BEIJING: A total of twenty-three spotted seals were successfully rehabilitated and released into the Bohai Sea in Liaoning province, according to China Daily.

‘They’ve met release criteria after wild training,’ said researcher Tian Jiashen of the Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute. ‘This is an optimal time and location to enhance reintegration with the local ecosystem.’

The site near protected seal habitat Huping Island typically hosts about 200 spotted seals annually. The release comes after the seals were illegally poached before being rescued and undergoing professional conditioning.

Each carry visible ID tags to minimise recapture risks and support conservation efforts, while four are outfitted with satellite trackers. The rehabilitation was organized by central and provincial authorities.

Dalian has expanded protected seal zones, banned local fishing, increased food supplies and conducts special enforcement operations to safeguard annual winter migration and breeding since establ
ishing China’s first spotted seal reserve in 1992.

‘Investigations confirm a gradual population recovery – spring rescues of stranded pups show effective protection,’ said Lu Zhichuang, deputy institute director. ‘The steady rehabilitation and anti-poaching efforts promise a positive long-term outlook.’

Source: Emirates News Agency