Monk Seal Protection in the Eastern Mediterranean: PHASE III
Goals: Among the most important threats to the Mediterranean monk seal in Cyprus are the touristic and other recreational activities taking place near the coast, in many cases close to monk seal caves and feeding grounds. Hence, the first aim of the proposed project is to study the physical disturbance and noise pollution that are primarily caused by touristic boats that take hundreds of tourists every day close to the seal caves. This will provide the first description of underwater soundscapes and physical disturbances in critical habitats of the Mediterranean monk seal in Cyprus and will provide relevant data on the acoustic environment, utilized by sound-reliant animals. Fieldwork sampling will be equally distributed between study locations and between seasons for all-year coverage. The second aim of the project is to improve the knowledge regarding the interactions between the monk seal and open-sea fish farming cages in Cyprus. The methodology that will be used for data collection is semi-structured in-person interviews with fish farm owners and staff. Lastly, the project aims to educate and raise awareness among fish farm owners and to the personnel as well as to tourist boat owners and travel agents.
How: The project will assess the effects of recreational activities on the Mediterranean Monk Seal sub-population in Cyprus. It will quantify and describe the underwater soundscape, acoustic monitoring, and physical disturbances from touristic activities with Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) surveys. The research will provide new information on the extent and impact of these activities on monk seal habitats. The project will also describe interactions between monk seals and open-sea fish farming cages in the Levantine Sea with semi-structured questionnaires, providing baseline information for Cyprus and other Mediterranean regions. The project will educate target groups on the dangers and negative consequences of interacting with wildlife and propose alternative practices to safeguard the tourist sector and the Mediterranean monk seal via the publication of a Sea-User’s Manual and workshops.
Objectives:
Stressors Assessment from touristic boat activities on monk seal;
Interaction assessment between monk seal and open-sea aquacultures, and
Education and awareness targeted to aquaculture owners and staff, touristic boat owners, and travel agents.
Target Groups: Local municipalities, sea-users, boat owners, tourists, marine fish farm owners
Duration: 24 months, April 2024 – March 2027
Location: Cyprus MPAs
Coordinating Partner: Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre
Supporting Partners: IUCN MED and SPOT MarineLife
Funding: 125 000 EUR
Funded by: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Monk Seal Alliance
Recent Comments