Charges filed

Drowned? Mysterious seal deaths in the Baltic Sea

On the east coast of Rügen as far as the Greifswalder Bodden, the number of dead grey seals is increasing - at least 26 animals have died since the beginning of October. (symbolic image)(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

26 grey seals were recently found dead on the east coast of Rügen (Germany). However, the adult animals are said to have been in good general condition with no external injuries. The Oceanographic Museum filed a complaint.

The "unusual accumulation" of deaths since the beginning of October is "cause for concern", announced SPD State Environment Minister Till Backhaus (Federal State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania).

First autopsies
Three of the animals have so far been autopsied by the German Oceanographic Museum in Stralsund. Some of the animals had water in their lungs, indicating that they had drowned, said Judith Denkinger, curator of the museum for marine mammals.

"All organs were healthy"
Most of the animals were very large at around 150 kilograms and around two meters long and were all well nourished. "All the organs were also healthy."

Denkinger did not rule out the possibility that the animals could have become entangled in traps - underwater nets - from which they were unable to get out. The Oceanographic Museum pressed charges against persons unknown.

Infection is ruled out
Various authorities, including the police, are involved in investigating the cause. An infection with bird flu pathogens, which can also be dangerous for marine mammals, has already been ruled out. Grey seals are relatives of harbor seals and are strictly protected.

The animals were almost wiped out by hunting and environmental destruction, but their numbers have increased again in recent decades thanks to conservation measures. Around 30,000 animals live in the Baltic Sea.