Status of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779) in the Coastal Waters of Turkey

Güçlüsoy H., Kıraç C. O., Veryeri N. O., Savaş Y.

Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, cilt.21, sa.3, ss.201-210, 2004 (ESCI)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 21 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2004
  • Dergi Adı: Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.201-210
  • Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

In this study, the distribution, status, habitats and threats upon the monk seals along the Turkish coasts were examined. The results were obtained through surveys based mainly on the information gathered from local fishermen and expeditions, both from land and sea, to explore coastlines offering potential seal caves. Sightings data collected between 1994 and 1998 were used in this paper. The data obtained during the study reveals a discontinuous distribution pattern of Monachus monachus along Turkish coasts. The number of seals living in the studied area was estimated to be approximately 104. 17 pupping and 22 dead seal records were obtained between 1994 and 2002. The main threats to M. monachus were found to be habitat destruction, deliberate killing, entanglement in fishing gear, overfishing and illegal fishing resulting in the depletion of fish stocks.