entanglement can result in mortality, because when the seals get trapped in marine debris such as fishing nets, they cannot maneuver or reach the surface to breathe. marine fisheries can potentially interact with monk seals by direct and indirect relationships. directly, the seal can become snared by fishing equipment, entangled in discarded debris, and even feed on fish refuse. international law prohibits the intentional discarding of debris from ships at sea. monk seals have one of the highest documented rates of entanglement of any pinniped species.