REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND WATER AFFAIRS (Nature Conservation and National Parks) 7th Regional Directorate - Mersin Branch Office
MERSİN PROVINCE
MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL
Monachus monachus
SPECIES CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN
2014-2018
DECEMBER 2012 / ANKARA Revision Date: April 2014
REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND WATER AFFAIRS (Nature Conservation and National Parks) 7th Regional Directorate - Mersin Branch Office
MERSİN PROVINCE
MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL / Monachus monachus
SPECIES CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN 2014 - 2018
DECEMBER 2012 / ANKARA Revision Date: April 2014
Republic of Turkey
Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs (Nature Conservation Name of Project Owner and National Parks)
7th Regional Directorate - Mersin Branch Office
Address Yeni Mah. 33191. Sok. No:31 Mezitli / MERSİN
Phone: 0 (324) 3570820 Fax: 0 (324)3570823
Phone and Fax Numbers
Preparing Species Conservation Action Plan for Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) and Service Project Name Procurement Work
Project Location Mersin Province
Turunç Peyzaj Tasarım Planlama Uygulama Proje İnşaat Organizasyon ve Danışmanlık Hizm. Reporting Institution Ltd. Şti.
Plan Revision: Mersin Branch Office
Address GMK Bulvarı Onur İşhanı 12/143 Kızılay Çankaya/ANKARA
Phone and Fax Numbers Phone: 0 (312)4183949 Fax: 0 (312)4183949
Report Submittal Date 26 / 12 / 2012 Plan Revision Date: 16 - 17 April 2014
PREFACE
Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is a species under conservation by international conventions and national legislations. Various methods are utilized in order to conserve and prevent extinction of Mediterranean monk seal, which is referred to as seal by local people, in many countries. Although it does not have any natural predators on our coasts, Mediterranean monk seal population gradually diminishes due to irresponsible and unplanned human activities.
The fact that around 50 of the Mediterranean monk seal population in Turkey, which is known to be around 100, live on the coasts of Mersin Province indicates that Mersin has a clean seacoast.Mediterranean monk seal, which is among the Critically Endangered (CR) species in International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, is affected negatively from smallest disturbances in its habitat.
Thus, the Mediterranean Monk Seal Species Conservation Action Plan which was created through vigorous efforts of expert academicians, Government Institutions and Organizations and nongovernmental organizations is also important due to being the first plan created for this purpose. Each action presented in the plan was prepared with a broad participation and agreement.
Just like the preparation phase of Mediterranean Monk Seal Species Conservation Action Plan, contribution and participation of related institutions and organizations in the application phase thereof will be a valuable step which will allow the Mediterranean Monk Seal to populate our coasts for years.
Etem BOZ 7th Region Director
"MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL (Monachus monachus) SPECIES CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN"
REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND WATER AFFAIRS (Nature Conservation and National Parks)
7TH REGIONAL DIRECTORATE MERSIN BRANCH OFFICE
Etem BOZ Regional Director
Yüksel ABİDİNOĞLU Regional Deputy Director
Halil KORKMAZ Mersin Branch Office Director
Dr. Ayşe DÜRGEN Veterinarian
Orhan KARAKAYA Biologist
ASSOC. PROF. DR. MEHMET GÖKOĞLU (Hydrobiologist, Aquaculture Expert/DIVER - PROJECT COORDINATOR)
ASST. PROF. DR. MUSTAFA YAVUZ (Biologist (Expert on Mammals and Vertebrates))
Mustafa Süleyman KAÇAR (Forest Engineer MSc. - Planning and Wildlife Expert) SUPPORTING PERSONNEL
Seda Yıldız (Project Coordinator, Landscape Architect MSc.)
Rabia Nurhan DÜNDAR (Project Coordinator, Landscape Architect MSc.)
Dolunay ERCAN (Public Administration - Project Assistant)
Atila ÖZTAN (Aquaculture Technician / Diver - Project Assistant)
Hüseyin KARAGÖZ (Landscape Architect)
Cahit GÜVEN (Landscape Technician)
"MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL (Monachus monachus) SPECIES CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN"
REVISION TEAM
Mahmut AKAN Directorate of Nature İrfan GÜVEN Directorate of Nursel TURAN 7th Regional Conservation and National Parks Nature Conservation and Directorate Nature Conservation Engineer National Parks Engineer and Wetlands Branch Office Director SIGNATURE SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
Ahmet ÇÖRTÜK 7th Regional Dr. Ayşe DÜRGEN Mersin Orhan KARAKAYA Mersin Director Mersin Branch Office Branch Office Veterinarian Branch Office Biologist Director SIGNATURE SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
Erdinç BALKAN Mediterranean Alper YUVA Mediterranean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Cemal GÜCÜ Region Coast Guard Command Region Coast Guard Command METU Marine Sciences Institute Operations Branch Director TCSG-309 Executive Officer Academic Member
SIGNATURE SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
Dr. Meltem OK METU Marine Dr. Serdar SAKINAN METU Çağla KENDİRCİ Directorate of Sciences Institute Research Specialist Marine Sciences Institute Environment and Urban Planning Research Specialist Natural Heritage Conservation SIGNATURE Branch Deputy Director SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
Mehmet GÜVEN Province Food, Cem Orkun KIRAÇ Ministry of Ozan VERYERİ SAD - AFAG Agriculture and Livestock Transportation, Maritime and Mediterranean Monk Seal Directorate Aquaculture Engineer Communication Engineer Research Group Environment Division Specialist SIGNATURE SIGNATURE SIGNATURE
Hasan BUNER SAD - AFAG Mediterranean Monk Seal Research Group Mersin RepresentativeSIGNATURE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE PLANNING AND REVISION TEAM 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 12 2 GENERAL INFORMATION ...... 13 2.1 BIOECOLOGY OF MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL (MONACHUS MONACHUS) 2.1.1. Scientific Classification and Biology of Mediterranean Monk Seal ...... 13 2.1.2. Some Physiological Characteristics of Mediterranean Monk Seal ...... 17 2.1.3. Habitat of Mediterranean Monk Seal ...... 18 2.1.4. Food Preference of Mediterranean Monk Seal ...... 19 2.2 DISTRIBUTION - POPULATION OF MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL IN TURKEY AND AROUND THE WORLD 20
2.3 STATUS OF MEDİTERRANEAN MONK SEAL IN TURKEY AND AROUND THE WORLD ...... 23
2.3.1. Habitat Areas Potentially Used By Mediterranean Monk Seal and Detected Within Borders of Mersin Province Within the Scope of the Project ...... 28
2.4 SOME STUDIES TOWARDS CONSERVATION OF MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL AND FACTORS-PROBLEMS THREATENING THE SPECIES AND SOLUTION SUGGESTIONS
...... 31 • Reason of the Project ...... 37 • Main Objectives of the Project ...... 38 • Method Used in the Project ...... 39 2.5 AREA USERS REGARDING MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL AND THEIR HABITAT (LAND AND SEA), DEPENDENCY OF USERS ON AREAS, MUTUAL BENEFIT - HARM RELATIONSHIPS
...... 2.6 THREATS MEDITERRANEAN...... MONK...... SEALS FACE IN...... THEIR HABITAT, LEVELS...... OF SUCH 43 THREATS AND OTHER LIMITING FACTORS
2.6.1...... Loss of Habitat...... ,,, ...... 47 2.6.2. Intentional and Accidental Killings ...... 49 2.6.3. Human Activities and Noise Intensity ...... 49 2.7 INTERINSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEALS, CONTRADICTING INSTITUTIONS/PARTNERS; SUGGESTIONS FOR JOINT ACTION MECHANISMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH MUTUAL GOALS RELATING TO THE AREA
...... 50
3. MERSİN PROVINCE MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL SPECIES CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN 51
3.1. PROGRAMS ...... ……….51
3.1.1 Inventory Studies Program ...... …………….51 a) Cave Inventory ...... ………………..52 b) Population Inventory ...... ……………….52 3.1.2 Conservation Program ...... ……………53 a) Habitat Conservation ...... ………………53 b) Species Conservation ...... ……………….54 3.1.3 Training and Awareness Raising Program ...... ……………54 3.1.4 Monitoring Program ...... ……………55 3.2. APPLICATION PLAN ...... ……….56
4. BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... …….62
5. APPENDIX ...... …….68
TABLE INDEX Table 2.3.1. Mediterranean Monk Seal Conservation Areas Within Mersin Province Borders ...... …..24 Table 2.3.2. Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) Observation Stations Detected in Studies Conducted Within the Scope of the Project …………………………………………………………………..26 Table 2.4.1. Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) Observation Stations Detected in Studies Conducted Within the Scope of the Project 43 Table 2.5.1. Mediterranean Monk Seal Interest Groups Analysis Chart ...... …….44 Table 3.2.1.Application Plan ...... ……..57
FIGURE INDEX Figure 2.1.1.1. Place of Mediterranean Monk Seal in the Systematics ...... ……14 Figure 2.1.1.2. General Appearances of Mediterranean Monk Seal in different Stages of Life……… 16 Figure 2.2.1. Distribution of Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) Population Around the World ...... 21 Figure 2.2.2. Distribution of Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) Population In Mediterranean Sea and Aegean Sea Figure 2.3.1. Relation of Coasts Inhabited by Mediterranean Monk Seals with Protected Areas in Mersin Province ...... 22 Figure 2.3.2. Points Inspected During Field Surveys Conducted in Important Coastal Areas in Mersin Province ...... 30
PHOTOGRAPHY INDEX
Photo 2.1.1.1 Young female individual washed ashore in Mersin Province (Mersin Province Branch Office Archive)
Photo 2.4.1. Young individual closely watching diving team
Photo 2.4.2. Young individual which came very close to the camera without hesitation
Photo 2.4.3. Young individual which approached to check the basket full of bread left by the fishermen
Photo 2.4.4. Young individual moving away from the diving team and moving swiftly in medium water
Photo 2.4.5. Interview with 7th Regional Directorate of Forestry and Water Affairs Mersin Branch Office Director Halil KORKMAZ in his office Photo 2.4.6. Interview with Bekir BAKIR, an experienced sea captain who works as a fisherman in the region and who participated in seal researches in the past
Photo 2.4.7. A view from the inspections conducted on land after diving
Photo 2.4.8. Image (1) from surface and underwater during scuba diving ...... 42 Photo 2.4.9. Image (2) from surface and underwater during scuba diving ...... 42
APPENDICES
APPENDIX-1 MAPS:
APPENDIX 1.1 (a), APPENDIX 1.1 (b), APPENDIX 1.1 (c) 1/25.000 scaled map of Mediterranean Monk Seal observation stations
APPENDIX 1.2 1/25.000 scaled map showing Mediterranean Monk Seal Habitats
APPENDIX-2: 1/100.000 scaled map showing Mediterranean Monk Seal Habitats in Mersin Province
APPENDIX-3: 1/500.000 scaled map showing Mediterranean Monk Seal Habitats in Mersin Province
APPENDIX-4: PHOTOS Top Priority Photos
1. INTRODUCTION
Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is classified as critically endangered (CR) in the Red List published by International Union for Conservation of Nature. Due to this critical condition, species is taken under protection by Genoa Declaration which is supplementary to Barcelona Convention for the Protection of Mediterranean (BARCELONA), to which Turkey is a party (Species Protocol No. 4); by The Council of Europe’s Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (BERN) and by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Moreover, it is also protected at a national level by 1380 Numbered Aquaculture, 4915 Numbered Land Hunting and 2872 Numbered Environment Laws.
