An increase in the population of the Mediterranean seal in Cyprus has been observed, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment said, noting that by 2023 the population is estimated at 20-22 mammals.
Minister Maria Panayiotou was speaking at a scientific workshop held on Saturday evening at the Cap St Georges tourist resort in Peyia, on the subject of the Mediterranean seal.
As a ministry, she said, we come to the aid of efforts aimed at raising awareness and informing the public about such an emblematic species for the entire Mediterranean and for Cyprus. The Mediterranean seal, she stressed, is considered the number one endangered marine mammal in Europe. The population in the Mediterranean is around 700 mammals, half of which live in the marine area of Greece, while in Cyprus there are estimated to be around 20-22 seals.
Through the species monitoring program, 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, according to the minister.
Panagiotou expressed her regret that the Mediterranean monk seal in Cyprus faces various threats to its survival, the main ones being the loss and degradation of its habitats, the urbanization of the neighboring areas, and tourism pressures through various recreational activities. In addition, she said, overfishing is another factor that negatively affects the species as it leads to a reduction in its food supply.
