Saimaa Ringed Seal Pup Dies in Illegal Fishing Gear, Ninth Bycatch Death This Year
A critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal pup was found dead in illegal fishing gear in the Pitkä Pihlajavesi area near Muhosaari, north of Savonlinna, on Saturday. The pup, a healthy male born this spring, drowned after becoming entangled in a loose-throated katiska (fish trap), which is prohibited in the restricted fishing zone.
The gear, which lacked mandatory markings and owner information as required by the Fishing Act, had a throat opening wider than 150 millimeters—making it illegal in the Saimaa ringed seal’s critical habitats. Metsähallitus has announced plans to file a police report over the incident (Yle; Ilta-Sanomat).
The dead pup, measuring 94 centimeters from nose to tail, was discovered by a passing boater who reported the incident to authorities. Under Finnish law, the owner of the gear is obligated to report any Saimaa ringed seal deaths caused by fishing equipment (Ilta-Sanomat).
This marks the ninth bycatch death of a Saimaa ringed seal in 2024. According to Metsähallitus, six pups have died in nets, two in loose-throated fyke nets, and one in a fish pot. The Saimaa ringed seal population is estimated at around 530 individuals, and bycatch mortality has been increasing in recent years relative to the population size (Yle).
Calls for Safer Fishing Practices
Riikka Alakoski, Senior Specialist in Nature Conservation at Metsähallitus’ Nature Services, emphasized that the incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by dangerous fishing gear. She noted that safer alternatives, such as tight-throated fyke nets, angling, and rod fishing, are available and do not endanger the species (Ilta-Sanomat).
Pihlajavesi is entirely designated as a restricted fishing area to protect the Saimaa ringed seal, one of the world’s most endangered seals. Metsähallitus continues to monitor bycatch mortality as part of conservation efforts.