Alarming: number of entangled seals doubled in 2024

It was actually because of the rising numbers of entangled animals that the Seal Response Team was established in 2022, an initiative of the three Dutch seal centers - Ecomare, Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen and A Seal. This team of specially trained animal carers and vets is committed to freeing entangled seals and increasing their chances of survival.

Numbers that set off alarm bells

The figures for 2024 show a worrying pattern: there were 77 reports of an entangled seal. One seal managed to free itself. For 30 animals, seal guards were able to intervene at the scene and immediately free the animals from their predicament.

31 animals were not found after the first report. The situation of these seals is unknown. Seven seals did not survive the entanglement. Four seals were in bad shape, but were given a second chance at one of the shelters.

Pup Balloon got tangled up in a wishing balloon

A poignant example of this is seal pup Balloon, who was found without a mother while she was sucking on the sharp cord of a wishing balloon. The seal guard was able to remove it from her throat on the spot, but she was taken to seal centre Pieterburen for check-ups.

She had not suffered any permanent damage and could be released healthy after several months of care.

Why this increase?

The biggest cause of entanglements are so-called ‘ghost nets’: pieces of fishing net that come loose and float in the sea. This happens when nets snag on an underwater object and tear. Although fishermen, beach cleaners and diving initiatives such as Duik de Noordzee Schoon play an important role in removing this waste, there is still a lot left behind. This waste poses an ongoing risk to seals and other animals.

Prevention is the first step

While freeing entangled seals is vital, the core of the solution lies in prevention. Prevention of marine litter, combined with initiatives to actively remove litter, is essential to reduce entanglement rates.

The 2024 increase stresses that we cannot wait any longer. The Seal Response Team is calling for more awareness and concerted efforts to make the seas cleaner and safer for seals and other animals.

The Seal Response Team in action

The Seal Response Team was set up to provide immediate assistance to entangled seals. As these animals are often less mobile, the chances of finding them near previous reports remain high. The team sails out to these locations several times a year to free the seals.

Dependent on donations

The Seal Response Team can only continue its valuable work with the help of donations and gifts. To continue rescuing seals in need in 2025, every contribution is of great significance. Both small and large donations help the team sail out and provide vulnerable animals with the care they desperately need. Together, we can make a difference for entangled seals.