Image: Marine Mammals of Maine
Picking up discarded fishing line (or any trash for that matter) could save a life!
This young harbor seal was found on the coast of Maine with monofilament fishing line cutting deep into his neck. As he was just one year of age, the line would have continued to slice into his skin as he grew, eventually leading to his demise.
Ouch! The open wound caused by someone’s discarded fishing line. Image: Marine Mammals of Maine
Lucky for this animal, he was reported to marine animal rescue and triage organization Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME). MMoME provides response and temporary care for sick and injured marine mammals. Once stabilized, the animals are transferred to a long-term facility where they’re cared for until release.
After organizing staff and volunteers to safely transfer him from the beach to their facility, the team carefully removed the line and treated his open wound to prevent infection. He was in pretty rough shape, and also needed to be treated for a severe upper respiratory infection and dehydration. After some recovery time and a period of extensive monitoring, he was deemed fit enough for transport to Mystic Aquarium where he would begin his long road to recovery.
We are happy to report that after 4 months, this sweet seal was released back to the North Atlantic for a second chance at life! See the video from his release below:
Feeling much better, and heading back to the big blue! Image: Tamerella’s Photographs
He was one of the lucky ones.
Unfortunately, entanglement is becoming increasingly common as we see more animals attempt to navigate our trash-filled seas. Inquisitive animals like pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) and cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) are especially vulnerable because, like our dogs, they often try to play with or investigate unfamiliar materials.
Resting after rescue; staff carefully removed fishing line from his neck. Image: Marine Mammals of Maine
Marine debris entanglement is a global problem, but we can address it locally. If you see trash or discarded line on the beach, you can protect countless marine animals by simply picking it up and throwing it away.
Scientists estimate that 1 million seabirds and 100,000 turtles and marine mammals die each year as a result of ingestion or entanglement. Let’s work together to bring that number down!
Want to join the efforts to save marine mammals? To be a part of marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation efforts in Maine, follow Marine Mammals of Maine on Facebook, or provide a much-needed donation here.
Watch another of MMoME’s rescues, a newborn harbor seal that was abandoned by its mother:
