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The Mediterranean seal is a living part of the region?s heritage. Until 100 years ago, they were found throughout the shores of the Mediterranean, from Italy to Algeria. Today, they only survive in Turkey, Greece and the northwest coast of Africa. As they are at the top of the food chain, their health relies on a healthy ecosystem. Due to a number of reasons, these seals are now endangered.
The first is a severe loss of habitat. Seals prefer quiet bays, but these are gradually disappearing what with the construction of new roads, building and hotels. Mediterranean seals also avoid human activity. They prefer to hide in rocky and wavy places. Although these shores are meant to be public property, they can be sold or rented in Turkey. The last hopes of the Mediterranean Seals are fading away.
As a result of years of illegal and over fishing, there has been a sharp decline in fish stocks in the Mediterranean. The seals, other animals on the top of the food chain and small scale fishermen all suffer. If this problem is not solved, seals and similar animals will face extinction and fish will become very expensive. Fish might completely disappear, destroying the marine ecosystem.
Another reason is deliberate killing. With the fall in fish stocks, seals and fishermen compete over the same fish. Fishermen who are struggling to make a living become easily incensed when a seal eats their fish and do not hesitate to kill them. You can?t really blame the fishermen. The underlying problem is the lack of control of fishing methods.
Tourist trips are another problem. Seals live and breed in caves that open onto the sea. Recently, tourists have started to visit these caves. Some caves have been deserted by seals who have bothered by divers Although it is illegal, diving tours are organised from Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kaş and Alanya.
Finally, seals avoid or even desert polluted areas. Although this is not yet a serious problem in Turkey, it could become one. In addition, very small quantities of heavy metal aggregation has been determined in the seals.
We must try to save the Mediterranean seal.
