Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) pictured at Lake Saimaa, Finland, on May 15th 2025. Photo: Jussi Nukari / STR / Lehtikuva
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WWF Finland has called on the Finnish government to reduce the proposed annual hunting quota for Baltic ringed seals by 50 percent, citing climate concerns and the species’ endangered status.
Seal hunting in Finland is permitted for both grey seals and Baltic ringed seals. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry sets annual quotas, with the season typically running from April to December.
The ministry has proposed a quota of 425 Baltic ringed seals for future hunting seasons. That figure marks an increase from the standard annual limit of 370.
Petteri Tolvanen, Programme Director at WWF Finland, criticised the proposal in a press release issued on Thursday.
“The quota proposed by the ministry is far too high considering the size of the seal population and the rapidly growing threat posed to the seal by climate change,” Tolvanen said.
He added that the proposed figure conflicts with the ministry’s stated goal of expanding the seal population to new areas across the Baltic Sea.
The Baltic ringed seal is classified as endangered. The species relies on snow and sea ice to survive, making it particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming. Shorter winters and declining sea ice coverage have already reduced the seal’s viable breeding habitats.
The proposed quota is currently undergoing a public consultation. Final decisions will follow after the consultation period ends.
The WWF said maintaining or increasing the current hunting limit undermines conservation efforts and sends the wrong signal about Finland’s commitment to protecting vulnerable Arctic species.
WWF Finland runs a popular livestream project, Norppalive, which monitors Baltic ringed seals in their natural habitat. The live stream has accumulated more than 11 million views over the past nine years.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
