Seal trapped in fishing net rescued

By Lauren Beavis

Marine rescuers saved the life of a young seal after it became entangled in a discarded fishing net.

BDMLR Marine Mammal Medics rescued a young gray seal in west Cornwall, which was entangled in a section of monofilament net.

It is a common type of discarded fishing material that "poses a serious risk to marine wildlife."

BDMLR reported that, on Sunday, October 12, a 'well-meaning member of the public' had tried to cut the poor animal free, but as the seal bolted back into the water, the net snagged on a mussel bed - leaving the seal anchored and unable to escape.

Experts explained if the tide were coming in, the seal would have drowned; however, the tide dropped enough for BDMLR Medics to reach the trapped seal safely.

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The team then carried out a "careful capture" and set to work cutting away the debris wound tightly around its neck.

Director of Welfare and Conservation Dan Jarvis said the team were able to help the seal just in time.

Dan explained: "Miraculously, there were no deep injuries, with only a clear impression where the net had been.

"Any longer, and the material would have begun cutting through the seal’s skin and tissue.

"Once the seal had been thoroughly checked and confirmed to be in good condition, it was released back into the sea - free once again thanks to the swift response of our Medics and a vital call to our hotline."

Dan added this incident serves as "a powerful reminder of how dangerous discarded, lost or abandoned fishing gear can be to marine life."

He added: "BDMLR continues to urge everyone visiting the coast to report entanglements immediately and never attempt to free marine animals themselves, as well-intentioned actions can sometimes make the situation worse or put both the animal and people at risk."