Further Information
Volunteer on Mediterranean Monk Seal conservation and marine science projects in Turkey

In 1994, a small team of marine scientists from The Middle East Technical University, Institute of Marine Sciences (METU-IMS) conducted a brief survey on the world’s eighth most endangered mammal, the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in the north-eastern Mediterranean coast of Turkey and the north of the Cyprus Island. The outcome was surprising: eight seals were identified and 21 caves bearing evidences of seal existence were discovered in the area. These preliminary results gave force to development of a full project in 1995. The further research revealed that the area hosts the most crowded and the only breeding monk seal colony in the country. Moreover, apart from having the last remaining breeding caves, the intact coast and the aquatic habitat provide shelter to a significant number of species, of which most are endangered and/or rare.

Two endangered species of sea turtle (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas), the endangered long-spined sea-urchin (Centrostephanus longispinus), the sea horse (Hippocampus ramulosus) and two globally threatened habitats (the fragile calcareous red seaweed trottoirs (reefs) of Lithophyllum spp. and the meadows of the threatened endemic sea-grass (Posidonia oceanica)) are some examples. The presence of these important species, especially the endangered mammals, indicates a well-established food chain. The fact that most of the last surviving species use the fragile habitats for breeding and refuge means it is a very rare and unique ecosystem in the Mediterranean Sea. Consequently, in the establishment of the marine protected area, the Mediterranean monk seal was used as the umbrella species, embracing all the other components of this unique ecosystem under its canopy. Its conservation yielded the establishment of the country’s largest Marine Protected Area, with a 16 nautical miles by 12 miles No-Trawling-Area, two 1 nautical mile by 0.1 mile No-Take-Zones, as well as a 75 km stretch of 1st Degree Natural Asset coast, set for land protection. However, a law alone does not guarantee the safety of an endangered animal. The project aims, apart from species protection, to achieve restoration of the ecosystem and to create a managed fishery reserve within its boundaries.

The major task of the project is to ensure that everyone, from ministers to the local fishermen, comprehends that the protection measures established for the sake of the monk seal will also help the recovery of a depleted ecosystem. Rehabilitation of the depleted ecosystem will not only be beneficial for the well-being of the monk seal but also for those whose livelihoods depend on it. Preserving and sustaining this ecosystem is a necessity if this small coastal community is to flourish. We hope that the project will set the first working example and will be repeated in other parts of the Turkish Mediterranean where marine protection is in need.

Dynamite fishing is a family occasion, and is hugely popular in this region despite its illegality. Plastic bags of explosives are made up by the females of the families, the men wander the coastline watching for shoals of fish and the children and grandparents collect the spoils. Our project partners have recently obtained a grant to teach and encourage more eco-friendly fishing practices. A co-operative has been formed and new members are constantly being encouraged to join. Our project partners buy the fish from the co-operative for double the price they normally receive, employing the women to prepare and package the fish – including little bottles of homemade olive oil with bay leaves and a recipe for the fish in the package – then sending it off to buyers in Istanbul. Much of the work involved is in marketing the product, building a good relationship with the local Muslim community, coordinating with the scientists and teaching better fishing practices.