In a tragic event reported on February 18, a Saimaa seal was discovered dead after becoming entangled in a fishing net in Puumala, Finland. This small seal is believed to be either a pup from the previous spring or a young individual, underscoring the ongoing threats faced by these vulnerable seals. This incident marks the third Saimaa seal death due to fishing nets in the region this year, highlighting a concerning trend for the population.

Miina Auttila, a specialist in nature conservation from Metsähallitus, emphasized the significant risks fishing nets pose to young Saimaa seals in a statement. These nets have been identified as the greatest threat to the species, particularly in areas where they traditionally hunt. The dead seal was found in a prohibited fishing area for gillnets, which is meant to protect seals during their vulnerable periods in spring and early summer, although fishing is allowed in February, indicating a gap in protective measures.

The current fishing laws require the mandatory reporting of dead seals, a regulation meant to track and address the decline of the Saimaa seal population. This incident not only sheds light on the direct threats from fishing practices but also raises questions on the efficacy of current conservation efforts and the enforcement of existing regulations to protect this endangered species.