It is certain that studies, plans and precautions towards protecting Mediterranean monk seal in Turkey will not only protect this species but also will result in protection of all coastal natural assets of Turkey. Mediterranean Monk Seal, the total population of which is estimated to be around 450 to 500 individuals all over the world, lives only in Greece, Turkey, Mauritania and Madeira Islands today. This rare species which came to the brink of extinction in a period equal to human life and which does not have any natural predators is diminishing totally due to unplanned and excessive human activities (Veryeri 2006 and Güçlüsoy 2004).
Narrowing or destruction of habitats as a result of the coastal areas being opened to tourism and being concreted at a great pace and overfishing are primary reasons for rapid decrease of distribution and population of Mediterranean monk seal around the world. As a result, due to human pressure, Mediterranean monk seals are forced to wander and live individually most of the time instead of living together like a real seal colony. A great number of the Mediterranean monk seals which struggle to survive in two separated regions around the world, as Eastern Atlantic coast and Mediterranean Sea, are located in Aegean Sea (Veryeri 2006, Ok 2006).This fact necessitates Greece and Turkey, two countries neighboring over the Aegean Sea, to play the most important role in conservation of the species. Seeing Mediterranean monk seals in Bosporus, where they could populate in 1950s, is now impossible or observing them in Aegean Region, which they populate in a widespread manner today, may take months. Existence of Mediterranean monk seal population of about 100 individuals on our coasts gave Turkey a very important mission in protecting this species.
Mediterranean monk seal population intensifies in certain regions of Turkish coasts. Northern coasts of Kapıdağ Peninsula and Marmara Islands in Sea of Marmara; in Aegean sea, the region between Aegean coast of Gallipoli Peninsula and Behramkale, and the coast line reaching from Yeni Foça to Datça; and in Mediterranean Sea, the coast lines between Datça and Kemer, Alanya and Taşucu, and Hatay Samandağ and Syrian border are the regions in which Mediterranean monk seals struggle for survival.
Mediterranean monk seal births are observed as well as deaths on our coasts (Anonymous 2005-2006, Öztürk 1998, Veryeri 2004 and 2006, Ok 2006).
Within the scope of Mersin Province Mediterranean Monk Seal Species Conservation Action Plan, researches, on which the conservation of Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), which is also endangered according
to the Red List published by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the conservation of habitat of this species will be based on, were conducted and current condition of the species was presented.
2. GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 BIOECOLOGY OF MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL (Monachus monachus)
2.1.1 Scientific Classification and Biology of Mediterranean Monk Seal
Mediterranean monk seals are from Monachus genus and belong to Pinnipedia sub-ordo. They are included in the Monachus genus of Monachinae subfamily, one of the two subfamilies of Phacidae family included in this sub- ordo. (Figure 2.1.1.1.) This sub-ordo has 34 species known to us today, however, one of these species, Caribbean Monk Seal (Monachus tropicalis) could not be seen since 1952 thus it is deemed to be extinct (Banish and Gilmartin, 1987, Dailey 1988). Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), which is one of the 33 pinniped species that can be observed around the world and that can be observed also on Turkish coasts, is one of the 12 most important endangered marine mammals of the world.
Source: http://sadafag.org/akdeniz-foku
Figure 2.1.1.1. Place of Mediterranean Monk Seal in the Systematics
Mediterranean monk seal has a cylindrical body and a coat consisting of 0.5 cm long hairs. Beneath this coat, there is a 3-6 cm thick layer of fat. This thick fat layer not only prevents the animal from external mechanical and physical dangers but also plays an important role on heat insulation. This way, they can swim in very cold weather and cold water easily for a long time. Generally, only its head is visible while swimming. There are not any visible morphological differences (significant in terms of length, weight or shape) between males and females. However, there are characteristic color differences between males and females. Male individuals are black-dark brown and have a distinctive white spot on the ventral surface. In females, this spot is light brown or gray and spreads from under the neck to the tail. New born baby seals have a length of around 80 to 90 cm and weigh around 20 kg. Their coat consists of black hair with 1-1.5 cm length. The shape of the white spot on the ventral section indicates the gender. When the seal is the two months old, the coat starts to take adult form by shedding hair (Dailey, 1988). Coat change of baby Mediterranean monk seals happen on 64th day in females and on 82nd day in males (Badosa et al. 2006). The process of coat changing lasts for about fifteen days. Breastfeeding stops when the baby is 4-5 months old. The females in the colony may look after each other's babies (Pastor and Aguilar 2003, Aguilar et al. 2007).
Photo 2.1.1.1. Young female individual washed ashore in Mersin Province (Mersin Province Branch Office Archive)
Adult male seal
Adult female seal
Adolescent seal
Young seal
Juvenile seal
Baby seal
Source: Eduardo Saiz, 2000.
Figure 2.1.1.2. General Appearances of Mediterranean Monk Seal in different Stages of Life
Later, with the development of the baby, sexual maturation occurs in about 5-6 years and averagely in 4 years. Pregnancy lasts about 11 months. Baby birth is possible almost every season of the year. Only in some colonies a birth season can be observed between summer and beginning of winter. In Turkey, this was observed between August and November (Gücü et al., 2004). Generally birth occurs between May and November and more frequently in September and October. An average of 12-13 months passes between two births. Unless the baby requests otherwise, lactation lasts for 6 weeks or 16-17 weeks. Females reach sexual maturity when they are 3-4 years old. Survival rate of babies is very low and only less than 50% of the babies survive the first two months. Survival rate of babies born between September and January is 29%. The reason for this is high waves, storms and even though it's not much, inbreeding. On the other hand, survival rate of the babies born in other months of the year is 70% (Gazo, et al. 2000). Although their lifespan is thought to be around 20 years in their natural habitat, they can live for 24 years or more under captivity. Of these pretty large marine mammals, females weigh around 300 kg, males weigh around 350-400 kgs and some individuals may weigh even more than 450 kg (Wilson and Reeder 2005).
Existence of Mediterranean monk seals in an area is a significant indication showing that habitat characteristics of the area are not destroyed yet and and the living organisms which are nutritional sources for them exist and are healthy. Thus, Monachus monachus may be considered as an indication of a balanced and clean ecosystem. While the natural habitat of Mediterranean monk seal is Mediterranean Basin, Black Sea coasts and coasts and islands of Northeast Africa, today, this species struggle for survival on Moroccan and Mauritania coasts of Northeast Africa as isolated groups and islands in Aegean Sea and coasts of Greece and Turkey as the largest population (Öztürk, 1998, Ok 2006).
2.1.2. Some Physiological Characteristics of Mediterranean Monk Seal
It is known that Mediterranean monk seals generally take shelter in caves and rock cracks in quiet and secluded coast lines. On the other hand, the species which has to preserve its body temperature due to its homoiothermal metabolism, lies on the shallow rocks inside sea and flat rocks on the beach and benefit from sun rays. As a matter of fact, in addition to being warmer than other biotopes in the sea, such rocky areas selected in a strategic point may allow the seal to protect itself better during resting. Mediterranean monk seal, which is slower on land compared to water, prefers to rest in a place from which it can reach water the most quick way when facing a threat. These animals which may move in speeds reaching up to 30-40 km per hour in water have a perfect mobility and flexibility for catching their prey. As they do pulmonary respiration, they need to surface and breath frequently.
Although they can stay underwater for 10-15 minutes in a single breath, they can stay still underwater for up to 20-30 minutes when in trouble. It is known that after staying in this condition and surfacing for breath, seals need to rest for a while before diving again. While their heart rate is around 100 bpm on land, it may decrease
to 10 when they dive. They may stay half asleep under water. Physiologically, general appearance while sleeping and diving are the same. In both situations, seal contracts the muscles on its nose and closes nasal inlet. Heart rate lowers. As a result, blood flow slows down, however, adequate blood circulation in vital organs such as heart and brain is sustained. Oxygen amount in blood lowers in about 15 minutes and it feels it needs to turn or wake up by means of the receptors. It wakes up and breathes.
Compared to other pinnipeds, Mediterranean monk seal dives shallow depths. Their deepest dives are around 100-130 meters (Groombridge,1994).
Seals, which feed and reproduce on the coastlines are known to be both nocturnal and diurnal. Although they do not hibernate, it is known that they experience winter dullness. It is observed that they hunt less and move slowly especially when it gets cold.
