LONG BEACH ISLAND, N.J. — A young grey seal pup found entangled in fishing gear on North Beach was rescued last week and is now recovering at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC), officials said.
On March 26, the MMSC received an emergency report of a stranded pup with a section of monofilament line, possibly from a gill net, tightly wrapped around its body. The animal was transported to the center’s hospital where technicians carefully removed the line.
Though the entanglement had not yet caused major injury, it had begun to leave deep impressions in the seal’s skin. Staff said the line was tight enough that if not removed, it would have soon started cutting into the animal’s flesh.
During the intake exam, the male pup also showed signs of a respiratory infection and was admitted for rehabilitation. Weighing 53 pounds at intake, he is now receiving tube-fed electrolytes and a specialized formula to rehydrate and nourish him.
He is currently housed in Pen 4 of the center’s Pool House, where MMSC staff report he is resting comfortably.
This is the second seal entanglement case the MMSC has handled this season, as marine debris and fishing gear continue to pose threats to local marine wildlife.