According to data from the institute, 3,433 seals have died in the region over the past four years. In 2022, 346 dead animals were found, in 2023 - 295, and in 2024, the death of 1,981 individuals was registered, with another 476 seals found without signs of life in 2025.
Experts point to several possible reasons for this phenomenon. These include unfavorable hydrometeorological conditions, anthropogenic influences, including entanglement in fishing nets and mechanical injuries, as well as pathological changes and habitat pollution, particularly the high content of petroleum products in the water.