2.1.3. Habitat of Mediterranean Monk Seal
Their circulation area differs according to existence and availability of food. While they are generally active in a few square kilometers when food is abundant, they may cover tens or even hundreds of kilometers when they cannot find food. Generally, seals populate two types of coasts as islands and mainland coasts. These coasts are generally quiet, desolate and undisturbed areas where humans cannot reach and seals prefer to settle in such areas (Sergeant et al.,1978, Gücü et al. 2004). Mediterranean monk seals generally use wide and empty beaches where large terrestrial predators do not exist. In addition, they use caves for breeding (Goedicke 1981, Gilmartin and Forcada 2002, Ok 2006). Mediterranean monk seals use secluded and hard to reach caves for sleeping, taking shelter and even giving birth. Especially caves with underwater entrance are preferred for taking shelter and breeding. This way, terrestrial predators cannot access these caves. However, usage rates differ in accordance with internal structures of the caves (Gonzalez et al., 1997). According to many scientists, cave usage may be deemed as a reaction-adaptation of seals against human pressure. Findings until today show that coast usage by seals was widespread in Mediterranean Sea and its close environment until 18th century (Allen, 1980).
Mediterranean monk seal prefers quiet and secluded rocky coasts which do not have settlement thereon, which cannot be reached by humans easily or is away from human activities, and which have coastal caves and cavities for breeding and/or taking shelter and it is directly affected by disruption of these areas. On the other hand, it cannot be deduced that Mediterranean monk seals do not use coasts with different structure (e.g. sandy coasts or coastal settlements) from this information. It is known that especially for feeding, Mediterranean monk seal goes out of desolate rocky coasts, widens its activity area and visits sandy and gravel shores and river mouths. As the Mediterranean Monk Seal is not an actively migrant species, there is not any migration route or period. Seal leaves its habitat (territorium) only for finding food or in case of compulsory resettlement and moves away from sheltering and breeding areas fro kilometers.
2.1.4. Food Preference of Mediterranean Monk Seal
The first study regarding habitats of seals and organisms they cohabit marine environments was conducted by Okudan et al. (2001) and 234 taxon were found especially in Karaburun Islands. Later, in the study conducted by Salman et al. (2001) for detecting living creatures on which Mediterranean monk seals feed, stomach content of two Mediterranean monk seals found dead in the Aegean Sea and parts belonging to a total of 26 samples and five species were analyzed and thus, one of the first studies in Turkey in this field was conducted. According to results, dominant samples belonged to Cephalopoda filum and in addition to that, macrophyte (Posidonia oceanica) from Porifera filum (Sarcotragussp) was detected. Eledone moschata and Bathyploypus sponsalis species of cephalopods that are nutriment of the Mediterranean monk seal in this study are the first records.
Of the Mediterranean monk seal species, adults which are capable of hunting feed on a wide range of species ranging from invertebrates (crustaceans, crabs, octopuses etc.) to vertebrates. Generally, Mediterranean monk seal feeds on creatures such as octopus species (Octopus spp.), baby turtles (Caretta caretta), stingray species (Raja spp.), eels (Anguilla spp.), crabs (Pachygrapsus spp.), marine snails (Patella spp.), sea breams (Sarpa fish from Sparidae family Sarpa salpa, Sparus aurata, Dentex dentex), bogue fish (Boops boops), parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense), and squids (Sepia officinalis) (Sergeant et al. 1978, Margaritoulis et al. 1996, Neves, 1998, Salman et at., 2001).
2.2 DISTRIBUTION - POPULATION OF MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL IN TURKEY AND AROUND THE WORLD
Mediterranean monk seals generally live in small colonies consisting of 20 or more individuals. These colonies may also consist of 5 to 8 individuals. However, it is known that these creatures used to live in larger colonies on large coats in the past (Mursaloğlu, 1988).While species was observed in all Mediterranean, Black Sea, Aegean and Marmara Seas in the past, today seal population is divided into small groups (Aguilar 1999). While theri distribution reached from Black Sea and Baltic Sea to Atlantic Ocean and Senegal and Northwestern coasts of Africa in the past, today the largest colony is located in the Aegean Sea and islands located between Greece and Turkey. However, this population is spread on a very large area in subpopulations and does not have a unity. Studies show that 75% of the world population is located in the Aegean Sea (IUCN, 1997). While Aegean coasts and islands are the most densely populated areas for the species, remainders from the North Atlantic colonies are located on Cap Blanc (Mauritania coasts) Desertas Islands. The worldwide population of the species is estimated to be around 400-450 individuals. It is believed that 100 of these is located in Turkey (Güçlüsoy 2004). The only colony in the world having a real colony structure and dynamics is the Cap Blanc (Mauritania coasts) colony which has adequate number of individuals for these conditions. Other colonies generally consist of flexible cohabitation of small groups consisting of 5-6 individuals (UNEP/MAP 2005).
Generally it is regarded that the origin of Mediterranean monk seal population is the Aegean Sea (Greek islands
and Turkey coasts) (IUCN, 1997). Population distribution reach from Sporad Islands located in Northwest Africa to Marmara Islands in the West and Crete Island, Lyon Sea and Mediterranean Sea in the South. In the Mediterranean basin, the distribution area includes southern Mediterranean coasts, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria coasts. It is known that there are a few individuals in Lebanon, Cyprus and eastern- southern middle sections of Turkey.
As for the Atlantic, the population is rather irregular and separated by long distances. These isolated populations are located on Desertas Islands, Madeira Island and Mauritania coasts in the south. There are also recordings in the Azores (Sergeant et al. 1978). According to Veryeri (2006), data acquired from the studies conducted after 1992 show that Mediterranean monk seals are extinct in France, Spain, Italy, Tunisia, Egypt, Israel, Canary Islands, Crimean Peninsula, Cyprus, Lebanon and Syria mainlands.
Mammal>Carnivore>Phocidae Monachus monachus Mediterranean Monk Seal
CR(Critically Endangered)
Not extinct IUCN Red List is kept by International Union for Conservation of Nature
Source: IUCN
Figure 2.2.1. Distribution of Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) Population Around the World
Mammal>Carnivore>Phocidae Monachus monachus Mediterranean Monk Seal
CR(Critically Endangered)
Not extinct IUCN Red List is kept by International Union for Conservation of Nature
Source: IUCN
Figure 2.2.2. Distribution of Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) Population In Mediterranean Sea and Aegean Sea
Literature studies show that Mediterranean monk seal colony located in Cap Blanc on Mauritania coast in 1997 is on the brink of extinction due to mass mortalities. The cause for death is supposed to be a toxic algae or virus. A new virus was found in some dead seals. This new virus is a morbillivirus.
According to Veryeri (2006), Turkish coastal areas frequently populated by Mediterranean Monk Seals are as follows:
• In Black Sea: Area between Samsun/Yakakent and Bartın Strait.
• Marmara Sea coasts: Marmara and Mola islands, Northern coasts of Biga Peninsula.
• Aegean Region coasts: Area between Gallipoli Peninsula and Behramkale and area between Yenifoça and Datça.
• Mediterranean Region coasts: Areas between Datça and Kemer, Alanya and Taşucu, Hatay/Samandağ and Syrian border.
2.3 STATUS OF MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL IN TURKEY AND AROUND THE WORLD
Mediterranean Monk Seal, the total population of which is estimated to be around 450 to 500 individuals all over the world, lives only in Greece, Turkey, Mauritania and Madeira Islands today. It is certain that studies, plans and precautions towards protecting Mediterranean monk seal in Turkey will not only protect this species but also will result in protection of all coastal natural assets of Turkey. This rare species which came to the brink of extinction in a period equal to human life and which does not have any natural predators is diminishing totally due to unplanned and excessive human activities.
General habitat of Mediterranean monk seal consists of seas, shores and island coasts. The habitat of Mediterranean monk seals which is found in all suitable coasts within the borders of Mersin province in Middle Mediterranean monk seal region of Turkey are located between Taşucu and Gazipaşa (Erdemli, Akkum, around Nato port near Taşucu, Kızılliman, Melleç, Kaledran, Façaini Cave, Tisan Peninsula, Dana Island coasts, Beşparmak Island).
11 coastal areas populated by Mediterranean monk seals within Mersin province borders were designated as 1st Degree Natural Protection Sites and moreover, Boğsak Island, Güvercin
Island and Dana Island coasts which were 1st Degree Natural and Archeological Protection Sites are habitats used by the species. The status and location of these areas are provided below in Table 2.3.1. As 14 regions designated as habitat for Mediterranean monk seals are 1st Degree Natural and Archeological Protection Sites, in Adana Natural Asset Conservation Regional Commission and Adana Cultural Asset Conservation Regional Board Directorate are responsible for these areas in accordance with Law No. 2863; and in accordance with Land Hunting Law No. 4915, Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs (Nature Conservation and National Parks) 7th Regional Directorate - Mersin Branch Office is responsible for protecting the species
Table 2.3.1. Mediterranean Monk Seal Conservation Areas Within Mersin Province Borders
Item No County Status Location 1 Anamur 1st Degree Natural Protection Nasrettin Köyü 2 Anamur 1st Degree NaturalSite Protection Karaağan Mevkii 3 Anamur 1st Degree NaturalSite Protection Karladıran Mevkii 4 Aydıncık 1st Degree NaturalSite Protection Sancak Burnu 5 Aydıncık 1st Degree NaturalSite Protection İncekum Mevkii 6 Aydıncık 1st Degree NaturalSite Protection Bozuklu Mevkii 7 Bozyazı 1st Degree NaturalSite Protection Tekeli Beldesi 8 Bozyazı 1st Degree NaturalSite Protection Tekeli Beldesi Keltepe 9 Gülnar 1st Degree NaturalSite Protection Büyükeceli Beldesi Akkuyu Mevkii 10 Silifke 1st Degree NaturalSite Protection Akdere Beldesi Eğribük Mevkii 11 Silifke 1st Degree NaturalSite Protection Yeşilovacık Source: www.mersin.turizm.gov.tr Site in these areas.
It is detected that other than eleven 1st Degree Natural Protection Sites in which Mediterranean monk seals are protected in accordance with Cultural and Natural Asset Protection Law, No. 2863, areas suitable for being a habitat for the species were detected in Güvercin Island, Dana Island and Boğsak Island which are designated as 1st Degree Archeological and Natural Protection Sites.
