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Natura 2000 News

As noted in previous issues of The Monachus Guardian, MOm (the Hellenic Society for the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal) is pursuing its EU-funded Conservation in Action project to establish Natura 2000 reserve areas in Greece. Together with the National Marine Park of the Northern Sporades, these are seen as the building blocks of an eventual network of protected areas – a conservation priority since the Rhodes Conference in 1978. The project is being implemented in four key geographical areas, where research has demonstrated the presence of monk seal populations: the Eastern Aegean (the islands of Samos, Ikaria and Fourni), the Dodecanese (the islands of Karpathos and Kassos) the Cyclades (the islands of Milos, Antimilos, and Polyaigos) and the Ionian islands (the northwestern coasts of Zakynthos).

These ‘Special Conservation Areas’ are designed to conserve coastal and marine habitat – ecosystems that contain numerous vulnerable, rare or endangered flora and fauna, including the monk seal. MOm’s priorities within the project areas include scientific research, the formulation of management plans, public awareness, and the direct implementation of in situ conservation measures. Completing its second year in the project, the Athens-based organisation announced recently its 1998-1999 results and achievements:

Management Plans

• Based on the fieldwork and literature review conducted during the two-year operation of the project, a detailed description of the biotic, abiotic and human environment was completed for all four target areas. All data collected, as well as its subsequent analysis, were compiled into a report entitled ‘A’ Phase of the Management Plans.
• The data collected was evaluated by a team of experts so as to determine the most important environmental and socio-economic factors that should be taken into account in the design of the zoning system and in the formulation of the management measures. These factors include:

1. The significance of each area for the Mediterranean monk seal and the identification of critical habitats for the species.
2. The significance of each area for other important species and habitats.
3. The primary threats to the conservation of both species and habitats.
4. The socio-economic trends most likely to affect the natural environment in the future.

• The synthesis of these activities led to the formulation of appropriate management proposals for each target area. The basic rational and the summary of these proposals were incorporated into a report entitled ‘B’ Phase of Management Plans.
• These proposals were presented and discussed at length with the relevant local and national authorities, and overall agreement was reached on key issues.

Within this island complex, three sites are considered significant for Mediterranean monk seals: the island of Polyaigos (Gr 4220006), the island of Kimolos and the coast of SW Milos (Gr 4220005). Since all three sites were also found to be of importance for many endemic and rare species other than the monk seal, integrated planning was considered the best approach in achieving effective conservation and management.

Kimolos and Polyaigos

• Kimolos and Polyaigos were found to be monk seal breeding habitats of national importance, since a relatively large number of monk seal breeding shelters are located in the area. These shelters are used on year-round basis by the local monk seal population, which is estimated at between 19 and 40 seals.
• The main threat to the species in the wider area appears to be continuous habitat degradation. Deliberate killing by fishermen, though still representing a potential danger, is not considered a prominent threat in this area.
• The two islands, while holding all the important natural characteristics of the entire project area, are less affected by human activities and disturbance.
• Based on the unique characteristics of the area – distinctive at both a national and European level – it was concluded that the islands of Kimolos and Polyaigos should be declared a National Park.
• The proposed zoning scheme was based on Greek Law 1650/86. According to this Law, protected areas are established by Presidential Decree. In order for the legislative process to proceed, a Special Environmental Study (SES), must be submitted (following the requirements established by the Joint Ministerial Resolution 69269/90). Accordingly, MOm submitted a detailed index of the SES for evaluation by the relevant Ministries, to which approval was subsequently received.

SW Coast of Milos

• As indicated in previous issues of The Monachus Guardian, a number of suitable monk seal caves are also located on the southwest coast of Milos. However, during the project period, MOm researchers discovered that seal activity in these caves was comparatively low.

  

• Historical data indicates that the species used to breed in the area, and the apparent decline in more recent years has been attributed to increased human pressure. Due to its scenic beauty, the area is a well-known tourist attraction visited intensively during the high season summer period. Mining activities along the south coast represent another serious threat for the site.
• In consideration of the above, the management proposals provide for the declaration of a zone of ‘Nature Protection’ on SW Milos, in accordance with Law 1650/86.

Karpathos-Kasos-Kasonisia

In this island complex, the sites initially selected because of their importance for the Mediterranean monk seal were northern Karpathos and Saria (Gr 4210003), together with the islands of Kasos and Kasonisia (Gr 4210006). Following evaluation of collected data, however, it was concluded that the island of Kasos is no longer of major importance for the seal, since breeding no longer occurs there.

• Conservation efforts were mostly concentrated on northern Karpathos and Saria where, based on the evidence collected, a monk seal population is actively breeding. The present population is estimated to be between 10 and 20 monk seals.
• The main threats for the species in the wider area were found to be deliberate killing and continuous loss of habitat.
• In contrast, a strong historic tradition has resulted in some exceptional landmarks in the human environment that have been largely spared from development.
• In consideration of the above, it was concluded that the entire site should be declared an ‘Eco-Development Area’, in accordance with Law 1650/86. Management proposals provide for specific works and projects consistent with sustainable development of the site.
• As required by the legal process, MOm subsequently submitted its SES (in detailed index form) to the relevant Ministries, and received their approval to proceed.

Samos-Fourni-Ikaria

In the island complex of Samos-Fourni-Ikaria, two sites were considered as priorities for the Mediterranean monk seal and other rare and endemic species: the area of Seitani on Samos (Gr 4120003) and the Fourni islands (Gr 4120004).

