Increased Incidence of Entanglements and Ingested Marine Debris in Dutch Seals from 2010 to 2020

In recent decades, the amount of marine debris has increased in our oceans. As wildlife interactions with increase, so does number entangled animals, impairing normal behavior and potentially affecting survival these individuals. The current study summarizes data on two phocid species, harbor (Phoca vitulina) gray seals (Halichoerus grypus), affected by Dutch waters from 2010 to 2020. findings indicate that annual entanglement rate (13.2 entanglements/year) quadrupled compared previous studies. Young seals, particularly are most individuals, animals found or sighted fishing nets wrapped around their necks. Interestingly, showed a higher incidence ingested debris. Species differences regard behavior, foraging strategies, habitat preferences may explain findings. lack consistency across reports suggests it is important standardize collection now on. Despite public awareness about adverse environmental effects debris, more initiatives policies needed ensure protection environment Netherlands.