Listing of the Saimaa Seal Subspecies of the Ringed Seal Under the ESA

NOAA Fisheries is listing the Saimaa seal (Phoca hispida saimensis) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). NOAA Fisheries used the best available scientific and commercial information to make this determination. The Saimaa seal ls a subspecies of the ringed seal (Phoca hispida) that has adapted to a freshwater environment. Scientists estimate the population at about 160-180. The seals are limited in range to Lake Saimaa in eastern Finland.