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Albania & Croatia
As reported in our last issue, the Mediterranean Monk Seal Group in Zagreb, and Aquarius in Tirana, have joined forces to produce sightings postcards, information pamphlets and educational colouring books for children. The Albanian-Croatian venture is being sponsored by The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe.
Now, thanks to these organizations, monachus.org is able to publish the English-language version of the educational book Adriana and her family in the Mediterranean sea. The book has been added to the Monachus Library (MMSG/Aquarius 1999), and is available as an Acrobat PDF file.
Bulgaria
The Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Waters is discussing the possibility of preparing a National Action Plan for the Mediterranean monk seal, reports Stefan Avramov of the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds. Although the species is thought to be extinct in Bulgaria, conference resolutions and international agreements encourage governments to protect former monk seal habitat in the hope that the species might eventually recolonise such areas. In a parallel development, Avramov hopes to propose the region of Ropotamo and Maslen nos – once a favourite haunt of the monk seal – as a Ramsar site.
Greece
Weak pup succumbs after rescue
Shortly before our last issue went to press, MOm announced that an orphaned monk seal pup had been reported to its Rescue and Rehabilitation Network from the Aegean island of Ikaria (Stop Press, TMG 2:2). The alert reached MOm on 1 November, and the organisation wasted no time in dispatching a rescue team to the island (Breaking News 07/11/99).
The Ikarian resident who found the animal washed up on a beach near the village of Aghios Kirikos reported that he had seen the pup being battered about in heavy waves for about an hour beforehand.
Approximately three weeks old and still nursing, the male pup bore no signs of external injury. However, it was dehydrated and severely exhausted, having been without food for at least two days, following separation from its mother. It weighed in at just 11kg (the normal weight for an animal of its age is thought to be about 20 kg).
After administering first aid on site, the pup was taken to MOm’s rehabilitation unit at Steni Vala on the Northern Sporades island of Alonissos. MOm’s rehabilitation efforts have traditionally drawn on expertise from various sources, including the Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre of Pieterburen, the Netherlands, Erasmus University in Rotterdam, and the Veterinary School of the University of Thessalonika.
Named ‘Akritas’ by MOm in honour of the remote island where it was found, the pup showed some initial signs of recovery. The animal, however, was found to be suffering from severe parasitism and anaemia.
On 9 November Akritas’ health deteriorated, with the seal exhibiting respiratory problems and central nervous dysfunction. Despite intensive veterinary care, the pup died the following day.
The subsequent necropsy and analysis of collected samples (histological, virological, bacteriological, parasitological), performed in collaboration with Erasmus University in the Netherlands, provided evidence that the animal had suffered from an acute parasitic infection in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. A more prominent finding, however, was the animal’s severe emaciation, characterised by skeletal muscle atrophy and complete absence of fat. – Eugenia Androukaki, MOm.
New research initiatives
Two new research initiatives have recently been announced by MOm. Taking advantage of the organisation’s monk seal sample bank, a collaborative effort with the University of Barcelona has been launched in order to study the genetic variability of the Greek monk seal population and to determine whether it is differentiated from the Atlantic population. The second cooperative effort involves the University of Bangor, North Wales, where a toxicological study will be performed in order to determine the level of heavy metals in monk seal blubber tissues.
Virus identified
The recent identification of a virus that caused the death of an adult monk seal on the island of Psara in the Eastern Aegean in 1996, is regarded as having a potentially great significance for the Greek monk seal population.
Laboratory analysis has found that the virus belongs to the morbilli virus category. Viruses of the same category have caused mass mortality in other seal populations (Phoca vitulina) in the North Sea in 1988, in dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) in the Mediterranean in 1990 and 1992, and possibly in the Mauritanian monk seal population in 1997. The specific virus identified in the Psara seal was similar to one that was detected in a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Based on that evidence, it has been concluded that there is a possibility of viral transmission from cetaceans to monk seals, a fact unknown in the past. This may be an important factor to consider when planning and implementing conservation strategies for these species. The samples were analysed in the Laboratory of Virology of Erasmus University in Rotterdam. The results were published in the journals Vaccine (Osterhaus et al.1998) and Veterinary Microbiology (Van der Bildt et al. 1999). – Vrassidas Zavras, MOm.
Seals found dead
MOm’s Rescue Team has already performed three necropsies in the current year, following alerts received from members of the organisation’s Information Network:
- On the island of Kefalonia (Ionian Sea), on 21 February. The dead animal was a juvenile male, 3 years old, and had died from natural causes.
- On the island of Skiathos, on 20 April. The dead animal was a juvenile male, 2-3 years old. The cause of death could not be determined due to advanced decomposition of the carcass.
- On the island of Samos on 24 April. The dead animal was a juvenile female, 1.5 years old. Death was due to entanglement in fishing nets. Entanglement appears to be a rare cause of death for seals in Greek waters and has been reported only for young animals (Editor’s note: see When Fishermen Save Seals, this issue). – Vrassidas Zavras, MOm.
Guarding continues despite funding crisis
MOm is still awaiting a response to its international "call for help" that was issued after last year’s EU decision not to fund monk seal conservation projects in Greece (TMG 2:2 November 1999).
