B.C. seal pup entangled in fishing gear gets second chance

The pup, named Annette by hospital staff, weighed 18.2 kilograms, or approximately half of the normal body weight of a healthy harbour seal her age, the rescue society said in a statement. (Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society)

A young harbour seal pup found struggling near Squamish, B.C., in mid-January is back where she belongs after months of care from the Vancouver Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Society.

The seven‑month‑old seal, later named Annette, was discovered in distress at a boat launch when a passerby noticed something was wrong and called for help. Responders found her badly entangled in netting that had wrapped around her neck, causing a serious and painful wound.

“That net had basically just been cutting through and created a very large wound,” said Emily Johnson with the rescue society.

By the time Annette was rescued, she had lost a significant amount of weight and was in poor condition.

“Her body condition indicated that she had been suffering from it for a very long period of time,” Johnson said.

Annette required intensive care, including treatment for her wound, rehydration and careful monitoring as she learned to eat properly again.

“Once we rehydrated her and got her onto fish, once that net was removed, she did amazingly well,” Johnson said.

Her story also highlights the ongoing risks ocean debris poses to marine life, including plastics and discarded fishing gear.

“It’s a big risk for marine life,” said Johnson. “That is just a really blatant example of how humans can affect marine wildlife.”

After about two months of rehabilitation, with her weight up and her wound healed, Annette was ready to return home—casting one final glance back at those who saved her before slipping back into the water.

“I always say release days never get old,” said Johnson. “It’s just a culmination of so many people’s hard work and dedication.”

The Marine Mammal Rescue Society urges anyone who spots a marine mammal in distress to call their rescue line, 604-258-SEAL (7325), so trained responders can assess and help if needed.