Saimaannorppa dies in illegal trap in Savonlinna

Metsähallitus announced on Monday that a Saimaa ringed seal pup was found dead in an illegal trap in Savonlinna, eastern Finland. The female pup, approximately 98 cm long, was discovered on Saturday in Pihlajavesi, a district of Savonlinna.

The animal had become trapped in a net with a throat opening of 180 millimetres, exceeding the legal limit. The trap lacked owner identification and required markings. According to Metsähallituksen Luontopalvelujen luonnonsuojelun erityisasiantuntija Riikka Alakoski, the pup’s head was inside the net while its lower body and flippers remained outside, increasing the likelihood of prolonged suffering.

This is the tenth recorded seal death in fishing gear this year in Lake Saimaa. Six deaths involved nets, three involved loose-throated traps or fyke nets, and one involved a fish pot. Metsähallitus stated that the number of such incidents is significantly above the long-term average and rising.

Under Finland’s Fishing Act, trap owners are legally required to report dead seals to Metsähallitus. In this case, the report was filed by a third party on the water. Metsähallitus said it will file a criminal complaint regarding the incident.