In accordance with The Council of Europe’s Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (BERN convention) which became valid after being published in the Official Gazette, No. 18318, Dated 20/2/1984, Mediterranean Monk Seal Habitat and Breeding Areas (Erdemli, Akkum, around Nato port near
Taşucu, Kızılliman, Melleç, Kaledran, Façaini Cave, Tisan Peninsula, Dana Island coasts, Beşparmak Island) were placed under protection.
In accordance with Convention for the Protection of Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention) which became valid after being published in the Official Gazette No. 17368 Dated 12/6/1981, areas specified as "habitats of endangered turtles and Mediterranean monk seals" were placed under protection.
In accordance with "Protocol Regarding Protection of Special Conservation Areas in the Mediterranean" published in Official Gazette No. 19968 Dated 23/10/1988, five areas (1. Çanakkale - Gökçeada, 2. İzmir: Area between Aliağa-Menemen and Karaburun Peninsula , 3. İzmir: Area between Çeşme and Aydın-Kuşadası, 4. Muğla: Bodrum Peninsula, 5. Antalya: Gazipaşa- Taşucu) are designated as Special Conservation Areas and in accordance with said protocol, these areas were announced as Mediterranean monk seal habitat top priority special conservation areas.
In accordance with National Biological Diversity Strategy and Action Plan (UBÇSEP 2007), Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the 12 critically endangered species worldwide living in Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea.
Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) which is the only pinniped species in Mediterranean which is classified as critically endangered according to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has a scattered but wide distribution on Turkey's coasts. Regarding the species which is estimated to have a population of around 100 individuals, 17 births and 22 deaths were recorded between 1994 and 2002.
On the other hand, along Turkish coasts, there are thousands of sea caves which have very different geological structures and which accommodate many fish types and other marine species. Some of these caves are specified as sheltering and breeding areas for Mediterranean monk seal. Until today, Underwater Researches Association - Mediterranean Monk Seal Research Group (SAD-AFAG) detected 51 caves on Black Sea coasts and 39 caves on Aegean and Western Mediterranean coasts which can be used by this species.
As stated National Biological Diversity Strategy and Action Plan (UBÇSEP 2007), Mediterranean monk seal is included in the list of species which must be conserved within the scope of Convention for the Protection of Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention), The Council of Europe’s Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (BERN) and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Turkey is a party. Moreover, the species is also protected at a national level by 1380 Numbered Aquaculture and 2872 Numbered Environment Laws.
In 1988 an action plan embracing all habitats of the Mediterranean Monk Seal was prepared by the European Council and it was accepted by Turkey. In 1991, "National Strategy" was designated within the scope of the decisions taken in "International Convention on Conservation of Mediterranean Monk Seal" organized mutually by the European Council Bern Convention Committee and Ministry of Environment and Forestry. National Strategy anticipates a national cooperation within Turkey. Accordingly, the strategy must be designated and executed by national authorities and specialists and it consists of 3 main topics as research, conservation and training. A
national committee including all interest groups were formed under coordination of the Ministry. By the decision of National Seal Committee, pilot projects were conducted in Foça and Bodrum/Yalıkavak within the scope of National Strategy application studies. Factors threatening Mediterranean monk seal were detected with these projects and effectiveness of conservation studies were increased. In these project studies, it was seen that a seal habitat including an important seal cave in Bodrum Çavuşadası location was exposed to oil pollution and it was cleaned in cooperation with Underwater Researches Association and financial support of former Ministry of Environment and Forestry and return of seals to their home was ensured. The cleaning activity conducted was made into a documentary and this documentary was used in training and publicity works in National and International platforms. National Seal Committee meetings are conducted under coordination of Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs and until today, 17 areas were designated as important seal areas nationwide.
Studies (training, informing, arrangement via circular notes regarding aquaculture hunting, limitation of touristic activities etc.) continue in these areas.
Taşucu shore, which is a habitat for Mediterranean Monk Seal, is included in the Coastal Areas Consisting Habitat and Feeding Environment of "Endangered Mediterranean Marine Species" specified in Article 17 of Genoa Declaration (Signing Date and Place: 16 February 1976, Barcelona; Entered into Force: 12 February 1978; Signed by Turkey on: 16 February 1976; Approval Type: Cabinet Decree; Cabinet Decree Date and Number: 7 December 1980 - 8/2067; Official Gazette Publication Date and Number: 12 June 1981 - 17368).
REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND WATER AFFAIRS GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF NATURE CONSERVATION and NATIONAL PARKS 7th REGIONAL DIRECTORATE MERSİN PROVINCE 2012-2013 MAP OF PERMITTED AND NON-PERMITTED HUNTING AREAS
LEGEND
2.3.1 Habitats Potentially Used By Mediterranean Monk Seal and Detected Within Borders of Mersin Province Within the Scope of the Project;
Within the scope of this action plan being prepared for Mediterranean monk seal living within Mersin province borders, field surveys were conducted between 8-10 December 2012 for the purpose of detecting the areas used by the species. Before field surveys, comprehensive literature surveys and pre-interviews with non-governmental organizations (SAD-AFAG Region Representative), fishermen, local community, fishermen cooperatives, local tradesmen, tourism professionals, business managers, people who encountered seals before, sea captains who participated in previous seal studies and who know the region well, and METU Marine Sciences Institute were conducted. The information acquired from these interviews and the field surveys were processed in maps APPENDIX 1.1 (a), APPENDIX 1.1 (b), APPENDIX 1.1 (c). Accordingly, the areas in which seals are observed frequently are provided in Figure 2.3.2. On the other hand, coordinates, characteristics and general appearances of the stations detected in the surveys are provided below.
Table 2.3.2. Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) Observation Stations Detected in Studies Conducted Within the Scope of the Project
Coordinates Item No Bölge Adı Biotope County UTM ED 50 Z-36-6° Description Characteristic X Y 1 Boğsak Silifke 574… 4013… Island Circulation and feeding area of seals ŞahinIsland 2 Silifke 573… 4012… Rock Suitable for resting of seals Kayası Eğribük Not used by seals much Seals only 3 (Bozburun) Silifke 572… 4011… Used as beach come to cost fishing nets Beach Güvercin A place visited by the seals from 4 Silifke 572… 4010… Rock Island time to time
Barbaros 5 Salvataşı Silifke 570… 4009… Hunting There are also small caves, suitable Bay for feeding FocaBay area North to Dana Island, has 10 m depth 6 Silifke 568… 4008… Cave Suitable habitat for seals (Fokini) 7 Küçük İnler Silifke 568… 4008… Cavern Suitable for resting of seals Cave
8 Dana Silifke 569… 4006… Rock Important sheltering and feeding area for seals MavikentIsland CoastCave - 9 Silifke 566… 4006… Not suitable for seals Seaside Beach
Resort
10
May be used as a resting area 564… 4004… Rock- Tisanönü cliff (Köselelik Silifke
location) Small There are human activities 563… 4004… Fishhook users and divers were beach 562… 4003… Small bay Thereobserved is a holiday camp nearby
11 Eşek Island Silifke 562… 4001… Rock-cliff Seals were observed
Köpüktaşı Rock- 12 Silifke 561… 3999… Suitable for breeding Bay small Large Silifke 560… 4000… Cave A habitat used by the seals cave 13 YeşilovacıkCave Silifke 559… 4003… Kaklık grike A habitat used by the seals Kaklık 14 Soğuksu Aydıncık 536… 4000… Cave Suitable for breeding and sheltering Hole of seals Bozuklu A habitat which may be used by seals Bozyazı 503… 3994… Cave A photo trap was already set up 15 Location Under banana Bozyazı 503… 3994… Cave A cave suitable for seals was garden detected Kızıl Liman and Too small for adult seals but suitable Bozyazı 509… 3995… Cave Mayıs Burnu for baby seals
Grike Bozyazı 509… 3994… Rock A rock grike not suitable for seals 16 West of cave Not suitable for seals, fishing nets are Bozyazı 508… 3994… Rock not also used in this area
Cave Bozyazı 506… 3993… Cave Suitable habitat including a small beach A part of the cave is collapsed, 17 Lalezarkuyu Bozyazı 499… 3994… Cave however there is a section suitable for seals on the west side
18 Yedidelik Anamur 476… 3987… Cave Suitable for breeding and sheltering of seals cave * Due to weather conditions, diving operations could not be conducted in 2 areas (14th and 18th area) and thus, they were not marked on the map. However, as a result of the interviews conducted with local community, fishermen and institutions, the local areas provided in Table 2.3.2. were detected.
* Due to weather conditions, diving operations could not be conducted in 2 areas (14th and 18th area) and thus, they were not marked on the map.
Figure 2.3.2. Points Inspected During Field Surveys Conducted in Important Coastal Areas in Mersin Province
2.4 SOME STUDIES TOWARDS CONSERVATION OF MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL AND FACTORS-PROBLEMS THREATENING THE SPECIES AND SOLUTION SUGGESTIONS
Historically, relationship of humans with Mediterranean monk seals goes back to 15th century. It is known that in 15th and 16th centuries, Seal hunting parties were organized in Morocco and Algeria and seals were slaughtered in their caves by firearms. On the other hand, due to the damage they cause to the fishing nets, there is a competition between the seals and the fishermen and thus, they may be killed intentionally by the fishermen (Groombridge,1994). As a result of the improving ecological and environmental approaches, beginning from the middle of the 19th century, it was realized that the species is an important value and it must be preserved.
Mediterranean monk seals have the lead in reducing population size. The most important factor for their population decrease is that starting from the beginning of 20th century, they were killed for their fur (Roland, 1973, Gilmartin, 1987, Mace, and Balmford, 2000). According to literature, in 1966, their population decreased to the point that they could form 20 to 30 small colonies in Mediterranean Basin. In recent years, due to the fact that they are disrupted, driven away or killed by humans as a result of their competition with the fishermen caused their population to decrease furthermore. Mediterranean monk seals are very sensitive against factors caused by humans and there are only 300 to 500 seals left today. Mediterranean monk seal is the rarest marine mammal worldwide and must be conserved (IUCN, 1990).
