Page 7 - RAC_SPA_2014

Objective Target 1.2.3.3. A national rescue and rehabilitation network is established
and supported in Cyprus. Capacity building programmes with international expert
support facilitated by the MSTF are implemented in 2015. Arrangements are made for
a) the local rescue and release of seals in need of minor support, and b) the transfer
of seals needing major support to the rehabilitation facility in Greece or in Turkey.

Objective 1.2.4. Monitoring of monk seal distribution and abundance, as well as advances in
knowledge important for monk seal conservation, are promoted and supported by the MSTF
through training, workshops and the facilitation of research and monitoring programmes. The
monitoring process is made to coincide with the similar monitoring requirements within the
framework of the Ecosystem Approach process by UNEP-MAP, and (where appropriate) with
the Marine Framework Strategy Directive of the EC.

Objective Target 1.2.4.1. MSTF supports the completion of monk seal breeding site
inventories in “Group A Countries” by 2016.

Objective Target 1.2.4.2. MSTF supports the yearly monitoring of monk seal
population parameters (e.g., pup production) in breeding sites in “Group A Countries”,
starting in 2014.

Objective Target 1.2.4.3. MSTF supports the regular monitoring of region-wide monk
seal demographic parameters, such as mortality (levels and causes) and birth rates,
starting in 2014.

Goal 2. Monk seal breeding nuclei in sites located in “Group A” countries are
effectively protected from deliberate killings and habitat degradation, so that
seal numbers in such sites increase and seals are able to disperse to and re-
colonise the surrounding areas.

Goal Target 2.1. Maintain and secure monk seal presence in important monk seal locations,
including: a) Greek Ionian islands (Lefkada, Kefallinia, Ithaca, Zakynthos, and surrounding
islets and seas); b) Northern Sporades; c) Gyaros; d) Kimolos and Polyaigos; e) Karpathos-
Saria; f) Turkish Aegean and Mediterranean coasts; g) Cyprus. Breeding nuclei in the
locations listed above are effectively protected from deliberate killings and habitat
degradation, so that seal numbers in such sites increase and young seals are able to
disperse and re-colonise the surrounding areas.