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Dr. Jasna Antolovic, of The Mediterranean Monk Seal Group (MMSG) in Zagreb (a division of The Association for the Research and the Protection of Nature), reports that the Mediterranean monk seal used to be widespread throughout the Adriatic Sea but today is very rare, mainly due to human influence. Between 1994-1998, MMSG researchers led by Dr. Antolovic conducted a survey of monk seal habitats in the Vis archipelago in the central Adriatic. During the last 20 years, only 16 specimens were reported to have been observed in the area, and the MMSG survey could find no evidence of the seal’s continuing presence. However, a report on the survey notes that the seal’s former habitat has not changed appreciably, and may thus be used to encourage a possible re-population of the area through the establishment of specially protected areas.

The MMSG is the only scientific research group currently undertaking fieldwork in former, and potential, habitat areas of the monk seal in Croatia. Addressing problems concerned with the preservation of the species, the group also seeks to increase public awareness (an activity that has most recently focused on a poster distribution campaign). Researchers also attempt to maintain constant informational contact with fishers in order to record any possible sightings of the monk seal.

In 1997 and in August 1998, reports Dr. Antolovic, the MMSG carried out research in the Vis archipelago (Vis, Bisevo, Svetac, Pelagruza), but failed to detect any monk seal presence, despite gathering valuable data on the species’ former habitat. While sighting reports in the Adriatic have been received, MMSG researchers have yet to determine the origin and occupied habitat of the observed animals.

Monachus Science: Antolovic, Jasna. 1998. The Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus monachus – Habitats in Vis Archipelago, the Adriatic Sea.

IFAW-ODYSSIA Surveys Aegean Target Areas

During the summer, MOm’s research team carried out an extensive field expedition to proposed Natura-2000 reserve areas in the Aegean, collecting data and evaluating the status of monk seal populations. Setting sail on the 1^st June from Syros, the field team, aboard MOm’s research vessel IFAW-ODYSSIA, travelled first to the island complex of Milos-Antimilos-Kimolos-Polyaigos. All currently-identified monk seal shelters were visited and their use monitored. Additional data on monk seal individuals frequenting the area were also collected.

The importance of the Milos island complex as a habitat for the Mediterranean monk seal had been documented in previous studies, and through the considerable number of reported monk seal sightings collected by MOm’s Rescue and Information Network (RINT). Further research identified many suitable caves for resting and reproduction along the coastline of the islands. Recent fieldwork has also verified regular use of these shelters by the animals. Emphasising the area’s importance to the species, 7 newborn pups were observed during the previous reproductive period (97-98).

The next port of call for the IFAW-ODYSSIA was the Kasos-Karpathos complex, where the team, having the ability to be at sea for prolonged periods, monitored all presently known seal caves at both islands and neighbouring uninhabited islets. Continuing the voyage, the research vessel then put in at the island complex of Fourni. As a result of similar research in this area, MOm notes that valuable data have been collected, particularly in terms of habitat use and photo-identification of monk seal individuals.

The importance of this area for the monk seal became apparent from the number of observations collected though the six year operation of RINT. An additional 50 reports have been recorded by the local representative of the RINT since the inception of MOm’s European Union LIFE project in 1997. Such reports assist in monitoring the seal’s recent use of the area, while field trips have enabled a detailed survey of the coastline, thereby identifying caves that are suitable for resting and reproduction. The importance of the area for the species was suggested by the presence of two newborn pups during the previous reproductive period. Since January 1997, two adult seals were found dead in the area. Based on the findings of the necropsies, the death of one of the two animals may be attributed to a blow from a sharp object.

Culminating the 40-day expedition, that covered close to 700 nautical miles, the IFAW-ODYSSIA sailed back to the National Marine Park of Alonnisos, Northern Sporades. While monitoring of monk seal populations in the target areas continues, more intensive scrutiny began again in September, marking the new reproductive period.

For further information on the four key areas that are due to become Natura 2000 areas protecting monk seals and other endangered species, please turn to our Geographical Snapshot (in Vol. 1 No. 1).

Monk Seal Information Centres Established

As a key objective in raising public awareness in the Natura-2000 target areas, MOm has opened three Monk Seal Information Centres on the islands of Karpathos, Milos and Zakynthos (the latter coordinated by MOm’s sub-contractor to the EC LIFE-Nature project, WWF-Greece).

The Centres are equipped with photographic exhibits and information panels, covering topics such as the biology of the Mediterranean monk seal, and efforts to conserve the species and the natural environment of the islands. Children’s drawings and rare exhibits of monk seal skeletons are also on display to draw the attention of visitors. Staff and volunteers provide additional information to the public, conducting lectures, slide or video shows. A specially-designed leaflet on the natural environment of each target area is also distributed among visitors to the centres.

Another new Information Centre is scheduled to open next year on the island of Fourni. Outside the current target areas, MOm has established similar centres on Alonnisos, Skopelos and Skiathos in the Northern Sporades Marine Park, and Syros in the Cyclades.

Monk Seal & Coastal Fisheries Study On Zakynthos

A technical-economic study on the impact of Mediterranean monk seals on coastal fisheries in Zakynthos (Ionian Sea), was recently completed by Archipelagos – Marine and Coastal Management for WWF-Greece (as part of MOm’s EU-supported Conservation in Action project). Among other issues, the damage caused by seals to trammel nets was quantitatively and qualitatively investigated. Damage to catch and gear is the principal cause for deliberate killing of monk seals in Greece.