In the first meeting of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) conducted in 1949, Mediterranean monk seal was designated as one of the 14 mammal species which required immediate precaution for preservation of the species. This species is also included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) lists under Appendix I category. (IUCN, 1990). Time-varying IUCN Status of the species is provided below.
IUCN Status:
• Between 1960-1994 : Endangered Species (EN)
• Between 1996-2012 : Critically endangered species (CR)
As can be seen, condition of the population worsens every year and rapidly approaches brink of extinction.
There are many previous and current studies regarding Mediterranean monk seals which is a newsworthy species around the world and which draws public attention. In one of the most attention drawing studies conducted by Dendrinos et al. (2000) in order to determine existence of Mediterranean monk seals in Southern Cyprus, eighteen caves which were predicted to be inhabited by seals were inspected and it was found that two caves were inhabited. Thus, it was found that Mediterranean monk seals were not extinct in Southern Cyprus.
Later, in a study conducted by Pastor et al. (2004), specimens obtained from 52 individuals were
analyzed in terms of 42 microsatellite locus in order to determine the genetic variability of Mediterranean monk seal colony living in Mauritania and the results showed that the genetic variability of the colony decreased and genetic efficiency was low. In accordance with the results, it was emphasized that Mauritania Mediterranean monk seal population, which is a population with low density and low genetic variability, may have a higher risk of extinction.
Adamantopoulou et al. (2009) stated that seals inhabited Sporades Kimolos and Karpathos islands in Greece. It was emphasized that although seals generally prefer open beaches, in recent years, they retreated to caves with multiple underwater entrances and dry areas inside due to human effect. Factors threatening the species were specified as loss and destruction of habitat, intentional killing and death by getting caught into fishing nets.
Later, in the study conducted by Mo (2011), existence of Mediterranean monk seals, which were stated to go extinct in Italy 20 years ago, on middle western and north western coasts of Italy was proven by observation reports from the period between 1998 and 2010. On the other had, it was stated the data did not prove that seals were born in Italy and the possibility that the seals living in neighboring countries may be passing through the region or may be using the region for feeding or similar activities was stated.
Finally, claims stating that the last individual was seen in 1958 and that the population in Israel went extinct was disproven by Scheinin et al. (2011) and sightings of Mediterranean monk seal on Israeli coasts in 2009 and 2010 were documented by photos and videos records.
In Turkey, first significant study regarding Mediterranean monk seals was conducted by Dede (1994) with the title "Distribution of Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus, Hermann 1779) in Foça region".After that, in the postgraduate thesis titled "Globalization in Karaburun Peninsula and Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus)", Veryeri (2004) stated that human activities always had a dynamic impact on the environment causing a constant change and that change generally affected natural sites and habitats in a negative way. In this study it is pointed out that each species have a specific role in the ecosystem and as it is shown by the projects conducted on marine ecosystems, extinction of a species which lived for millions of years would cause a dramatic void in the ecosystem.
Especially between 2004 and 2007, articles of GÜCÜ and his team regarding observation of Mediterranean monk seals, their population condition and scarcity appeared in "Monachus Guardian" journal and by conducting projects supported by WWF regarding conservation of seals on Mersin and Cyprus coasts between 1995 and 1999, national and international public attention was drawn again on seals.
Later, in the postgraduate thesis titled "Past, Present and Future of Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus, Hermann 1779) in Northeast Mediterranean - Original Text in English" Ok
(2006) studied status and distribution of Mediterranean monk seals inhabiting Northeast Mediterranean. During this study, all Mediterranean monk seal caves within Cilicia basin, especially those used for breeding, were inspected and monitored. Seven baby seals, one of which was dead, were detected during the study period. Observations showed that in addition to the 39 caves reported for Cilicia coasts in the previous studies, seal births occurred in 2 new caves. According to the researcher, the increase in number of breeding caves indicated widening of the breeding areas of the species in last 5 years and it is estimated that the colony in Cilicia consisted of 30 individuals by year 2005. Moreover, researcher also studied the population status of the species in İskenderun Gulf and researched existence of any habitats suitable for the species. Accordingly, a total of 30 caves, 7 of which were suitable for Mediterranean monk seal, were found.
In his Ph.D. Ph.D. thesis, Veryeri (2006) states that the three breeding caves and 15 sheltering caves and cavities he found in Karaburun Peninsula had an effect on preferences of seals. Accordingly, the areas where seals were observed the most are around the caves and cavities used for breeding and sheltering and these areas are suitable in terms of food quality and quantity (Mursaloğlu 1964). In this thesis study it is aimed to detect habitat macrobiological diversities in Karaburun Peninsula coasts, which are habitats of the Mediterranean monk seal, and to classify the habitats on which biomes show distribution. The region of the study is the area of the marine ecosystem specified as "coast area" in terms of geomorphology. Field surveys focused on sections corresponding to epipelagic zones (bottom area close to the land and humid areas on the land) of supralittoral, mediolittoral, infralittoral and pelagic belonging to benthic region of the ecologic sections of the marine ecosystem in which most of the biome were located and in which light was the most effective. As a result, on north and northeast coasts of Karaburun Peninsula, species belonging to Phycophyta, Spermatophyta, Porifera, Cnidaria, Annelida, Echiurida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata included in the marine macro flora and fauna were detected and 11 different biotypes on which they were distributed were designated.
An extensive study was conducted also in Antalya Gulf by a study group put together by Asst. Prof. Dr. Mehmet GÖKOĞLU, who is also included in our project team. Accordingly, existence of Mediterranean monk seal between Side and Gelidonya Cape in Antalya Gulf was researched and it was found that the species inhabited ten areas. Researchers express that the killing of the seal, which they encountered during their research and which was estimated to be 1-2 years old, three days after sighting indicate the extent of the danger the species is facing (Acar et al. 2008). Photos of this young female individual acquired from videos shot underwater are provided below.
Photo 2.4.1. Young individual closely watching diving team
Photo 2.4.2. Young individual which came very close to the camera without hesitation
Source: Asst. Prof. Dr. Mehmet GÖKOĞLU.
Photo 2.4.3. Young individual which approached to check the basket full of bread left by the fishermen
Source: Asst. Prof. Dr. Mehmet GÖKOĞLU.
Photo 2.4.4. Young individual moving away from the diving team and moving swiftly in medium water
Lastly, Gücü et al. (2009) investigated 39 caves on the sea cliffs and rocks and nearby holms located inside Antalya Olympos-Beydağları National Park borders. They placed a total of 11 photo traps into 8 of these caves and detected 2 adult and 2 young individuals in three of these caves by photo. In these studies, researchers expressed that Antalya Olympos-Beydağları National Park is suitable for breeding due to its being away from human activities and that Üçadalar, Olympos and Adrasan must be strictly preserved.
This project was conducted in order to prepare species conservation plan regarding conservation and improvement of Mediterranean monk seal population located within the borders of Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs (Nature Conservation and National Parks) 7th Regional Directorate Mersin Branch Office, Mersin Province.
• Reason of the Project
Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is classified as critically endangered in the Red List published by International Union for Conservation of Nature. In an ecosystem, each creature has a specific place and duty. Mediterranean monk seal represents Aegean and Mediterranean coastal ecosystems. This marine mammal, which hunts in coastal water and which is dependent on land for resting, breeding and growing its offspring, is the final chain in the food chain. Mediterranean monk seal and similar developed carnivorous creatures (e.g. otter) are health indicators of the environment they live in. These creatures are affected first and the most from the
factors harming the natural environment and changes in the ecosystem.
Due to this critical condition, species is taken under protection by Convention for the Protection of Mediterranean (BARCELONA), to which Turkey is a party (Species Protocol No. 4); by The Council of Europe’s Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (BERN) (Appendix II); and by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Moreover, it is also protected at a national level by 1380 Numbered Aquaculture, 4915 Numbered Land Hunting and 2872 Numbered Environment Laws.
Mersin Province coasts accommodate the most important habitats on Turkish coastline with regard to Mediterranean monk seals. Since 1994, monitoring programs have been conducted in the project area by various interest groups. However, when activities which involve all coasts of the province, which reveals all individual and habitat inventory, and which supplements awareness raising studies promoting training and awareness, were studies on the basis of field, deficiencies were detected and preparation of this project became a necessity.
Within the scope of the project, the caves inhabited by the species within Mersin Province borders and number of individuals were detected, factors threatening the species and their habitat were presented and precautions towards eliminating said threats were detected and studies required for sustainment of this species were conducted. Moreover, in order to raise awareness within local community, trainings were planned and materials to be used in these trainings were prepared in a manner to include information which may be useful in recognition and preservation of the species.
Within the scope of Mediterranean Monk Seal Species Conservation Action Plan, due to both our international obligations and our responsibilities due to national regulations, Species Conservation Action Plan was prepared in Mersin Province by Republic of Turkey Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs (Nature Conservation and National Parks 7th Regional Directorate, Mersin Branch Office in order to designate conservation of Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), which is our biological diversity and values.
• Main Objectives of the Project
The main purpose of the project is to prepare a conservation action plan which will provide a guideline for the researches to be conducted in order to protect habitats of Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) and to ensure continuity of the species in the long term.
In terms of environmental protection and improvement, Turkey is at the forefront among developing countries. In Turkey which enacted Environmental Law in 1983, much effective studies were facilitated by establishment of Ministry of Environment in 1991. Countries which succeed in conserving ecological riches and handing them down to next generations will step into the next century much confidently. Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) which is a world heritage struggles for survival on coasts of several countries including Turkey. Extinction of a living being means the last individuals of the species being wiped off the face of earth. Extinction of a species means loss of a natural heritage for both the country and the world; it is a loss which cannot be regained.
Thus, all studies to be conducted as part of the project shall be within the scope of Convention for the Protection
of Mediterranean (BARCELONA), to which Turkey is a party (Species Protocol No. 4), Council of Europe’s Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (BERN), and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on international level; and 1380 Numbered Aquaculture, 4915 Numbered Land Hunting and 2872 Numbered Environment Laws on national level.
