There is an increase in the population of the Mediterranean monk seal in Cyprus and 2023 figures show that there are 20-22 mammals on the island, Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou said on Saturday, addressing a conference in Pegeia, Paphos district, titled “Mediterranean Seal. An emblematic species of the Mediterranean – Past, Present and Future.”
The event was organized by the Municipality of Pegeia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the support of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research and MOm NGO based in Greece.
She pledged that the Ministry supports all efforts aimed at informing the public and raising awareness.
Panayiotou pointed out that the Mediterranean seal is considered the number one endangered marine mammal in Europe. Its population in the Mediterranean is around 700, of which half live in the maritime area of Greece, while in Cyprus it is estimated that there are currently around 20-22 mammals.
She noted that the population increased due to species monito
ring programs and record of observations.
One important finding, she said, was the verification of reproductive activity of the Mediterranean seal on the island, with the first discovery of a newborn seal in one of the island’s sea caves, in November 2011.
The Minister said that unfortunately the Mediterranean seal in Cyprus is faced with various threats for its survival because of the loss and degradation of its habitats, the urbanization of the neighboring areas, overfishing and tourism pressures through various activities.
She praised the work done by scientists in Greece and the role of local communities.
Scientists presented the latest scientific developments and figures in relation to the marine mammal protection program.
Pegeia mayor Marinos Lambrou referred to the goal of protecting and properly preserving biodiversity on the island.
Source: Cyprus News Agency
