Cyprus asks beachgoers to stay out of seals’ sea caves as breeding season nears (video)

Local animal welfareTop News Cyprus asks beachgoers to stay out of seals’ sea caves as breeding season nears (video) Monk Seal Relevant News “Hold Onto Me” opens in Cyprus cinemas September 17 4 September 2026 Cyprus asks beachgoers to stay out of seals’ sea caves as breeding season nears (video) 4 September 2026 GSP Athletics Academy: Registrations open for the new athletics season starting on 14 September 4 September 2026 Newsroom 4 September 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) has urged the public to avoid disturbing sea caves in protected marine areas as the Mediterranean monk seal’s breeding season approaches, saying females need quiet, safe caves in autumn to give birth and raise their pups. Entry into sea caves within four marine protected areas, Chalavro Beach, the Peyia Sea Caves, Agios Georgios Alamanou and the Ayia Napa Sea Caves, is prohibited by law, DFMR said. To protect the species, the department asked the public not to enter sea caves, to avoid causing noise or disturbance near them, and to respect the animals’ space by keeping the distance and quiet they need. Protecting the species is an ongoing effort by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and DFMR, carried out through awareness-raising, protection, monitoring and rescue work, the department said. One example of that work, DFMR said, is the case of Panagis, an orphaned seal pup found in need of help in November 2024. Thanks to rapid mobilisation by the relevant services, he was rescued and taken in for care. He recovered and now lives freely in Cyprus’s waters, according to the department, which said it was releasing a documentary about his rescue. The LIFE ADAPTS programme, together with the ministry’s and department’s other actions, is helping strengthen efforts for a safer future for the Mediterranean monk seal in Cyprus’s waters, DFMR said. The department described the monk seal as part of Cyprus’s natural heritage, saying it is everyone’s responsibility, through appropriate behaviour, to help protect the species for future generations. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News “Hold Onto Me” opens in Cyprus cinemas September 17 GSP Athletics Academy: Registrations open for the new athletics season starting on 14 September Will Engomi even still exist by the time they figure it out? Air conditioning in schools: where each province stands Works for new Limassol road to ease congestion will start in 2027 El Niño, El Niño, we’ve had it up to here with you! A new school year looms Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.