Lithuania Acts to Save Baltic Seals Amid Climate Crisis

Why in the News?

1. Lithuania has begun rehabilitating Baltic grey seals to protect them from extinction.
2. Melting ice sheets and warming waters threaten the seals’ natural habitat.
3. Once close to extinction, seal populations are now estimated to have grown to 50,000–60,000.

Key Highlights:

1. Threats to Baltic Seals

1. Climate Change

1. The Baltic Sea, where these seals live, is freezing less often now due to global warming.
2. Normally, seals give birth and raise their pups on ice. But now, with less sea ice, they are forced to breed on land.
3. Breeding on land exposes them to more dangers like predators, human disturbance, and diseases.
4. This makes their offspring more vulnerable, reducing their chances of survival.

1. Pollution & Shrinking Fish Stocks

1. Water pollution from industrial and agricultural activities harms marine life, including seals.
2. Seals depend on fish for food, but due to overfishing and environmental degradation, fish populations are shrinking.
3. This leads to food scarcity, making it harder for seals to survive in the wild.

1. Human Interference

1.  Activities like boating, tourism, and coastal development disturb the natural habitat of seals.
2. Young seals left on beaches or sandbanks become easy targets for dogs or curious humans.
3. Close contact with humans and domestic animals increases the risk of disease transmission.

2. Rehabilitation Efforts

1. Seal Care Facility in Klaipeda

1. A special centre in the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda has been set up to rehabilitate orphaned or injured seal pups.
2. These pups are taken in, nurtured, and cared for until they are strong enough to return to the sea.

1. Low Survival Rate in the Wild

1. Once released, the chances of survival in the wild are low—as little as 5%, according to local scientists.
2. This shows that while rehabilitation is important, natural habitat preservation is equally essential for long-term survival.

3. Historical Context

1. Near Extinction in the 1980s

1. In the late 1980s, the Baltic grey seal population dropped to only about 4,000.
2. This was due to pollution, hunting, and marine traffic, as well as disturbances during the Soviet and World War periods.

1. Conservation Measures

1. With international conservation efforts, including:
   • Bans on seal hunting
   • Cleaner marine environments
   • Public awareness campaigns
2. The population has started to recover, though it still faces many threats.

4. Current Population Status

1. Present Numbers

1. As of now, scientists estimate there are between 50,000 and 60,000 grey seals in the Baltic Sea.
2. This is a significant improvement compared to the 1980s but still calls for ongoing protection.

1. Continued Monitoring

1. Scientists continue to observe and study the seals to track their health, behavior, and environmental risks.
2. This helps in adapting conservation strategies to ensure the population does not decline again.

About Climate Change: Climate change refers to long-term alterations in the Earth’s temperature, weather patterns, and climatic systems. While some climate variation is natural, today’s climate change is largely driven by human activities, especially since the Industrial Revolution. Causes of Climate Change: 1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHGs): Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) for electricity, transport, and industry releases gases like: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) Methane (CH₄) Nitrous oxide (N₂O) These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere — a process called the greenhouse effect. 2. Deforestation: Trees absorb CO₂, but cutting forests reduces this capacity, increasing atmospheric CO₂. 3. Agricultural Practices: Livestock farming produces methane. Use of fertilizers releases nitrous oxide. 4. Industrial and Urban Growth: Manufacturing processes and growing cities add to emissions and alter land surfaces.

Implications for India:

1. Strengthening Marine Species Conservation

1. India’s marine fauna such as Olive Ridley turtles, dugongs, whale sharks, and corals face similar threats from climate change, coastal development, and pollution.
2. Just as Lithuania is rehabilitating Baltic seals, India needs targeted rescue and rehabilitation centres for injured or orphaned marine animals.

2. Climate Change Adaptation for Wildlife

1. Rising sea temperatures, sea-level rise, and changing ocean currents affect spawning, migration, and breeding of marine species in Indian waters.
2. India must integrate climate resilience into its marine conservation policies, such as through climate-smart marine protected areas (MPAs).

3. Regulating Coastal Development and Tourism

1. The Lithuanian case shows that human interference (tourism, pollution, noise) disrupts marine species’ habitats.
2. In India, unregulated tourism in places like Goa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and coastal Odisha affects nesting and feeding grounds.
3. India should adopt strict eco-tourism guidelines to balance development with biodiversity protection.

4. Pollution Control and Sustainable Fisheries

1. Like the Baltic Sea, Indian coastal waters face pollution from industries, plastic waste, and oil spills.
2. Shrinking fish stocks impact not only wildlife but also the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.
3. India must enforce sustainable fishing practices and implement stricter pollution control measures in estuarine and marine zones.

5. Community Participation and Awareness

1. Lithuania’s conservation efforts highlight the role of scientists, local communities, and government cooperation.
2. In India, involving local fishermen, coastal communities, and NGOs is crucial for the success of any marine conservation strategy.

6. Scientific Monitoring and Research

1. Continuous tracking of Baltic seal populations helps shape policy.
2. India must invest in marine biodiversity monitoring systems, satellite tagging, and data-sharing platforms to inform decision-making.

Challenges and Way Forward:

Challenges	Way Forward
Melting sea ice due to global warming	Intensify global climate action and reduce carbon emissions
Low survival rates of rehabilitated seals (5%)	Enhance rehabilitation techniques and post-release monitoring
Threats from human activities and diseases	Implement stricter eco-tourism regulations and awareness programs
Shrinking food sources due to overfishing and pollution	Strengthen marine protection laws and fish stock recovery plans

Conclusion:

Lithuania’s efforts to save the Baltic grey seal exemplify the urgent need for climate-resilient conservation strategies. While encouraging gains have been made, sustained commitment and global cooperation are essential to ensure the survival and thriving of this vulnerable marine species.

EnsureIAS Mains Question Q. Discuss the major threats faced by marine wildlife in the context of the Baltic grey seal. How do rehabilitation efforts and conservation policies contribute to their survival? What lessons can India learn for its coastal and marine biodiversity protection? (250 words)

EnsureIAS Prelims Question Q. With reference to the conservation of Baltic grey seals, consider the following statements: The melting of sea ice due to climate change forces the seals to breed on land, increasing their vulnerability. The survival rate of rehabilitated seal pups in the wild is estimated to be over 50%. Pollution and declining fish stocks are significant threats to the seals’ survival. Conservation efforts have helped increase the population of Baltic grey seals from near extinction in the 1980s. Which of the statements given above are correct? a. 1, 3, and 4 only b. 2 and 3 only c. 1 and 4 only d. 1, 2, 3, and 4 Answer: a Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Due to climate change, sea ice is melting, forcing seals to breed on land, which increases risk. Statement 2 is incorrect: The survival rate of rehabilitated pups is as low as 5%, not over 50%. Statement 3 is correct: Pollution and reduced fish availability threaten their food and habitat. Statement 4 is correct: The population increased from ~4,000 in the 1980s to 50,000–60,000 due to conservation measures.