Many marine species which are found in Cyprus, such as sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta), the pen shell (Pinna nobilis), the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), etc., are considered endangered and in need of protection, and therefore included in the list of high biodiversity and ecological importance for the Mediterranean.

Endangered Mediterranean monk seal population growing

The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals, with fewer than 600 individuals currently surviving worldwide. The seal is the rarest out of 33 species that exist in the world. It is listed in the IUCN RED LIST as an “ENDANGERED” species and is considered the most threatened marine mammal in Europe. It is estimated that around 17 -20 live in Cyprus. Mediterranean monk seals primarily seek refuge in inaccessible caves, often along remote, cliff-bound coasts. Such caves may have underwater entrances not visible from the waterline. It is particularly sensitive to human disturbance, with coastal development and tourism pressures driving the species to inhabit increasingly marginal and unsuitable habitat.

The Mediterranean monk seal is considered one of the largest in the world, with a maximum length of about 2.5 meters, and weighs around 300 Kg. Adult males are on average larger and heavier than females. The two sexes are very distinctive in their colours, with the males being dark gray or black with a distinct white patch on their belly, and the females being brown/beige or gray-silver with lighter coloured bellies. The species can live up to 40 years.

In Cyprus, the Mediterranean monk seals give birth to their young in the sea caves, mainly between the months of September – December. Mother seals often leave their young in the sea caves whilst they go hunting for food. Human presence is one of the main reasons of new born seals being abandoned by their mothers, as well as the abandonment of a safe shelter by a pregnant mother.

What to do if you encounter a monk seal

In the water

• Do not panic and do not make any sudden movements
• Do not approach the seal. Please respect its space
• Do not feed the seal
• Never aim at the seal with any object i.e. spear gun etc. it might feel threatened and become aggressive
• Stay calm and admire this magnificent marine mammal from a distance
• Limit the number of photos taken of the seals, especially when using a flash

In a sea cave

• Do not panic and do not make any sudden movements
• Do not enter any further into the cave
• Try to move away slowly. Swim close to the walls of the cave without blocking its entrance

Report all sightings of a monk seal to the DFMR

In the event you do see or come across a monk seal in Cyprus, please report it to the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research! The observation will then be recorded in the database along with any further details you can provide, e.g. Date, time, area, features of the seal (size & colour). DFMR contact details are as follows;

Fisheries and Marine Research Officer; Melina Markou

Telephone

 

Email

 

Endangered green and loggerhead turtles have long been breeding in the protected nests at Lara Bay to the north of Peyia, but since the pandemic began they’ve been more frequently spotted on other beaches and on diving trips.

In Cyprus we are lucky to observe two types of sea turtles: Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta Caretta) and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas).Unfortunately all of those species are endangered.

Interesting facts about Sea Turtles

 

• sea turtles spend their entire lives at sea, but they need atmospheric air to breath
• some species are avid travelers, covering huge distances – even between continents
• on average 1 or 2 out of 1000 hatched baby sea turtles make it to adulthood
• whether the turtle will hatch as a female or male depends on the temperature in the nest
• every species of sea turtles have their favourite food. Loggerheads like crabs or clams. Green turtles prefer sea grass – you can observe them munching their grass in most of the bays in Cyprus throughout the summer.
• turtles are one of the oldest species of animals living on Earth. They go back as far as 100 million years. Yes, that’s when the dinosaurs were still around.

 

Lara bay beach and Lara turtles conservation station

Lara bay beach in Paphos Cyprus and the turtles conservation station are about seven kilometers from the entrance to Akamas peninsula from Agios Georgios Peyias. The road is unsurfaced but generally in good condition, which means that you can visit the area even with a saloon car, provided that you will drive with reduced speed. Access to the beach and to Lara conservation station is only allowed on foot, which is a short walk from where you park your car. The beach is wonderful, long and sandy. Swimming is allowed, but you are not allowed to bring with your umbrellas and stuff like this, so bring with you sun protection cream to avoid sunburns. Also, as a general rule for every visit to the Akamas peninsula, bring with you water and food, there are no restaurants in Akamas / Lara bay.

Lara bay Cyprus turtles conservation station

The Lara bay turtles conservation station is run by the state department of Forests and Fishery. In the area, you will see a simple, wooden construction and water tanks with very few turtles that have just come out of their eggs. This is their first station before returning to the oceans. Turtle season during which lay their eggs in Lara beach expands from middle May to middle August and their nests are protected with iron cages and warning signs. Turtles that lay their eggs in Lara bay beach belong to endangered species, so please be very careful not to disturb the nests. The Lara conservation station protects the turtle eggs from both natural predators like foxes that come and eat the eggs and human interference. The government officers will be glad to share with you everything they know about turtles.

Innia-Lara Turtle Museum and Educational Center

The Museum invites you to travel to the magical world of sea turtles on a dream journey that covers over 200 million years since their appearance. The journey starts with the history of the evolution of turtles on Earth, moving on to their appearance in the Mediterranean and the sandy beaches of Lara and Toxeftra, which are world famous for being the nesting sites for two sea turtle species, the Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas).

This exceptionally interesting exploration is a fascinating journey through the past, present and future of these endangered/threatened marine species, which will raise your awareness and encourage you to become an ambassador for the protection of these living treasures of our ecological heritage.

At this unique Museum you can see a collection of the different shells that protect the turtles that swim in the Earth’s oceans, seas and lakes, immerse yourself in the magic of their aquatic life through unique exhibits, photographs, maps, dioramas and other visual media, and enjoy films, presentations, and interactive games using the latest technologies.

Telephone: (+357) 26332002

Website:

Google Maps Directions

What is the best time to meet sea turtles in Cyprus?

The biggest chance of meeting turtles is in summertime, when they come near coast for breeding and laying eggs. We start to see them on regular basis from June. Great time to dive with turtles is August, September or October, when water temperature is very warm and we can take time to admire those beautiful creatures.

Department of Fisheries and Marine Research Video

 

Exploring the Underwater Paradise of Cyprus

 

Coral Bay Inspires Holidays of a lifetime.

 

Compelling reasons to holiday in Cyprus

 

Peyia (Pegeia), Paphos