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It was with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation of the Municipality of Pegeia, to host today's event on the Mediterranean seal, entitled "Mediterranean Seal - An iconic species of the Mediterranean - Past, Present and Future".
Allow me to congratulate the Mayor of Pegeia Mr. Marinos Lambrou for the initiative and the co-organization with the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFA) of today's event on the Mediterranean seal, and to thank him for the opportunity given to us as a Ministry to present the Mediterranean Seal Monitoring Programme in Cyprus implemented by DFA in the framework of the protection of the species. As a Ministry, we come to the aid of efforts such as this one, which aim to inform and raise public awareness about such an emblematic species for the entire Mediterranean and for our island. After all, the protection and conservation of Cyprus' biodiversity is at the heart of our efforts as a Ministry and is part of the government programme of the President of the Republic, Mr. Nicos Christodoulides.
The Mediterranean seal is considered the number one endangered marine mammal in Europe. The population in the Mediterranean is around 700 individuals, half of which live in the marine area of Greece, while in Cyprus it is estimated that there are currently around 20-22 individuals.
The Mediterranean monk seal in Cyprus has been protected since 1971 by the Fisheries Law and is included in Annex II of the Barcelona Convention's Protocol on Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean, which Cyprus has ratified by law. It is also considered a priority species in the European Habitats Directive, and its conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation. This Directive was transposed into national legislation in 2003 by the Law for the Protection and Management of Nature and Wildlife. It should be noted that, under this legislation, the Natura 2000 network has been established in Cyprus.
In addition to the above national, regional and Community legislation, there are a number of other provisions of fisheries legislation indirectly related to the protection of the Mediterranean seal, such as prohibitions on the use of explosives, fisheries resource management measures, in particular fishing effort restrictions, seasonal restrictions on nets set in water depths greater than five metres, closed seasons for trawling, etc.etc.
The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, in the context of the protection of the Mediterranean seal, has established a team to implement a Monitoring Programme both for its population and for the identification and recording of its potential terrestrial habitats. This team is composed of specialised staff from the TAFE and the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
Through the monitoring programme of the species, as well as the observation record, there has been an increase in the population of the Mediterranean monk seal in Cyprus since 2010 when the population was estimated to be around 7-10 individuals.
Through the monitoring programme of the species, as well as the observation record, an increase in the population of the Mediterranean monk seal in Cyprus has been observed since 2010 when the population was estimated to be around 7-10 individuals. For 2023 the population is estimated at 20-22 individuals.
An important finding was the verification of breeding activity of the Mediterranean seal on the island, with the first discovery of a seal pup in one of the island's sea caves in November 2011. This was followed by births almost annually until 2023. These data confirm the breeding activity of the Mediterranean seal in Cyprus, as well as the use of the island's sea caves, not only for resting purposes, but now also for breeding. Therefore, the protection of its habitats is considered extremely important for the survival of the species.
Unfortunately, the Mediterranean monk seal in Cyprus faces various threats to its survival, the main ones being the loss and degradation of its habitats, the urbanisation of neighbouring areas and tourist pressures through various recreational activities. In addition, overfishing is another factor adversely affecting the species, as it leads to a reduction in its food supply.
This is why we are implementing Conservation and Protection Measures for the species such as.
- Establishment of Marine Protected Areas by Ministerial Decrees through the Fisheries Law and Regulations, such as the "Pegeia Sea Caves", "Halavro", "Agia Napa Sea Caves" and "Agios Georgios Alamanos Marine Area".
- Implementation of the Monitoring Programme on a scientific basis by recording important data concerning the biology of the species in Cyprus.
- Mapping, monitoring and evaluation of the important habitats of the species.
- Habitat restoration activities such as cleaning sea caves, repairing a collapsed sea cave roof, and
- Information, environmental education and public awareness activities such as today's event.
Today, we are honored to have with us a renowned speaker, Dr. Panagiotis Dendrinos, PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Athens, who is interested in studying the ecology of the Mediterranean seal using specialized photography and video techniques. Dr. Dendrinos is a founding member of MOm/Society for the Study and Protection of the Mediterranean Seal, and, as coordinator of the organization's field research activities, he has for many years been in all corners of maritime Greece to study the ecology and protection of the Mediterranean seal. He has designed and coordinated numerous research expeditions and studies, as well as marine environmental management and protection programmes.
Dr. Dendrine, I would like to thank you for your presence at today's event, but also for your long-standing cooperation with the Mediterranean Seal Monitoring Team in Cyprus and the valuable assistance you have provided in this context. We look forward to hearing your presentation and being informed about the measures and actions implemented for the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal in Greece and to draw useful examples from your rich experience.
Every important initiative that starts first starts from three basic components. The love for what you do, the passion to do it right, and the moral obligation to protect the environment. These three characteristics formed the basis for starting this effort in Cyprus. That is why I owe a big thank you to all the members of the Mediterranean Seal Monitoring Team in Cyprus, the Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Mr. Haris Nikolaou and the Officer of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research Ms. Melina Markou, both for today's presentation of the project and for their daily work in monitoring the seal population and identifying and recording its habitats. During their visits to sea caves along the coastline of Cyprus, they record the presence of the seal, as well as traces of cave use by seals and install cameras for continuous monitoring of the species. Thanks also to their work, tireless efforts and enthusiasm, but also thanks to the wider work of TATHE, we have today achieved an increase in the number of individuals of the species living and breeding in Cyprus.
In conclusion, I would like to assure you that, as a Ministry, we consider you, the local communities, as partners in our common goal for the protection of the natural environment, as well as for the well-being and harmonious coexistence with its constituent elements. After all, working with local communities to manage nature is a priority in our governance programme. The conservation of biodiversity and the protection of our country's natural wealth are our common obligation and legacy to future generations.
I welcome you to today's event and thank you all for your presence.
(NZ/EP)
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