Dear all,

Sad news indeed, on the 25^th March and in the area of Ain Gazzalla (Northeast Libya near the Egyptian borders, 32.23284 N, 23.2848 E) a group of fishermen found a dead female monk seal trapped in their net. The case was reported to the coastguards who in turn informed the National Marine Laboratory. The carcass is now in their possession at the Lab and an autopsy is being arranged during this week.

This event is the only confirmed case of monk seal existence in eastern Libya since Norris 1972, which may indicate that this critically endangered species can still be found in the area or close by which will support the importance of the area as an MPA.

A report will be issued after the autopsy for more details, meanwhile pictures taken by the fishermen can be found at Flicker  :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/veezga/sets/72157629707045023/

regards

Ibrahem

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Ibrahem Benamer

MSc. Marine and Fisheries Science

University of Aberdeen

Lecturer Assistant, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Science,

Omar Mukhtar University (OMU),

El-beida, Libya

Tel: (+218) 92 859 6751

E mail: benamer.ly@gmail.com

Skype: Ibrahem_benamer

International Mailing address (Aramex(:

Ibrahem Benamer TIP 398

Aramex House, Old Bath Road

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UK

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