to enter.

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The pup drowned in a collapsible fabric katiska, which had openings at both ends. The device was found floating in a fishing restricted area, which the entire Pihlajavesi is.

Katiskas and merra nets with openings wider than 150 millimeters are prohibited year-round in the Saimaa ringed seal's core habitats. The illegal net also lacked required markings and owner information. Metsähallitus plans to file a criminal complaint, and the seal's body has been frozen for an autopsy.

This is the ninth seal this year found dead in fishing gear. Six died in nets, two in illegal katiskas, and one in a ryas net. Seal deaths in fishing gear are monitored relative to the population size, and this mortality rate has increased in recent years. The critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal, found only in Finland's Saimaa lake system, has an estimated population of just 530 individuals. Major threats include dangerous fishing gear, climate change, habitat loss from construction, human disturbance, and low genetic diversity.

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The device was illegal, as its opening exceeded 150 millimeters, which allowed the seal to enter the device.