• Method Used in the Project
Before starting the project, required literature studies were conducted. Interviews with local fishermen, tradesmen, divers, nongovernmental organizations, cooperatives, associations and captains who assisted in scientific studies on the subject were conducted. Interviews with government institutions and organizations in Mersin Province related to the subject were conducted. The caves and cavities in which seals may be found according to these interviews and field surveys are marked on maps provided in APPENDIX 1.1 (a), APPENDIX 1.1 (b), and APPENDIX 1.1 (c). As part of the predetermined program, field surveys with boats were conducted in two regions which might be highly populated by seals. These regions are Boğsak Köyü - Yeşilovacık and Bozyazı - Kızıl Liman lines. Boat owners were selected from fishermen who knows the mentioned regions very well, who had observed seals previously and who had participated in previous studies related to seals.
During the surveys, boats sailed very close to the coast in accordance with designated coordinates and coastal area was observed. Every cave and cavity seen on the coast was tried to be accessed by scuba diving and free diving. In the surveys, caves and cavities on the land which are not connected to sea were also inspected. Two sets of scuba diving gears were used in the surveys and two underwater flashlights were used for inspecting terrestrial and underwater caves and cavities. Canon G 12 camera and housing (waterproof) were used for taking photos of the caves. During the survey, GPS coordinates of all the caves which the seals may enter and the condition of the caves with regard to the seals were recorded.
Photo 2.4.5. Interview with 7th Regional Directorate of Forestry and Water Affairs Mersin Branch Office Director Halil KORKMAZ in his office
Photo 2.4.6. Interview with Bekir BAKIR, an experienced sea captain who works as a fisherman in the region and who participated in seal researches in the past
Photo 2.4.7. A view from the inspections conducted on land after diving
Photo 2.4.8. Image (1) from surface and underwater during scuba diving
Photo 2.4.9. Image (2) from surface and underwater during scuba diving
Table 2.4.1 Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) Observation Stations Detected in Studies Conducted Within the Scope of the Project
STATION NAME COUNTY NAME LOCATION Station No. 1 Silifke County Boğsak Island Station No. 2 Silifke County Şahin Kayası-Bozburun Station No. 3 Silifke County Eğribük Beach Station No. 4 Silifke County Güvercin Island - Barbaros Bay Station No. 5 Silifke County Salvataşı Bay Station No. 6 Silifke County Foçini (Fokini) Cave Station No. 7 Silifke County Küçük İnler Station No. 8 Silifke County Dana Island Station No. 9 Silifke County Mavikent Seaside Resort Beach Station No. 10 Silifke County Tisanönü- Köselelik Location Station No. 11 Silifke County Eşek Island Station No. 12 Silifke County Köpüktaşı Bay Station No. 13 Silifke County Büyük Mağara-Yeşilovacık Kaklıkdeliği Station No. 14 Aydıncık County Soğuksu Location Station No. 15 Bozyazı County Bozuklu Location - Under the Banana Garden Station No. 16 Bozyazı County Kızıl Liman-Mayıs Burnu-West of the Cave Station No. 17 Bozyazı County Lalezarkuyu Station No. 18 Anamur County Yedidelik Cave
2.5. AREA USERS REGARDING MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL AND THEIR HABITAT (LAND AND SEA), DEPENDENCY OF USERS ON AREAS, MUTUAL BENEFIT - HARM RELATIONSHIPS
Interest group analysis table including the interest groups and partners which stand out the most with regard to Mediterranean monk seals and their habitat and relation of these with the area, their being positively or negatively influenced from the area and their expectations is provided below. According to this, there are both direct and indirect interest groups consisting of 12 government institutions, one nongovernmental organization, 5 academic institutions, local community and summer house residents. Of these interest groups, fishermen and fish farms are area users using the same area with the individuals of the species and they are dependent on the area in terms of income.
Table 2.5.1. Mediterranean Monk Seal Interest Groups Analysis Chart
Interest Group (Partner) Name Relation With the Area and Species Positive/Negative Effect On Area Positive/Negative Effect From Expectations Form Area Area
Responsible for civil administration of Contributes to the institution in Site protection contributes to Conservation of natural Mersin Governorship the province and implementation of protecting the site publicity of the province resources of the site laws County District Governorships Area protection contributes to Responsible for civil administration of Contributes to the institution in Conservation of natural (Silifke, Bozyazı, Aydıncık and publicity of the county it is the county protecting the area resources of the site Anamur) responsible for
County and Town Responsible for infrastructure within Contributes to the administration in Site protection contributes to Conservation of natural Municipalities the borders of the municipality protecting the site publicity of the county resources of the site
Adana Natural Asset Responsible for natural and Site protection is one of its With protection of the area it Conservation of natural Conservation Regional archeological protection sites in the fundamental duties carries out its institutional resources of the site Commission and Adana region administrative function Cultural Asset Conservation Regional Board Directorate
Forestry and Water Affairs Responsible for protecting the species Better protection and management of Adequate protection of the Conservation of natural Mersin Branch Office the site species resources of the site
County Forestry Management Responsible for managing and Provides the most important support Management activities to be Conservation and Directorates protecting forests reaching to the in protecting the site conducted in the future may limit management of natural coastal line forestry activities resources of the site
County Food, Agriculture and Responsible for aquaculture activities Its regulations regarding fishing and Site inspection may increase work Sustained operation and Livestock Directorates in the region supervision contributes to protection load protection of natural of the species resources of the site
Provincial Directorate of Responsible for housing and Control and prevention of illegal Control of the region may obstruct Conservation of coasts Environment and Urban supervision in the region housing reduces threats their operations Planning
Interest Group (Partner) Name Relation With the Area and Species Positive/Negative Effect On Area Positive/Negative Effect From Expectations Form Area Area Ensuring security at sea Control and supervision of fishing May provide protection of the species and providing fishing Coast Guard Command - activities in habitats of the species and eliminate the threats activities in compliance with the regulations
District Gendarmerie Responsible for security of villages Most important security force for Site protection may hinder its No illegal activities in the Commands inside and next to the site protecting the site fundamental duties site
As the highways to be built near the Responsible for maintenance and coastal line will encourage both Placing the site under protection Building new roads for Regional Directorate of repair of highways in the area and vehicle traffic and developing human may obstruct investment improving regional Highways building new roads activities, there will be negative programs economy and tourism impacts on both the area and the species May conduct culture and tourism investments and incentives by taking Provincial Directorate of Responsible for improving tourism in Improvement of culture into account the protection of the - Culture and Tourism the area species and the habitat. and tourism in the region May assist in species publicity and protection services. County Directorates of Responsible for education of local May contribute to protection of the May contribute to training Protecting natural and National Education and Public community species and the habitat activities cultural resources of the Education region Fish hunting competition with the Fishing ban in the habitats in Fishermen Cooperatives Earn their living in habitat of the Make use of the area in a species negatively affects the which the species is protected (Taşucu and Bozyazı etc.) species manner to earn their living species reduces their source of income Fish Farms They produce fish in the regions used It may be claimed that the Consumption of produced fish by To achieve highest by the species as habitat and feeding Mediterranean monk seals living in the individuals of the species may efficiency from the farm areas. the region damage the fish in the cause loss for the business fish they produce in the Mersin University To conduct scientific researches in the Datafarm regarding protection of the - Conservationregion. of natural area species and the habitat may be resources METU Marine Sciences Conducts scientific researches in the Obtainsobtained data regarding protection of Conservation of natural - Institute region and is capable of providing the species and the habitat resources postgraduate education.
Interest Group (Partner) Name Relation With the Area and Species Positive/Negative Effect On Area Positive/Negative Effect From Expectations Form Area Area SAD-AFAG (Underwater Conducted diving operations and One of the most important - Conservation of natural Researches Association) underwater researches in the region in nongovernmental organizations resources of the site previous years. which may provide support for Summer House Residents Use sea and coast line of the region Mayprotection assist of the the institutions species and for the Protecting the species and the To benefit from the coasts with several activities in summer for protectinghabitat the species area may limit summer activities and sea during summer vacation, partially throw wastes to the sea Local Community Land ownership, making use of land If they are trained and their Regulations to be conducted for To make use of the area in and marine areas, build buildings etc. awareness is raised, they may assist protecting the species and the terms of both resource protection of the species environment may reduce means and surface area of using the area.
2.6. THREATS MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEALS FACE IN THEIR HABITAT, LEVELS OF SUCH THREATS AND OTHER LIMITING FACTORS
In the past, the main reason for the reduction of seal population was that they were hunted for their coat. In recent years, most important threats against seals are being killed by the fishermen and being disturbed by the divers in their caves. Moreover, the fact that they had to give birth in caves instead of open coasts increased mortality rate of babies (Reijnders et al., 1993). Mediterranean monk seals are very sensitive against disturbances. Especially, disturbing a pregnant female may even result in miscarriage. Moreover, due to long nursing-lactation and caring period, being disturbed in this period may cause bad results in mother - offspring relationship. The relationship between the mother and the offspring is very sensitive and especially the mother being disturbed in the first 3 to 4 weeks after birth may abandon the offspring. Likewise, Veryeri (2006) stated that "The undeveloped baby seal prematurely born one month early in July 2003 in water and found in Karaburun Peninsula Aslanburnu Location is most probably miscarried by a female due to stress". Again, according to Veryeri (2006), human pressure in these regions is very high during summer.
It is possible to analyze the factors causing gradual reduction in population size of Mediterranean monk seals under the topics provided below:
2.6.1. Habitat Loss
As it is already known, secluded bays, calm beaches and coasts are natural habitats for Mediterranean monk seals. Unfortunately, number and surface area of such areas decline quickly in Turkey day by day. Building summer houses, roads, increase in touristic areas and port construction speeds up habitat loss and cause seals to abandon the quiet areas they prefer. The individuals of this species, which could be observed all over the Mediterranean in the past, started losing their natural habitat as human population increased (Israels 1992). Mediterranean monk seals, which live in areas far away from human activities, require silent bays and coasts for sheltering, feeding and breeding.
