Dissection Results of Dead Seals Perished in Fishing Gear in the Gulf of Riga

Herein, data on the dissection of four seals perished in fishing gear in the Gulf of Riga in 2001 are presented. Species, sex, age, body length, body weight, the weight of internal organs and infection with helminthes have been investigated. High degree of the infection with helminthes for one male at age 6+ and three females at age 2+ were determined. Damage of the walls of large intestine was observed in all animals as a result of activity of the parasites. The male had injury of the upper jaw. In conclusion, it is pointed out that seals perished in the fishing gear at the coast of Latvia were young grey seals with external or internal injuries, which had reduced their possibilities for survival.