A young grey seal pup was rescued off Long Beach Island, New Jersey, after being found entangled in fishing gear. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) received a report on March 26th about the stranded pup, which had monofilament line tightly wrapped around its body.
The MMSC team carefully removed the line, which had already begun to leave deep impressions on the seal's skin. Staff noted that without intervention, the line would have started cutting into the animal's flesh.
During the examination, the male pup, weighing 53 pounds, showed signs of a respiratory infection and was admitted for rehabilitation. He is currently receiving tube-fed electrolytes and a specialized formula and is resting comfortably at the center.
This is the second seal entanglement case the MMSC has handled this season, highlighting the ongoing threat that marine debris and fishing gear pose to local marine wildlife.