Seal protection in Cyprus. Buoys will mark three important areas.

Seal protection in Cyprus will be strengthened at three sites particularly important for the Mediterranean monk seal. The Department of Fisheries plans to place a total of 14 buoys at the Sea Caves in Ayia Napa, Agios Georgios Alamanou, and in the Chalavro area near Latsi.

The buoys are intended to clearly define the boundaries of protected areas and facilitate monitoring of boat traffic, diving, and fishing. However, we won't see them immediately—a tender for the project has not yet been announced.

Seal conservation in Cyprus will cover three sites

New signage is expected to appear:

• at the Sea Caves in Ayia Napa,
• off the coast of Agios Georgios Alamanou in the Limassol district,
• in the Chalavro area near Latsi in the Paphos district.

The designated areas extend from the shore to approximately 20 meters of sea depth. These areas include coastal caves and calmer stretches of coastline used by monk seals.

Seals rest in such places, shelter from unfavorable conditions, and give birth and raise their pups. During this period, they especially need silence and the ability to move freely between the cave and the sea.

Buoys do not automatically mean a total ban

The installation of signs does not mean that an identical and complete ban on entering will apply in all three places.

The buoy's primary purpose will be to mark the boundaries of specific areas. This will facilitate enforcement of regulations regarding navigation, diving, recreation, and fishing.

Exact restrictions may depend on the specific location and its importance to wildlife. Boaters, kayakers, stand-up paddleboards, or jet skis should pay attention to signage and Department of Fisheries announcements.

A tender has already been announced

The project is still in the tendering phase. The Department of Fisheries published the tender on September 8, 2026, and interested parties can submit bids until October 12.

The planned contract is scheduled to last 32 months and will cover scientific and technical work, the installation of 14 buoys, and the maintenance of signage.

The project will be co-financed by the European Union from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund.

The date of installation of the signs can only be determined more precisely after the procedure is completed and the contractor is selected.

There are about 20 nuns living in Cyprus.

The Cypriot monk seal population is estimated at around 20 individuals. This small but extremely valuable group has once again begun to regularly use the island's coastline.

Although the animals spend most of their lives in the water, they also need safe access to land. In isolated caves, they rest, give birth, and care for their young during the early stages of their lives.

The biggest threats include:

• being scared away by boats and jet skis,
• swimming into caves used by seals,
• noise and large number of visitors,
• entanglement in fishing gear,
• loss of suitable habitats,
• limiting food resources.

Disturbing a female caring for her young is particularly dangerous. The frightened animal may leave its safe haven or have difficulty returning to the den.

Peyia Sea Caves out of the project

The tender does not include the Peyia Sea Caves, even though this area is also known to be home to monk seals.

This doesn't mean the protection in place there is lost. The Peyia area simply wasn't included in this particular 14-buoy project.

However, clearly marking the boundaries could make it easier to monitor boats and other vessels approaching the caves. It has not yet been announced whether similar markings will be installed there as part of a separate project.

What to do after meeting a seal?

A seal spotted on a rock or beach may not be sick or injured. The animal may simply be resting. Do not attempt to herd it into the sea.

It's best to take photos and videos from a distance, without following the animal. If you spot an injured, entangled, or visibly weakened seal, notify the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research.

Placing buoys won't solve all conservation challenges for the species. However, it can reduce accidental entry into critical habitats and clearly indicate to marine users where particular caution is required.

Sources: Philenews, Department of Fisheries and Marine Research of the Republic of Cyprus.