Tourist Encounters Stranded ‘Big Fish’ by the Sea, Discovers it’s a ‘National Treasure’ Spotted Seal After Taking Photos and Posting on WeChat

A tourist went to the seaside for a walk and encountered a stranded “big fish”, took photos and posted on WeChat asking for help. Later, through querying information and netizens' notification, it was discovered that the “big fish” appearing on the coast was actually a “national treasure” spotted seal.

Yesterday, Hulubei reporter introduced to reporters the discovery of stranded “big fish” and the handling process of the fisheries department.

A few days ago, Mr. Song went to Longgang District, Longwan Seaside Park in Hulubei City to play. When he walked along the beach to Longtou Head Seaside, due to the low tide that day, some tourists were picking fish and shellfish. He also went to watch the fun, while picking small fish and continued to walk forward. When he came to a place with few tourists, he suddenly found a “big fish” lying on the sand, and when he got closer, he saw that the “big fish” was lying on its belly. After flipping it upright, it was still motionless, and it was found to be without life. Because he didn’t know what the “big fish” was called, he immediately posted on WeChat asking for help.

Worried about the spotted seal being washed away by the sea, Mr. Song moved several stones to block it. Subsequently, he contacted the street community and the fisheries department, striving to ensure that it could be properly handled or preserved as a specimen. The fisheries department staff arrived on the scene with him, but due to the rising tide, they couldn’t reach the spotted seal’s side.

After the tide receded again, the inspection officers of the Liaoning City Fisheries Comprehensive Administrative Enforcement Team arrived on the scene with shovels and other equipment to deal with it. However, they searched for more than an hour without success. The staff analyzed that the spotted seal’s body may have been washed back into the sea by the rising tide. Nevertheless, the fisheries department staff still commended Mr. Song’s behavior. At the same time, they reminded people that if they find injured or dead wild animals, they must contact relevant departments to ensure that they receive the best rescue or proper disposal, and strive to create a good environment for harmonious coexistence between life and nature.

Liaoning Evening News Special Correspondent