A Saimaa ringed seal died in a fishing trap this week in the waters of Haukivesi near Rantasalmi. Authorities confirmed the death after the trap owner reported the incident.
This marks the eleventh seal death in fishing equipment on Lake Saimaa this year. The total number of deceased Saimaa ringed seals found in 2024 has reached 46 individuals.
The fishing trap was located in an area with special fishing restrictions designed to protect the endangered seals. The area had a net fishing ban in effect from April 15 through June 30. Authorities also prohibit the most dangerous trap types throughout the entire year in this protected zone.
The dead male seal was discovered in a guide net fence, which directs fish toward the main trap. These guide nets remain legal in the area despite the fishing restrictions.
Miina Autti, a conservation specialist with Finland's natural heritage services, explained the circumstances. She said the seal became entangled in the guide net's loose folds near the shoreline. The shallow water conditions created excess fabric in the netting that the fisherman had not yet tightened. The animal became trapped in the pocket formed by the loose netting.
The deceased seal weighed 36 kilograms and was identified as a male. Experts believe it was a young individual, though likely not born this year. Researchers will determine the exact age through dental analysis later.
Finnish fishing law requires trap owners to immediately report any Saimaa ringed seal deaths to authorities. They must call the designated emergency number without delay when discovering seals in fishing equipment.
The current population estimate for Saimaa ringed seals stands at approximately 530 individuals. This makes each death particularly concerning for conservation efforts.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between traditional fishing practices and endangered species protection in Finland. The Saimaa ringed seal exists only in Finland's Lake Saimaa system, making it one of the world's most endangered seal species. Conservation measures have helped the population recover from near extinction, but accidental deaths in fishing equipment remain a major threat.
Local fishermen face challenging conditions balancing their livelihoods with strict protection measures. The guide nets involved in this incident represent legal fishing methods that still pose risks to seals. Environmental authorities continue working with fishing communities to develop safer alternatives that protect both livelihoods and endangered wildlife.
What happens next typically involves investigation by conservation authorities and potential review of fishing regulations. Previous seal deaths have sometimes led to tightened restrictions or modified fishing methods in sensitive areas. The cumulative impact of 46 seal deaths this year will likely prompt renewed discussions about conservation strategies.
The situation reflects broader challenges in Nordic environmental policy, where traditional practices often conflict with modern conservation needs. Finland has generally been successful in protecting endangered species while respecting cultural traditions, but incidents like this show the system remains imperfect.