Position Paper on the Protection of the Mediterranean Monk Seal Habitat in Amchit, Lebanon

By the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon

1. Context

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals, with fewer than 600 individuals currently surviving.[1] The species is described as ”critically endangered” by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and is listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

The Mediterranean Monk Seal was formerly found all over the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and northwest African coast. Whereas the former distribution was continuous throughout its range, the present distribution is discontinuous, with probably little exchange between the separated populations (Johnson et al., 2006)[2]. The remaining seals are found in remote and undisturbed areas around the north-east Mediterranean Sea (Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine territory) and northwest African coast (Mauritania), with a few individuals along the Mediterranean coast of Morocco and the Portuguese Desertas Islands of Madeira (Johnson et al., 2006).

During the period from 2013 – 2015, several incidences has shown members of monk seal at the Lebanese coast, unfortunately some of them dead. A number of fishermen saw a swarm of seals facing the “Zaytouna” area in Beirut, and their number was estimated around 11. The last incidence was in March 2015, where the death of a pregnant Mediterranean monk seal has been reported in Beirut near the “Cave of seals” at Raouche Beach, possibly hit on the head (Information needs further investigation and assessment). The loss is not only at the marine level, but also at the level of tourism, noting that tourists travel to beaches around the world where seals and dolphins exist, to enjoy watching them, while these marine animals are at our shores but unfortunately not protected.

Mediterranean Monk Seals can live up to 50 years and they give birth to 80 cm long pups[3]. These animals were very common in Lebanon until the 1930s. They have been decimated by fishermen, coastal urbanisation, overfishing and pollution. The species has been reported extinct in Lebanon since the 1960s but some sparse and rare sightings were recorded since in two regions. The first is Ain el Mraysseh and the second was found dead in 2012, trapped in a fishing net somewhere facing Tripoli. The fact that the female was pregnant suggest that another seal may be still present along the coast of Lebanon.

It is important to note that September to May is a breeding period for Monk seals. It is a relatively sedentary species, spending most of its time within a limited range. It does not migrate long distances.

2. Ecological Importance of the Northern Lebanese Coastline; especially Amchit cave

Based on scientific research, it is proved that it is important as:

• Resting areas.
• Breeding and pupping areas.
• Foraging corridor.

Thus, the importance for conserving the northern coastline including Amchit cave.

3. SPNL contribution to the conservation of the Monk Seal

Based on the status of the Monk Seal as critically endangered on the IUCN list, SPNL has done several activities towards its conservation, namely:

• Developed the first study to collate information on the status of Mediterranean Monk Seal at Lebanese shore since its extinction in 1930. Basic information on sightings has been collated from fishermen, divers, media & marine experts/NGOs.

The study within this project included desk research; in addition it has collected all sighting incidences for the period from 1970 – early 2016 (around 46 years) which is the first of its kind for the Mediterranean Monk Seal at Lebanese shore. The highest frequency of appearance was found in Raouche (25%) and Palm Islands Nature Reserve (20%) as clarified in the below map. The study not only collected incidence of occurrence/reappearance of the Mediterranean Monk Seal at the Lebanese shore; but also confirmed breeding evidence. 

• a simple action plan towards its conservation has been developed, highlighting the needed interventions for its conservation.
• a simple leaflet was developed highlighting main results of the study, and disseminated for awareness on the critical situation of the Med. Monk Seal on a wide audience.
• Signing petitions and circulating to our partners; national and global.
• Advocating for protection of important coastal sites by declaring them as Hima community based areas.

4. Threats and Impact

Possible threats to Mediterranean Monk Seal at Lebanese shore based on the current study are:

• Habitat loss or destruction due to chaotic extension of urbanization along the shore.
• Disturbance by heavy human frequentation of Monk seal habitats.
• Direct killing, mainly by fishermen, especially if caught by fish nets.
• Occasional death after entanglement in fishing nets.
• Unbalanced or unfair fishermen-Monk Seal competition for food.
• Illegal fishing practices by blasting near caves.
• Collapsed caves, mainly due fish dynamiting.
• Repetitive oil spills incidents
• Pollution from sewerage pipes discharging into the sea
• Sharp objects (i.e. wood with nails, syringes) brought by sea on beaches, especially if left at the entrance of caves.
• Some fishermen accused jet skis of causing damage to Monk Seals when the latter resurface above water to breath in air.
• Other fishermen believed that the overharvesting of seashells and sea snails in some areas may reduce the number of octopuses which feed on such food and consequently contribute to shortage of Monk Seal food which incorporates mainly cephalopods beside fish.
• lack of awareness and other causes that need to be explored and identified.

5. Recommendations

Based on the above national assessment, and the IUCN status for the Med Monk Seal, the following is recommended:

• Prompt stop of any excavations or constructions at Amchit location.
• Establishment of the Amchit coastline as a No-Development Zone pending comprehensive environmental evaluation.
• the need for scientific research and real monitoring.
• Establishment of Himas on all ecologically important marine coastal sites such as Rawsheh rocks in Beirut. So far, 3 sites are declared including Anfeh, Qoleileh and Mansouri. Several sites are in the pipeline such as Amchit, Byblos, Batroun.
• The establishment of marine protected areas, especially at breeding sites for Monk Seal.
• The organization of broad awareness campaigns on conservation of the Monk Seal.
• Strengthening national enforcement capacities for coastal zone management and habitat protection.
• Raising awareness on importance of Monk Seal and its habitat through SNOW and Homat Hima programmes.

6. Conclusions

The Mediterranean monk seal is a flagship species whose survival depends on the integrity of rare and vulnerable coastal habitats. The developments in Amchit represent a significant conservation concern that must be addressed with urgency, scientific rigor, and adherence to IUCN standards.

Protecting Amchit site is not only essential for the survival of one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals but also aligns with Lebanon’s environmental commitments and the region’s broader conservation priorities.

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon – Lebanon, reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding this critically endangered specie and its habitat.

[1] http://www.monachus-guardian.org/factfiles/medit01.htm

http://www.animalinfo.org/species/carnivor/monamona.htm

[2]Johnson, W.J., Karamanlidis, A.A., Dendrinos, P., Larrinoa, P.F., Gazo, M., González, L.M., Güçlüsoy, H., Pires, R. and Schnellman, M. (2006). Mediterranean monk seal (Monachusmonachus). Monk seal fact files.  Monachus Guardian.

[3] Mating occurs between September and November. Most births occur in September – October (animalinfo website).