Researchers are expressing concern over a proposal made by the Eastern Finland Centre for Economic Development that maintains the current fishing ban for the Saimaa ringed seal from mid-April to the end of June. University researcher Mervi Kunnasranta from the University of Eastern Finland has pointed out that the preparation work for this proposal did not involve consultations with relevant experts who could provide valuable insights into the protection of this endangered species. Furthermore, the proposal has taken undue liberties with the classification of the Saimaa ringed seal as a subspecies, despite its classification as a distinct species as of summer 2025.

Miina Auttila, a special expert from Metsähallitus, has also voiced strong criticism in Helsingin Sanomat, focusing on inaccuracies in the proposal. The authorities involved in drafting the proposal, which started in spring 2025 before the seal's upgraded classification, admitted to a human error that resulted in the incorrect classification being included in the final submission. This misstep highlights potential flaws in the management and usage of scientific data when formulating environmental regulations.

These criticisms underscore a broader issue regarding the development of policy and regulations geared towards wildlife protection, which should ideally be informed by current scientific understanding and the inputs of specialists in the field. The proposal is currently open for public comment following its submission to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, indicating that stakeholders, including conservationists and the scientific community, will likely engage in a dialogue to address these shortcomings and ensure that the interests of the Saimaa ringed seal are adequately protected in future regulations.