Saimaa ringed seal deaths rise in fishing gear

Reports of endangered Saimaa ringed seals dying in fishing gear have increased this year, according to Finland’s state forest agency Metsähallitus.

WWF Finland told news agency STT that a slight population increase may be reflected in higher mortality rates.

Most drowned seals are caught in recreational fishing gear that does not always comply with restrictions. Illegal nets often lack contact details, complicating investigations. In the past five years, no cases have been referred to prosecutors in the Eastern Finland police district.