Cyprus urges beachgoers to avoid seal sea caves as breeding season approaches (video)

The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) is calling on the public to keep out of sea caves in four protected marine zones — Chalavro Beach, the Peyia Sea Caves, Agios Georgios Alamanou and the Ayia Napa Sea Caves — as the Mediterranean monk seal’s breeding season draws near. Entry to those caves is already banned by law. Officials stress that females need quiet, undisturbed caverns in autumn to give birth and rear their pups, and they ask visitors to avoid noise, keep their distance and respect the animals’ space. The effort is part of a broader programme led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment together with DFMR, covering awareness campaigns, protection measures, monitoring and rescue operations. A recent example is Panagis, an orphaned pup discovered in November 2024; rapid action by the relevant services saved him, he recovered and now swims freely in Cypriot waters, and a documentary on his rescue is being released. The LIFE ADAPTS programme, alongside other ministry and department actions, is strengthening the push for a safer future for the monk seal in Cyprus’s seas. The department describes the seal as a piece of Cyprus’s natural heritage and says protecting it for future generations is everyone’s responsibility.