zeit.de
Mass Harbor Seal Deaths in Germany
An investigation is underway in Germany into the deaths of 44 harbor seals found near Rügen island, with suspicion falling on fishing nets.
German
Germany
HealthGermany Climate ChangeInvestigationWildlifeFishingSeals
Deutsches Meeresmuseum StralsundInstitut Für Terrestrische Und Aquatische Wildtierforschung In BüsumFriedrich-Loeffler-InstitutWwf (World Wildlife Fund)Wasserschutzpolizei
Judith DenkingerFinn ViehbergPetra Kieckhöfer
- Were any diseases ruled out as causes?
- While several viruses were tested for, none were found to be responsible for the deaths. The main line of investigation points to the possibility of the seals drowning in fishing nets due to the discovery of undigested fish in their stomachs.
- Which organizations are involved in the investigation?
- Authorities, including the Wasserschutzpolizei (water protection police) and the Staatsanwaltschaft (public prosecutor's office), are investigating the deaths and the possible role of the fisherman. Kegelrobben are protected, and any intentional or negligent killing is illegal.
- How many dead harbor seals have been found on the coast of Rügen?
- Forty-four dead harbor seals have washed ashore on the coast of Rügen, Germany, since October. Necropsies suggest the seals drowned, possibly after becoming entangled in fishing nets.
- What criticism has been raised about the handling of the situation?
- The WWF (World Wildlife Fund) in Stralsund criticized the delayed response in closing the net, suggesting that a quicker response might have prevented further deaths. They highlight the legal requirement for fishers to report and remove entangled seals.
- What is the main theory being investigated as the cause of death for the seals?
- The investigation focuses on a specific fishing family whose net was previously suspected in a similar incident in 2017. Divers found dead seals under the net, supporting the suspicion that they drowned in the fishing gear.