Several efforts to secure funding for the current year have not bourne significant results, leaving MOm facing project disruption and a severe budgetary shortfall.
Despite these upheavals, MOm’s Board of Directors recently decided to continue guarding activities in the National Marine Park of Alonnissos & Northern Sporades. The project is implemented by a number of trained local guards, using the high speed boat Alonnissos, donated in part by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 1991. On the alert for illegal fishing practices, tourism-related infringements and other prohibited activities, the Alonnissos is responsible for patrolling the Park’s 2,200 km2, but pays particular attention to the core zone island of Piperi, regarded as one of the most important breeding habitats of the monk seal in the Mediterranean.
The Alonnissos on patrol in the Northern Sporades Marine Park
LIFE-Nature: the end… or the beginning?
The final day of 1999 marked the completion of MOm’s LIFE-Nature project: The Mediterranean Monk Seal in Greece – Conservation in Action (Monachus Guardian, passim).
The 3-year project chalked up some notable achievements:
- More than 120 Mediterranean monk seal shelters were located and mapped in all four project areas.
- Monk seal populations were monitored, allowing basic population estimates.
- Project sites were found to include important breeding habitats, in which 34 newborn pups were recorded.
- Marine and terrestrial environments were surveyed, allowing the status of habitats and species to be evaluated for possible designation as Natura 2000 protected areas.
- Human activities and development trends were recorded in each project area.
- Public awareness material was published and widely distributed to local inhabitants and visitors.
- A large scale Environmental Education programme was implemented in the schools of the project areas, which more than 5500 pupils attended.
- Four Information Centers and eight mobile exhibits functioned in the project areas.
- Integrated management plans for each area, including zoning and protection measures, and Specific Environmental Studies for the areas of Kimolos, N. Karpathos and NW. Zakynthos, were drawn-up and submitted to local, regional, national and European authorities.
These advances have set the stage for establishing the first Natura 2000 monk seal reserves. – Vrassidas Zavras, MOm.
Natura 2000 areas continue to attract support
Despite its current financial handicap, MOm’s long-term project to establish monk seal reserves under the Natura 2000 network continues to draw official support.
A case in point was the unanimous decision of the Municipality of Olympos, on the Eastern Aegean island of Karpathos, to endorse the establishment of a protected area. An extract of the council declaration reads:
- Emphasises the immediate need to conserve the natural environment as well as the cultural heritage of the area of Northern Karpathos…
- Considers that the most appropriate tool to achieve this goal is the declaration of the area as protected, with the designation Olympos Eco-development Area, based on the Law 1650/86 for the Protection of the Environment in Greece…
- Decides unanimously to support the proposals, conservation measures and the blueprint of the Presidential Decree that are included in the Special Environmental Study elaborated by MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal…"
Meanwhile, the Specific Environmental Studies (SES) have been positively received by the Ministry of Environment, leading MOm and other observers to believe that government action can be expected on the new protected areas with a minimum of delay. The recent appointment of the former Director of Greenpeace Greece as the acting Deputy Minister of Environment, is raising expectations of an expeditious process. – Vrassidas Zavras, MOm.
National Marine Park and Eco-development Area proposed
As a consequence of the LIFE-Nature project, detailed proposals for the environmental protection and sustainable development of the four target areas were submitted to the authorities. Following the passing of relevant legislation, a Network of Special Conservation Areas will have been established in Greece, affording protection to some of the world’s most important surviving monk seal colonies.
Milos-Kimolos-Polyaigos-Antimilos
The establishment of a National Marine Park is proposed for the area of Kimolos-Polyaigos, where a significant number of monk seal breeding caves are located. These two islands hold all of the important natural characteristics that define the project area as a whole, while being less affected by human activities.
The Kimolos National Marine Park will include the islands of Kimolos and Polyaigos with the surrounding marine protection zone extending one nautical mile from the coasts of the two islands. Proposed conservation measures aim to regulate land uses and human activities, such as professional and amateur fisheries, boat traffic and construction works. Within the park area, marine and terrestrial zones with varying degrees of regulation have been designed (and are described in detail in the respective SES). It is proposed that these zones be declared "Nature Protection Areas", "Areas of Special Fishing Regulations", and "Areas of Low Impact Tourism Development".
In the same island complex, in the area of Kleftiko on the SW coast of the island of Milos, an additional "Nature Protection Area" is proposed, in order to secure the protection of this coast of great aesthetic value, where several monk seal shelters have been recorded. The respective proposals, included in the SES for the conservation of the endemic viper of Milos (Macrovipera sweizerii), primarily aim to control organized tour boats and coastal construction works.
Karpathos-Kasos-Kasonisia
In this island complex, Northern Karpathos and the uninhabited island of Saria were identified as being most important for the monk seal. The area hosts many other rare and endemic species, and is also notable for its archaeological, historical and cultural features, thus offering considerable scope for the development of ecotourism.
Saria (under cloud), as seen from neighbouring Karpathos
It is here that the "Olympos Eco-development Area" is envisaged. Within this area, a number of marine and terrestrial conservation zones are proposed, including "Nature Protection Areas", "Areas of Low Impact Development", "Protected Landscapes" and "Coastal Protected Areas". Within these zones, varying degrees of regulation would applied, aiming to control land use and human activities, such as construction works, opening of roads and visitor access.
