Status of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, Monachus monachus (Hermann, 1779) in the Coastal Waters of Turkey
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
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Journal Section
Note
Authors
Harun Güçlüsoy
Cem O. Kıraç
N. Ozan Veryeri
Yalçın Savaş
Publication Date
September 1, 2004
Submission Date
December 7, 2015
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2004 Volume: 21 Number: 3