New oil harbours seen as threat to seals in Gulf of Finland
Saimaa seals doing fairly well
|
|
|
New Russian oil terminals that are being set up in the Gulf of Finland are seen as a threat to the survival of seals in the area. Experts would also like to study the impact of fish nets and traps on seal populations.
Meanwhile, the Saimaa Ringed Seal native to the Finnish inland Saimaa waterway, is doing fairly well, and the population could even recover if the present sanctuaries are kept intact, and if more seals are not killed in fish traps.
The condition of seal populations has been the topic of an international gathering of experts in sea mammals. Scientists from 12 countries have gathered in the Finnish city of Savonlinna to discuss the issue. Those attending the meeting are members of a working group of the International Council for Exploration of the Seas (ICES) are drafting guidelines for countries on the Baltic sea to protect the populations of Grey Seals and Baltic Ringed Seals.
The group is also examining the impact of fishing on the populations of small whales, and is drafting a report on the situation of marine mammals in the North Atlantic.
The reports are being drafted for the use of the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the Commission for the Protection of the Baltic Sea Environment.
Seal hunting in the Baltic is a matter of grave concern, says the group's chairman Gordon Waring of the United States.
"We have to find out how the hunting targets the population: if females, young seals, or males are being shot."
Another problem is that there is no requirement to send samples of animals that have died in fish traps for analysis. This means that there is no information on the impact of environmental toxins on the seals.
More information is also needed on the impact of protective hunting, whose purpose is to keep seals away from fishing areas.
The new Russian oil terminals on the Gulf of Finland are increasing sea traffic in seal breeding areas. The current level of shipping is already affecting ringed seal populations in the area.
On the other hand, large groups of ringed seals can be seen lying on shoreline rocks on Estonia, and on the shores of Lake Ladoga in Russia.
Helsingin Sanomat
|
| 13.5.2005 - TODAY |
 New oil harbours seen as threat to seals in Gulf of Finland |
|
