Young Saimaa seal found dead in Pihlajavesi, Sulkava

A young Saimaa seal was found dead last Wednesday in Pihlajavesi, Sulkava, according to Metsähallitus. The report was made by the owner of the fishing net. The seal was likely born this year. The gill net was compliant with regulations and has been permitted for use in the Saimaa fishing restricted area since July.

Riikka Alakoski, a conservation expert from Metsähallitus, noted in the announcement that nets pose a year-round danger to seals. This year alone, six seals have died in fishing gear, with four found in the last 30 days. All four were born this year.

In total, Metsähallitus has reported 38 dead seals this year, which is an unusually high number. The figure is partly attributed to spring mortality among pups, with 24 out of 36 pups born found dead. One contributing factor was the mild winter and winter rains that collapsed the seals’ dens.

In 2023, a total of 27 dead seals were reported.