Researchers from Archipelagos spent the month of November 1997 on a Zakynthian fishing boat, working with local fishers and recording data firsthand. The study found that the values of catch per unit of effort, and of gross profit, were drastically reduced with the gradual deterioration of the net’s condition due to seal damage. The reduction was even greater considering the market value of mullet, an important target species.

This pilot field study tends to reinforce what the fishers themselves have been saying for years: damage caused by seals is considerable, and a solution to the problem must be investigated. Specific proposals are presented in the report. For further information, please contact either Archipelagos - Marine and Coastal Management or MOm.

Ten Candles

MOm celebrated its tenth anniversary on the 5^th September with a concert given by the well-known Greek composer and musician Nikos Papazoglou. Held on a beach in the Pireus area, on a mild, full-moon night, the concert attracted over a thousand people, helping – with additional publicity in the media – to keep the monk seal message in the public eye.

Summer Volunteer Program Draws to a Close

Every summer, from June to September, the ranks of MOm’s field workers are swelled by an influx of volunteers, who staff the organisation’s Information Centres and assist in various other public functions. This year, the 70 volunteers in the Northern Sporades, Syros, Milos and Karpathos brought MOm’s monk seal conservation message to 25,000 visitors.

MOm Records Season’s Newborn Pups

Awaiting final results with bated breath, MOm continues to gather up-to-the-minute data on the numbers of newborn pups in various study areas. Although only halfway through the reproduction season, MOm researchers have so far counted 15 newborn pups in the Northern Sporades, Milos and Kimolos, Karpathos and Kasos.

Although cautioning that these represent only interim results, MOm regards the news as "greatly encouraging, giving the best possible illustration of the meaning of our work".

Monk Seal Phone Card

1998 saw the production of a monk seal phone card by the Greek Telecommunications company OTE. Although providing no direct corporate sponsorship income to WWF-Greece (who led the initiative), the card once again brings the monk seal into the public eye, while prominently listing the charity’s Athens hotline for information and donations.

Sightings

The Rome-based Gruppo Foca Monaca (GFM) reports sightings of monk seals during the summer months. Observations have been reported since 1995 and average two per year. Although photographic evidence remains elusive, observers who reported the sightings are regarded as reliable. The recorded seals have been observed off the north-eastern and south-western coasts of Sardinia during the summers of 1995, 1996 and 1997. Recent sightings occurring in June, July and August of 1998 originate from the islands of Pantelleria, the south-western coast of Sicily and Malta. Observers have described these individuals as approximately 1.5 metres long. Reports usually portray the individual observed as stationary, floating at the water’s surface a few hundred meters from the coast. In some cases, observers report that they approached the individual close enough to see the vibrissae (i.e. the whiskers). Observation duration is short (reported as a minute or two), after which the animal dives and is not seen again.

There is a general consensus of opinion in the scientific community that the Mediterranean monk seal is extinct in Italy because of the lack of a reproductively-active nucleus along national coasts. However, recurrent observations indicate a persistent presence of single individuals. These individuals are generally regarded as stragglers from other regions. The origin of these seals may be from Tunisia, due to that country’s proximity to the sighting areas, although no seal observations have been reported from Tunisia in recent years (See International News – Ed.). Without more specific information on monk seal habitat use by different age classes, it is difficult to hypothesise on the origin of these individuals, reports GFM.

GFM believes that the establishment of several Marine Protected Areas containing suitable habitat for monk seals, and the future design and implementation of management plans for those reserves, may provide a serious and useful tool for conservation of the species in Italy, possibly encouraging natural re-colonisation.

If this is to be achieved, however, more time and effort must be devoted to monk seal sighting research and investigation of habitat use along Italian coasts and those of neighbouring countries. GFM believes that the presence of single individuals, errant though they may be, is a reality that monk seal conservationists should not ignore since safeguarding even single individuals is, now more than ever, imperative to the survival of the species.

The Parque Natural da Madeira reports that conservation efforts are proceeding according to plan at the main monk seal colony on the Desertas Islands. Following established practice, guarding and monitoring is taking place on a year-round basis. As in Greece and Turkey, Madeiran monk seal conservationists are anxiously awaiting the breeding season’s new arrivals. According to latest reports, one pup has already been born, and two more are hoped for.

At Ponta de Sao Lourenco, on the north-east of Madeira island, isolated monk seals have recently been detected by Natural Parks wardens, and efforts are underway to increase monitoring in the area. A warden station, similar to the one established on the Desertas Islands, has been set up, thereby lending improved protection to monk seal habitat at the Ponta de Sao Lourenco. It is hoped that this increased security will eventually encourage the species to permanently recolonise the area.

Full legal protection has recently been achieved with the passing of Legislative Regional Decree 11/97/M, which creates a Nature Marine Reserve in the area.

Monachus Science: Neves, H.C. & R. Pires. The recuperation of a monk seal pup, Monachus monachus, in the Ilhas Desertas – the conditions for its success.

Regional News continues with Mauritania/Western Sahara and Turkey...