Home / Environment / Seal Rescued From Deep Neck Net Entanglement
Seal Rescued From Deep Neck Net Entanglement
29 Jan
Summary
- A young harbor seal named Annette is recovering after rescue from a deep neck net entanglement.
- The gillnet was embedded for weeks or months, causing a wound one to two centimeters deep.
- Annette was very thin, weighing half of what is expected for her age due to inability to feed.
A young harbour seal pup, rescued last Thursday from a severe gillnet entanglement in West Vancouver, is on the road to recovery. The net had likely been embedded in the seal's neck for weeks or months, creating a wound that was deeply cut into her skin. Rescuers estimate the wound to be one to two centimeters deep around the entire circumference of her neck.
The pup, named Annette, was severely underweight, likely weighing half of what a healthy seal of her age should be, due to her inability to feed. Fortunately, the net did not affect vital structures like her trachea, major blood vessels, or esophagus. She received treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, disinfectants, and painkillers.
Veterinarians at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society expect Annette to remain in care for another four to six weeks. She is currently eating fish independently and swimming actively, though she still requires assistance with thermal regulation. The incident highlights concerns about marine debris and bycatch in fishing gear.
