The current Status of Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) and interaction with isheries in Çandarlı Bay

This study was conducted to evaluate the current status of endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) as well as the species interaction with coastal fisheries between 2017 and 2018 in Çandarlı Bay. The study was performed by collecting monk seal sighting records from local fishers in the area, and the asessment of the footage captured in the coastal caves by camera traps that were placed within the context of marine monitoring works of the STAR Refinery. During the questionnaire surveys which conducted between 21 March 2017 and 21 August 2017, a total of 11 monk seal sightings were obtained from 58 coastal fishers in Aliağa, Yeni Foça, Yenişakran and Çandarlı in Çandarlı Bay. Out of 11 monk seal sightings, 7 of them obtained from Yeni Foça, 1 of them gathered in Aliağa, and 3 of them obtained from Yenişakran. According to the questionnaire study results, the individuals were more likely to be observed in the spring rather than the other seasons, and the observations of the winter and summer seasons were relatively lower, and there were no observations for the autumn season. Considering the demographic distribution of the observed individuals, the other data obtained from the questionnaire study and the statements of local fishers about the species, it was determined that the percentage of the adult individuals had the highest ratio (73 percent), while the younger individuals had the lowest (9 percent), and there were no observations of the juvenile and adult individuals. Based on the questionnaire study results, Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to map the fishing areas, the monk seal observation locations, and the locations where monk seals damaged the fishing gears. Besides, it was revealed that the Mediterranean monk seal had not been encountered intense reaction given by the local fishers.