Samos-Ikaria-Fourni
In this island complex, two sites were considered as a priority for the Mediterranean monk seal: the area of Seitani and the Fourni islands. In the case of Seitani, since the area was already designated as "Strictly Protected", MOm's specific proposals for the conservation of the species were included in the ongoing SES that is being implemented by the Prefecture of Samos. Within the final proposals, two marine zones (200m and 500m wide) with regulations on fishing activities and boat traffic, are proposed.
Based on fieldwork conducted during the project, it was concluded that the Fourni islands lie in abundant fishing grounds that also represent significant feeding grounds for the monk seal. It is therefore proposed that the surrounding marine area be declared an "Area of Specific Fishing Regulations". The proposed measures are aimed at the protection of the Posidonia sea grass meadows that are abundant in the area, and at the conservation of fish stocks that are considered of primary importance to the local economy. These goals will be achieved through the exclusion of trawlers within a distance of 3 nautical miles from the coast. Upon evaluation of the data collected, it is considered that the proposed measures will best be enacted through a Ministerial Decision or a Port Police Regulation.
Zakynthos
The zoning plan that is proposed in the SES for Zakynthos, implemented by WWF Greece, focuses on the conservation of the monk seal and its habitat, while promoting sustainable development. The plan also aims to minimise accidental and deliberate killing of the animals.
According to the proposals, marine and terrestrial areas on the western and northern coasts of Zakynthos, that fall within the Municipalities of Elatia, Artemisiou and Lagana, would be declared "Nature Protection Areas", individually named "Protected Mediterranean monk seal habitat…" (…of Schinari, Ag. Andrea, Kabi, Korakonisi and Marathia respectively). Three of these sites include core areas that are proposed as "Areas of Strict Protection". A considerable marine area is also proposed as a buffer zone, where specific fishing regulations would be enforced.
Apart from zoning and regulation in the various protected areas, specific proposals aimed at achieving integrated management of the sites were also submitted. These mainly relate to enforcement and guarding, surveillance and monitoring, training and education (of local inhabitants, visitors and staff) and sustainable development (the ecologically sound activities that are compatible with the status of each site, such as organic agriculture and ecotourism). – Vrassidas Zavras, MOm.
Network report issued
As indicated in our last issue (European Network for Monachus monachus) MOm has been leading EU-sponsored efforts to encourage coordination and teamwork between the various independent organisations involved in the in situ conservation and study of Mediterranean monk seals. MOm’s recently released report on the initiative is available in the Monachus Library.
MOm. 2000. Establishment and pilot operation of a network between the Mediterranean monk seal conservation projects. Final report, January 2000: 1-28.
World music honours monk seals
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As part of its Planet Music series, leading Greek record producer Chart Records has released a 2-CD compilation of international "ethnic" music. The cover features a photograph of a Mediterranean monk seal, while sleeve material provides brief information on the species and on MOm’s conservation activities. The CD was launched in Greece with significant media fanfare in April. A fraction of the proceeds will benefit MOm’s conservation efforts.
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Monk seal births on Zakynthos
Research activities implemented by WWF Greece on the monk seal population around the Ionian island of Zakynthos have documented the presence of at least three pups, born in autumn 1998. Two of these individuals were sighted again by the research team in December last year. One newly born pup was also recorded during the same period. – Demetres Karavellas, WWF Greece.
Madeira
Far-reaching implications seen as seals return to beaches
As a result of non-invasive observation studies, researchers have learned how monk seals on the Desertas Islands of Madeira may be changing their behaviour in reaction to a reduction in human persecution and harassment.
The findings were presented at the 14th annual conference of the European Cetacean Society (ECS) which convened in Cork, Ireland, in early April.
During the 1970s, as a result of intensive fishing activity around the islands, observations indicated that seals were exclusively using beaches in sea caves to rest and rear their young. However, during 1997, after 9 years of protection and monitoring using non-intrusive methods, seals were observed on open beaches on the Desertas Islands. Two females used Tabaqueiro beach to rest and suckle their pups. Similar observations were made in 1999 on the same beach, and other seals were also observed resting on another open shore.
The observations have potentially far-reaching consequences for the conservation and survival of the monk seal.
Historically, Mediterranean monk seals used to haul out and pup on open sandy or pebble beaches throughout their range. There is compelling evidence to suggest that deterioration in habitat driven by human persecution – in which open beaches were traded for the relative security of sea caves – has been a leading factor in the decline of the species (Johnson & Lavigne 1999). – Rosa Pires, Parque Natural da Madeira.
Sources
Pires, R.M. Neves, H.C. 2000. Monk seal sightings on open beaches in Desertas Islands, Madeira Archipelago. In press.
Johnson, W. M., & D. M. Lavigne. 1999. Monk seals in antiquity. The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in ancient history and literature. Mededelingen 35: 1-101. The Netherlands Commission for International Nature Protection. [Online abstract: http://www.monachus-guardian.org/mguard03/03scien1.htm].
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