Mersin - Antalya highway was built on the coastline. Some of the material excavated during road construction is dumped or fell to the sea. In addition to excavation problem, extending the road construction all over the coastline causes negative impacts on the region such as increasing human activity and noise and light pollution on the coast. There are also news about construction of several power plants and factories on coastal areas of Mersin and the negative effects of such structures, in addition to the silhouette effect, on the environment is not known. On the other hand, the number of sea vessels (yacht, ferry, powerboat) increase day by day. Increasing number of vessels generate the need for new ports and piers. Again for touristic purposes, facilities are constructed too close to the sea. Said facilities construct their own piers again into the sea.
Due to the fact that the coasts around Mersin Province have a touristic structure, coastline is heavily occupied by summer hotels, motels, holiday camps and secondary housings. Especially, as the coastal area between Mersin and Silifke is covered in concrete, ecological characteristic of the coast is lost and the areas which are breeding areas of a lot of organism are destructed.
In this context, in the evaluation regarding habitat losses which may affect Mediterranean monk seal in coastal areas of Mersin Province, it was seen that; Touristic facility building planned to be built in the coastal section of Erdemli County Narlıkuyu Region Akkum Location must be prevented.
It was seen that forest road widening operations were being conducted in Silifke County Dana Island Region Kargıcak Strait location and it is required to designate threats that may surface after the operation and to take necessary precautions against such threats.
Using protective nets against potential attacks of Mediterranean monk seals and other sea creatures to the fish farms must be promoted and construction of coastal fish farm facilities in the terrestrial area must be prevented.
One of the 5 most important breeding caves of Silifke County Yeşilovacık Port Region is 400 meters away from Yeşilovacık Port construction site. As the mentioned activity is submitted to the court, it must be evaluated separately after the conclusion of the lawsuit process.
Precautions are required for the breeding cave on Beşparmak Island location and surrounding area as the sea traffic during construction phase of Akkuyu Nuclear Energy Plant and cooling water during operation phase thereof will pose a threat for this location.
Noise that may occur in the activities that will be conducted or that are planned to be conducted near the seal habitats submitted in the map in Appendix-3 must be determined and distance must be designated depending on the decibel value that may affect the species negatively; moreover, scientific reports must be taken from related universities regarding elimination of possible negative effects on Mediterranean monk seal in order to evaluate the threat that may be caused by other noiseless activities.
Scientific reports must be prepared for all the activities to be conducted in Mediterranean monk seal habitats. Said Scientific Report: It must be prepared by at least two postgraduate specialists who had conducted scientific studies in relevant region on the species for at least 5 years and who have peer- reviewed article on the subject.
In Aydıncık County Yelkenkaya Location, Mediterranean monk seal breeding cave is about 2 kilometers from planned marina.
It is known that 4 (four) Mediterranean monk seals use the breeding cave actively in Bozyazı County Tekmen Kızıl Liman Region. In accordance with aquaculture declaration, the section in front of these caves are closed to all types of fishing activities including sportive fishing. Moreover, this area is included in the emerald network within the scope of Bern Convention.
Mersin - Antalya highway was built on the coastline. Some of the material excavated during road construction is dumped or fell to the sea.
Existing Mediterranean monk seal habitats must be protected and conserved.
2.6.2. Intentional and Accidental Killings
While intentional or accidental killings posed a threat in the past, they are not considered as a threat today. Moreover, there were not any intentional killings in the near future. However, the fact that accidental deaths cannot be traces may still pose a threat to the species.
2.6.3. Human Activities and Noise Intensity
There are not any non-accessible areas on Turkish coasts. In our studies, it was found that people hunted with harpoons and fishhooks even in the steepest regions. In summer, vacationers and tourists are taken to the most secluded regions for swimming by means of sea vessels. Said regions are areas where seals feed, come ashore for resting and hide their babies. During our investigation, fishermen stated that some researchers set up camp in the region where seal nests are located and take photos and record videos of the seals.
Water sports are intensely conducted in touristic areas. Water sports such as parasailing and water skiing are conducted by means of fast vessels such as jet ski or speed boats. Activities conducted in habitats of seals with such vessels, silhouette and sound of these vessels disturb seals and there is also a risk that the vessel may hit the seal (In regions with intense touristic activity).
Noise pollution caused by daytrip boats in the sea and marine coastal areas is also a factor that may cause the seals to abandon their habitat.
2.7. INTERINSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEALS, CONTRADICTING INSTITUTIONS/PARTNERS; SUGGESTIONS FOR JOINT ACTION MECHANISMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH MUTUAL GOALS RELATING TO THE AREA
Forestry and Water Affairs 7th Regional Directorate Province Branch Office is primarily responsible for protection of Mediterranean monk seals as a species and Directorate of Cultural and Natural Assets Conservation Regional Commission is responsible for protecting the habitat. In addition to the partnership to be established between these two institutions, cooperation with other interest groups may and must be achieved. However, such cooperation may be established with protection-utilization balance by taking into consideration the expectations of some interest groups. Especially, in order to eliminate or minimize the competition between the species and the fishermen and fish farms earning their living in the habitat of the species, compensating the financial burden of said users/partners due to decreasing resources may be possible.
The fact that there are many interest groups and area users related to the species and the habitat of the species makes it necessary that government institutions in the region execute their authority, responsibility and the investment programs in a coordinated manner. For this purpose, in addition to being protected by national laws, in accordance with the obligations stated in the international conventions we have signed, a regional commission shall be formed for Mediterranean monk seal and protected and improved within the scope of a management plan which will be prepared and designated a budget. In this respect, by means of a commission which will be established under the chairmanship
of Mersin Governorship, interinstitutional cooperation and liaising will be achieved. The management plan which will be prepared in order to protect the species and its habitats must be realized after adequately equipping the necessary personnel under coordination of Forestry and Water Affairs Mersin Branch Office.
3. MERSİN PROVINCE MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL SPECIES CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN
Regarding the Mediterranean monk seals living within the borders of Mersin Province, action plan including application plan which will realize activities anticipated in accordance with programs and strategies towards conservation of the species was prepared as a result of both the previous and literature studies and the studies actively conducted on site.
Although Mediterranean monk seals is under protection as a species both by 4915 numbered Land Hunting Law and Central Hunting Commission Decree issued according to this decree, and by international conventions, and a great part of their habitats within borders of Mersin Province is designated as Natural Protection Site in accordance with 2863 numbered Law on Protecting Cultural and Natural Assets, the status of the area is not adequate for protecting the species. However, in this action plan, in addition to detection and evaluation of the current situation, strategic purposes for protecting the species and improving the current condition were presented and activities required for achieving these purposes were designated. The personnel and budget required for realizing these activities are at the disposal of the institution.
Programs and application plan anticipated within the scope of the Action Plan are as follows:
♦ Programs
♦ Application Plan
3.1. PROGRAMS
Four programs including interest groups in addition to the species and habitats were anticipated for conserving the species. These programs are Inventory Studies, Protection Activities, Training and Awareness Raising and Monitoring Programs
3.1.1. Inventory Studies Program
In order to conserve the Mediterranean monk seal as a species, first, number of individuals in each habitat, mating status of the individuals constituting the colony and the number of offsprings must ne known. Thus, inventory studies include detection of not only the species but also the habitats they live in and the size of the population.
a. Cave Inventory
Detecting the number, location and characteristics of the caves in which Mediterranean monk seals living within the borders of Mersin Province take shelter, breed and hide their offspring and processing the data
including topography and satellite images into maps as secret is one of the top priority works that must be conducted in order to conserve the species on site.
Strategic Purpose:
To detect the caves used by the species in the region and the threats towards these caves. Priority Activities:
1. Taking inventory by means of placing photo traps for detecting active use of the caves, if there is a seal activity in the cave, designating the cave as resting cave and if there is a breeding activity, designating it as breeding cave,
2. Determining existing or potential threats towards designated caves.
b. Population Inventory
In order to conserve the Mediterranean monk seals, which are known to exist in the region, first the number of population and the number of mates and babies must be known.
Strategic Purpose:
Reliably observing number of individuals, mating status of the individuals and birth rates of the Mediterranean monk seals inhabiting the region in order to present population dynamics and improvement process.
Priority Activities:
1. To designate number of individuals, mating status and birth rates from outputs acquired in cave inventory activities,
2. To record data obtained by observations conducted in specific regions within habitat of Mediterranean monk seal and integrating such data to currently functioning system,
In addition to protecting existing individuals of the species, protecting Mediterranean monk seals, which are marine mammals however which live both in sea and on land, requires protecting also the habitat of the species in which their lifecycle occur. In this context, protecting the habitat is important as much as protecting the individuals constituting the population.
Local Mediterranean Monk Seal Committee must be established in order to conduct protection activities in a sustainable manner.
Using protective nets against potential attacks of Mediterranean monk seals and other sea creatures to the fish farms must be promoted and construction of coastal facilities in the terrestrial area must be prevented. a) Habitat Conservation
Caves, suitable rocks and small coastal beaches that are currently used or may be used in the future by the species must be protected against threats such as increasing human population, tourism, summer
house construction and human activities after settlement, new road constructions etc. and sustainment of the species must be achieved.
Strategic Purpose:
To eliminate or minimize the threats towards habitats used by Mediterranean monk seals.
Priority Activities:
1. Informing other users about the habitats used by the species,
2. Placing warning and informative signs regarding protection of the region near the terrestrial habitats (cave, rock, cavern, grike, small coastal beach),
3. Ensuring enacting of legal regulations (Circular Letter, Declaration etc.) regarding elimination of threads towards the habitats,
4. As the seal breeding cave located in Silifke County Akkum location is within Touristic Facility Area according to Adana Mersin Region 1/100000 scaled Environmental Plan, taking precautions towards protecting the cave,
5. Cooperating with partner government institutions and organizations while taking and applying protection precautions,
6. Ensuring that an external protection net is used around the cages in fish farms,
8. Conducting studies regarding designation of yacht route in order to prevent possible impacts of Mediterranean monk seal breeding cave located 2 km away from planned Aydıncık Marina, b) Species Conservation
Conservation of the species may be both directly by effective control and inspection of the individuals constituting the population in their habitat, or by eliminating or minimizing the threats towards the species. For this reason, in addition to training and awareness raising of other interest groups using the area, cooperating with them, forming legal and executive framework and minimizing the negative impact suffered by the partners are required.
