A seal has been rescued after it was spotted with a large fishing hook through it's muzzle on Tuesday.
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The adult male seal was first spotted by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys near Cape Hauy, in the South-West of Tasmania, on Tuesday afternoon.
It was spotted again on Wednesday at a known seal haul-out at Munro Bight.
Staff from the Department of of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment's Marine Conservation Program travelled to the location with a wildlife ranger to see if the hook could be removed.
Wildlife biologist Sam Thalmann, who helped remove the hook, said the seal appeared calm despite having the hook lodged through it's muzzle.
"Once sedated, our assessment showed the seal's eye was intact and the penetration was superficial through the upper nose, so we were able to remove the hook," he said.
In other news:
"The seal was in good condition despite its injury and soon slipped back into the water and swam away."
He thanked Pennicott Wilderness Journeys for reporting the injured seal.
"Reports from members of the community are integral to being able to help injured marine wildlife and sightings can be reported to the Whale Hotline (0427 WHALES)," Mr Thalmann said.
"Most fishers are aware that seals will follow a fish close to a boat and take the catch so we encourage all fishers to be responsible when fishing as well as when cleaning and disposing of fish waste and equipment.
"Disposing of fish carcasses near boat ramps and inshore waters could encourage negative behaviours in wildlife which could become problematic."