Seitani area

• In order to propose a detailed zoning scheme for the site, the required SES was assigned to a private environmental consulting firm by the Prefecture of Samos. Collaborating on the study, MOm provided data on the occurrence of the monk seal at Seitani, and also participated in the formulation of management proposals for the area.

Fourni Islands

• Following evaluation of collected data, it was concluded that the Fourni Islands are important for the seal, but mainly as a feeding ground. The area’s rich fishing grounds support the second-largest coastal fisheries fleet in Greece.
• As such, conservation measures aimed at benefiting both fish stocks and monk seals were submitted for consideration. The enactment of the proposed measures can be achieved through a Prefectural or Ministerial Resolution, a procedure less complicated than that required for a Presidential Decree.

Zakynthos

• The required SES for the Zakynthos site was also completed on schedule, and an executive summary submitted to the Ministry of Environment early in January 1999.
• During the last six months, the possible establishment of a conservation area, and the potential impact of future regulations on the local community, has been the focus of both organised and informal debate on Zakynthos. It is hoped that these activities will gradually increase public support for the protection of the northwestern coasts of the island.
• Following initial enquires, an investigation is now underway on possible legal avenues that would allow establishment of a management body for the area within the existing framework of Greek legislation.

Monitoring Monk Seal Populations and Habitat

MOm’s research team has continued its fieldwork in all three-project areas in the Aegean, while WWF Greece and Archipelagos have pursued research priorities in Zakynthos. All seal shelters considered suitable for hauling out or breeding were monitored. From the data collected during this ongoing study (now in its third year), habitat quality and use were evaluated, and population parameters estimated. Additional information relevant to the species (seal sightings, seal-fisheries interactions etc.) were collected through the on site operation of an Information Network.

The results from each area can be summarised as follows:

Milos-Kimolos-Polyagos

This island complex – and particularly the areas of Kimolos and Polyaigos – constitute Mediterranean monk seal habitats of exceptional importance for the conservation of the species.

• Within a wider study area, 24 different seal shelters were identified, 8 of which have been used as breeding caves within the last two years.
• Based strictly on identified individuals, MOm estimates that, at an absolute minimum, 19 seals inhabit the area. The total population number, it believes, may vary between 25 and 40 individuals. Stressing the importance of such numbers, it points out that even the minimum estimate represents approximately 6% of the world population of the species and 8% of the population estimated to live in Greek waters.
• The significance of the population’s numerical size also appears to be matched by reproductive ability. The birth of 12 pups has been recorded within the area, yielding an annual rate of 6 births per year.

Karpathos-Kasos-Kasonisia

Research indicates that northern Karpathos and Saria constitute the most valuable Mediterranean monk seal habitats of the area.

• 14 different seal shelters have been identified within the wider area, 2 of which have been used as breeding caves within the last two years.
• The absolute minimum number of seals using this area has been estimated at 5 individuals, while the total population number may vary between 10 and 20 animals.
• 3 births have been recorded within the area.

Fourni-Samos-Ikaria

This island complex – and particularly the fish-rich waters of Fourni – are believed to constitute an important Mediterranean monk seal habitat and feeding ground.

• In the areas of Fourni and of Seitani on Samos, research has identified a network of 24 different seal shelters. The use of these caves by seals has been verified both during this and previous projects. Such information led to the designation of Seitani as a ‘Strictly Protected’ area in 1980, a decision that was eventually confirmed by Presidential Decree in 1995.
• Identification of individuals suggests that at least 4 seals inhabit the area, while the total population number may vary between 5 and 10 individuals.
• A considerable number of seal sightings reported by local fishermen suggests extensive use of coastal waters by the species. This, in conjunction with the fact that the Fourni Islands are considered an important fishery, provides some evidence that the species may be using the area as a feeding ground.

Zakynthos

Research indicates that this conservation target area – particularly stretches of the southwest and northeast coasts – contains habitats of considerable importance for the survival of the Mediterranean monk seal.

• Identification of individuals has indicated that at least 13 seals of various ages inhabit the area, while the total population number may be as many as 16 animals.
• A birth rate of 2 pups per year has been recorded within the area during the operation of the project.

Assessing Human Activities

During the second year of the project, additional statistical data and information was collected in the following fields: seal-fisheries interactions, status of fisheries (fish stocks, fishing grounds, fisheries fleet, number of register and active fishermen, illegal fishing activities, problems of coastal fisheries), actual size and structure of the population (permanent and seasonal), social structure and economic activities, tourism development, agricultural practices (grazing, crops, fertilisers), development trends, environmental problems, and local attitudes to conservation and development.

Analysis of these results enabled management proposals to be tailored to the conservation needs and priorities of each particular area.

Public Awareness

As a key component of the conservation process, education and public awareness activities have continued in each designated area. These include:

• Printed Material. A variety of educational material, aimed at the general public, the authorities or specific target groups (such as children, fishermen, local inhabitants and tourists) was distributed.
• Mobile Exhibitions. Nine mobile exhibitions focusing on the monk seal, its habitat, and the natural environment of each designated area, are currently circulating through the islands of Kimolos, Kasos, Ikaria, Samos and Zakynthos.
• Information Centres. MOm Information Centres continue to operate on the islands of Milos, Karpathos and Zakynthos. An information kiosk is to be opened in June 1999 in the port area of Fourni.
• Environmental Education in Schools. During the second year of the project, MOm’s educational team visited both primary and secondary schools in Milos, Kimolos, Karpathos, Kasos, Fourni, Samos and Ikaria. In total, during both years, 180 presentations were conducted, in which 5558 pupils participated. Environmental education activities were also conducted in the schools of Zakynthos.