Strategic Purpose:
The individuals constituting the species must be preserved on site population as an individual must realized.
Priority Activities:
1. Establishing a communication network to communicate with related institutions in case of ill, injured of dead seals,
2. Designating route and speed related regulations for marine sports events near Mediterranean Monk Seal Conservation Areas,
3. Including the veterinaries into the training activities in order for them to be able to provide immediate treatment in case Mediterranean monk seal gets injures, sick etc.
3.1.3. Training and Awareness Raising Program
People living in the location do not know about the Mediterranean monk seal enough. Knowledge of local community is regarding the species is limited to what they saw or what they hear from those who saw the species. However, knowing the significance of the species in terms of both Turkey and biological diversity of our region, the position of the species in the food chain and importance of the species' existence for regional tourism may facilitate protection of the species. For this purpose, informing and raising awareness of people living nearby and partners using the same habitat will allow eliminating or minimizing the factors threatening the species.
Strategic Purpose:
Introducing the species to interest groups and partners better and thus, removing the pressure on the species and minimizing threats.
Priority Activities:
1. Conducting meetings and presentations for educating and raising awareness of local community and students, putting up and distributing brochures, banners and posters,
2. Conducting training activities in order to raise awareness of the fishermen and employees working in fish farms,
3. Informing and notifying other interest groups and partners especially about ecology of the species (area usage, travelling areas etc.) and studies conducted regarding the species.
3.1.4. Monitoring Program
Monitoring improvement of population of Mediterranean monk seals in the region and monitoring any changes in the habitat.
Strategic Purpose:
To monitor and present changes in both the population status of Mediterranean monk seals inhabiting the area and the changes in the habitats the individuals live in, and to monitor the effects of precautions.
Priority Activities:
1. Monitoring the changes in birthrate and mortality rate of the Mediterranean monk seals,
2. Monitoring threats towards their habitats, presenting and recording their effects,
3. Monitoring new born babies and presenting survival rates.
3.2. APPLICATION PLAN
Application Plan states the activities which will ensure achieving the strategic purposes provided in
program section, who is responsible for the activities, when and with whom the activities will be conducted and priority order of the activities.
Priority Indicator: The three step priority system is anticipated.
Priority 1: Most important priority for the activities to be successful.
Priority 2: Second most important priority for the strategic purposes to be achieved.
Priority 3: Priority level of activities which are desired during realization of the purposes but are not fundamental.
Application schedule: Indicates when the activities will be realized.
Responsibility designation: Specifies the institutions responsible for applications.
Institutions to cooperate with: Some activities may be conducted in cooperation with other institutions and organizations. The institutions which must be cooperated with are specified here.
Table 3.2.1. Application Plan
PROGRAM 1. INVENTORY WORKS 1.1. CAVE INVENTORY Strategic Purpose:To detect the caves used by the species in the region and the threats towards these caves.
Activities Priority Responsible institution Application period (2014-2018) Institutions and persons to 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th cooperate with 1. Taking inventory by means of placing photo Year Year Year Year Year Ministry of Forestry and Water traps for detecting active use of the caves, if there SAD-AFAG, METU Marine 1 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X is a seal activity in the cave, designating the cave Sciences Institute, as resting cave and if there is a breeding activity, Office designating it as breeding cave, Ministry of Forestry and Water SAD-AFAG and METU Marine 2. Determining existing or potential threats 1 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X Sciences Institute towards designated caves. Office
1.2. POPULATION INVENTORY
Strategic Purpose: Reliably observing number of individuals, mating status of the individuals and birth rates of the Mediterranean monk seals inhabiting the region in order to present population dynamics and improvement process. 1. To designate number of individuals, mating Ministry of Forestry and Water status and birth rates from outputs acquired in Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch SAD-AFAG and METU Marine 2 X cave inventory activities, Office Sciences Institute
2. To record data obtained by observations Ministry of Forestry and Water conducted in specific regions within habitat of Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch SAD-AFAG Mediterranean monk seal and integrating such 3 Office X X X X X (Data obtained from Afbika data to currently functioning system, Network shall be used)
PROGRAM 2. CONSERVATION STUDIES(58
a. HABITAT CONSERVATION:
Strategic Purpose: To eliminate or minimize the threats towards habitats used by Mediterranean monk seals.
Institutions and Persons to Activities Priority Responsible Institution Application Period (2014-2018) Cooperate With 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Ministry of Forestry and Water Year Year Year Year Year SAD-AFAG and METU Marine 1. Informing other users about the habitats used 1 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X X X X X Sciences Institute, Directorates of by the species, Office National Education and Public Education, Coast Guard 2. Placing warning and informative signs Ministry of Forestry and Water ProvincialCommand, Directorate NGO of regarding protection of the region near the 1 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X X Environment and Urban Planning, terrestrial habitats (cave, rock, cavern, grike, Office SAD-AFAG and METU Marine small coastal beach), Sciences Institute, Municipalities, MinistryCounty Districtof Forestry Governorships and Water Affairs, SAD-AFAG and METU Marine Sciences Institute, Ministry 3. Ensuring enacting of legal regulations (Circular Ministry of Forestry and Water of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Letter, Declaration etc.) regarding elimination of 1 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X X Ministry of Environment and Urban threads towards the habitats, Office Planning, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Transportation, Maritime and Communication, Coast Guard Command, TÜDAV Ministry of Forestry and Water Ministry of Forestry and Water 4. As the seal breeding cave located in Silifke Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch Affairs, SAD-AFAG and METU Office Marine Sciences Institute, Ministry County Akkum location is within Touristic Facility 1 X X Area according to Adana Mersin Region 1/100000 of Environment and Urban scaled Environmental Plan, taking precautions Planning, Ministry of Culture and towards protecting the cave, Tourism,
5. Cooperating with partner government Ministry of Forestry and Water institutions and organizations while taking and 1 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X X X X X All Partners applying protection precautions, Office Ministry of Forestry and Water 6. Ensuring that an external protection net is used Ministry of Food, Agriculture and 3 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X X X X X around the cages in fish farms, Livestock, Coast Guard Command Office 7. Determining noise that may occur in the activities that will be conducted or that are planned to be conducted in or near seal breeding, Ministry of Forestry and Water living and impact areas and designating distance Provincial Directorate of 1 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X X X X X depending on the decibel value that may affect Environment and Urban Planning, the species negatively; moreover, for the Office noiseless activities, taking scientific reports regarding evaluation of threat towards Mediterranean monk seal, 8. Conducting studies regarding designation of yacht route in order to prevent possible impacts of Mediterranean monk seal breeding cave located 2 Ministry of Forestry and Water SAD-AFAG Ministry of km away from planned Aydıncık Marina, 1 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X X Transportation, Maritime and Office Communication
b. SPECIES CONSERVATION:
Strategy: The individuals constituting the species must be preserved on site population as an individual must realized. 1. Establishing a communication network to Ministry of Forestry and Water Ministry of Environment and communicate with related institutions in case of ill, 1 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X X X X X Urban Planning, Coast Guard injured of dead seals, Office Command, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock 2. Designating route and speed related Ministry of Forestry and Water Ministry of Transportation, regulations for marine sports events near 1 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X X Maritime and Communication Mediterranean Monk Seal Conservation Areas, Office
3. Including the veterinaries into the training 1 Ministry of Forestry and Water X X SAD-AFAG, METU Marine activities in order for them to be able to provide Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch Sciences Institute immediate treatment in case Mediterranean monk Office seal gets injures, sick etc.
PROGRAM 3. TRAINING AND AWARENESS RAISING STUDIES
Strategic Purpose: Introducing the species to interest groups and partners better and thus, removing the pressure on the species and minimizing threats.
Institutions and Persons to Activities Priority Responsible Institution Application Period (2014-2018) Cooperate With 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 1. Conducting meetings and presentations for Ministry of Forestry and Water Year Year Year Year Year SAD-AFAG and METU Marine educating and raising awareness of local 3 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X X X X X Sciences Institute, Directorates of community and students, putting up and Office National Education and Public distributing brochures, banners and posters, Education, Coast Guard 2. Conducting training activities in order to raise SADCommand,-AFAG NGO and METU Marine awareness of the fishermen and employees Ministry of Forestry and Water Sciences Institute, Directorates of working in fish farms, 3 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X X X X X National Education and Public Office Education, Coast Guard Command, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, NGO 3. Informing and notifying other interest groups Ministry of Forestry and Water SAD-AFAG and METU Marine and partners especially about ecology of the 3 Affairs 7th Region Mersin Branch X X X X X Sciences Institute, Directorates of species (area usage, travelling areas etc.) and Office National Education and Public studies conducted regarding the species. Education,
PROGRAM 4. MONITORING PROGRAM
Strategic Purpose: To monitor and present changes in both the population status of Mediterranean monk seals inhabiting the area and the changes in the habitats the individuals live in, and to monitor the effects of precautions.
Application Period Institutions and Persons to Cooperate Activities Priority Responsible Institution (2014-2018) With61 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Year 1. Monitoring the changes in birthrate and 2 Year Year Year Year METU Marine Sciences Institute Ministry of Forestry and mortality rate of the Mediterranean monk seals, Water Affairs 7th Region X X X X X Mersin Branch Office 2. Monitoring threats towards their habitats, 2 METU Marine Sciences Institute, SAD- Ministry of Forestry and presenting and recording their effects, AFAG Water Affairs 7th Region X X X X X Mersin Branch Office 3. Monitoring new born babies and presenting 2 METU Marine Sciences Institute Ministry of Forestry and survival rates. Water Affairs 7th Region X X X X X Mersin Branch Office
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