Harbor seal off to rehab after rescue from entanglement in ghost fishing gear

A male juvenile harbor seal is on the road to rehabilitation after he was found entangled in monofilament, with the line around the neck. He was found and rescued from his entanglement on March 23 by our partner Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME).

The seal brought to the triage center for evaluation and the MMoME team was able to remove the entangling material and start the stabilization process.

Unfortunately, his injuries are quite severe. The team found that his neck muscle was exposed and his injuries are infected. He is also fighting a severe upper respiratory infection.

Elizabeth Hogan, our Oceans and Wildlife Campaign Manager, shared updates and amazing images of the pup. 

Here's what #ghostgear does: young harbor seal caught in monofilament, exposing his muscle. Thnx @MarineMammalsME! pic.twitter.com/oOICw7Vzfv

— Elizabeth Hogan (@EHHogan) March 28, 2016

#Seal pup caught in #ghostgear now being treated @MarineMammalsME for bad infection where line cut him. Stay tuned.. pic.twitter.com/JWjnvFIGtt

— Elizabeth Hogan (@EHHogan) March 28, 2016

#Goodnews! #Seal pup that was caught in #ghostgear well enough to go to rehab! (There was attitude about the kennel) pic.twitter.com/hrrbGY7lJd

— Elizabeth Hogan (@EHHogan) March 29, 2016

Reducing ghost gear to prevent further harm

Unfortunate events like the this seal's entanglement reveal the disruptive and often fatal incidents involving ghost gear—abandoned fishing gear that turns oceans into death traps for sea animals.

Together, we can make a difference for 1 million marine animals by 2018. Help make Sea Change a reality and protect marine animals from the threat of ghost gear.

Photos courtesy of Marine Mammals of Maine

Unfortunately, his injuries are quite severe. The team found that his neck muscle was exposed and his injuries are infected. He is also fighting a severe upper respiratory infection.