The Baltic ringed seal population in Finland has grown five times larger since the 1970s. According to a new study by the University of Helsinki, the species once seen as near extinction now numbers around 25,000 seals. In the 1970s, that number was only 5,000.
This comeback is tied to strict limits on seal hunting and strong action against toxic pollutants. These changes gave the seals a real chance to recover. Their ability to reproduce returned to normal levels, which helped reverse years of population decline.
Researchers believe the population could keep growing by as much as seven percent each year. But there is one condition. Seal hunting must stop completely for that growth to continue.
Today, the picture is mixed. The Baltic ringed seal is no longer in the “severely endangered” category, but hunting still happens under government quotas. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry allows seal hunting from April to December. Both Baltic ringed seals and grey seals are part of this seasonal regulation.
WWF Finland is pushing for change. Just last week, the group called on the government to cut the annual quota in half. They say this is necessary to protect the fragile progress made so far.
Public support for the seals is growing. Much of that comes from WWF’s popular Norppalive live stream. It gives people a window into the daily lives of seals in their natural environment. Over the past nine years, more than 11 million people have tuned in.
Experts warn that the decisions made now will shape the future. Will the recovery continue, or will it come to a stop? That depends on whether Finland chooses conservation or allows regulated hunting to undo decades of effort.
