Osservazioni recenti su Monachus monachus (Phocidae) presso impianti di acquacoltura in gabbie a mare nell’area di Izmir (Mar Egeo Turco)
Articles > Article · 2025
Authors: Akyol, Okan, Takicak, Oğuzhan
ISSN: 1408-533X, International, 2025
Summary
On 8 February, 3 May, and 9 May 2025, three specimens of Monachus monachus were photographed by a staff diver at two fish farms rearing sea bass and sea bream in Gerence Bay, Izmir, in the Aegean Sea. A comprehensive set of behavioural data on Mediterranean monk seals was obtained from the diver via an interview. The findings confirm the near-permanent presence of monk seals in the study area. The paper also suggests that excessive dependence on fish farms could alter the monk seals’ feeding behaviour and potentially even lead to their domestication.