Saimaa Ringed Seal Pup Dies in Illegal Fishing Gear—2025 Death Toll Rises to Tenth, Matching Near-Record Annual High as Trend Worsens

A critically endangered Saimaa ringed seal pup was found dead on 18 July in Pihlajavesi, Savonlinna, after becoming entangled in illegal fishing gear. The female pup, measuring approximately 98 centimetres in length, was likely born last spring and was discovered on Isosaari Kankaisselkä, north of Pikku-Kankaainen Island (Helsingin Sanomat). Yle reports that the animal had been caught by the waist in the throat of a merta trap in one incident, while MTV Uutiset confirms a separate case involving a loose-mesh net that also violated fishing regulations. In the merta trap case, the pup had its head inside the gear and its hindquarters outside, with the trap’s throat diameter measuring 180 millimetres—exceeding the legal limit of 150 millimetres in the Saimaa ringed seal’s key habitats. The gear was identified as a collapsible spruce fishing trap with throats at both ends (Helsingin Sanomat). Metsähallitus’ Senior Specialist in Nature Conservation, Riikka Alakoski, stated that the pup may have suffered prolonged distress, as the lightweight trap allowed limited movement and possibly even surfacing for air. Iltalehti adds that the pup’s death in this case "may have been even more painful than usual" (Iltalehti).