A step forward for the protection of the Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus Monachus

The Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort in Agios Georgios, Paphos, recently hosted a significant event titled 'Mediterranean Seal: An iconic species of the Mediterranean – Past, Present and Future.'

Organised by the Municipality of Pegeia under the auspices of the Cyprus Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, the 29 March event received support from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research and the Greek-based NGO MOm, dedicated to the study and protection of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus Monachus.

This gathering, which combined scientific presentations with crucial conservation actions, marked a milestone in the ongoing efforts to ensure the future of this rare marine mammal, considered Europe's most endangered.

The highlight of the event was the release of the young orphaned seal named 'Panagis.' Born in the marine area of Ayia Napa, Panagis was rescued by the Cyprus Monitoring Team and, after facing serious health issues, was rehabilitated at a specialised center in Greece under MOm's care. He was subsequently released into the Akamas sea, returning healthy to his natural habitat and offering a hopeful outlook for the future of the Mediterranean Monk Seal.

The keynote speaker, marine biologist Dr. Panos Dendrinos, President of MOm, presented the historical presence of the species in Akamas, supporting it with archival material and rare photographs.

Andreas Gregoriou, Director-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, delivered remarks on behalf of Minister Dr. Maria Panayiotou. He highlighted the contribution of the Mediterranean Monk Seal Monitoring Program, implemented by the Ministry and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, noting that the program has played a pivotal role in increasing the species' population in Cyprus from just 7-10 seals in 2010 to 20-22 today, with documented births almost annually.

In his address, Akamas Mayor Marinos Lambrou emphasised the importance of the Mediterranean Monk Seal for the ecological balance of the region and reiterated the municipality's commitment to supporting monitoring, awareness, and marine ecosystem protection initiatives.

Members of the Cyprus Mediterranean Monk Seal Monitoring Team, Haris Nicolaou, Melina Marcou, and Yiannis Ioannou, also contributed to the event by presenting scientific data on habitats, threats faced by the species, and ongoing management actions.

Among the many attendees were Marina Argyrou, Director of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Aliki Stylianou, Director of the Press and Information Office, Savvas Iezekiel, Director of the Department of Forests, Anthoula Charalambous Savvides, Director of Recovery and Resilience at the Ministry of Finance and Paphos Mayor, Phaedon Phaedonos.

This event, under the auspices of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, is part of joint efforts in Cyprus and Greece to inform and sensitise the public about the need to protect the Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus Monachus and the broader marine ecosystem.