SAIL

for the Protection
of the
Mediterranean
Monk Seals

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

The Mediterranean monk seal is a species of high concern and is strictly protected by legislation framework. Any action that disturbs, feeds, touches, or harasses a monk seal is illegal and harmful to both the seal and the observer.

Your actions matter. Every disturbance, no matter how small, can have a long-term impact—especially on mothers with pups.

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About Seal Greece

As the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) begins to slowly recover, new challenges are emerging. Increased interactions with humans—especially in tourism hotspots—are putting these rare marine mammals and their habitats at growing risk. Greece, home to a significant portion of the remaining monk seal population, has designated nearly 20% of its territorial waters as protected areas. Yet, many of these sites—particularly those within the Natura 2000 network—still lack the management plans and enforcement mechanisms needed to ensure effective protection.

SEAL GREECE is a national initiative co-developed and led by NECCA, the Greek National Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency and the Monk Seal Alliance, a donor coalition dedicated to protecting this emblematic species. The project was co-designed by these two partners to strengthen the protection of monk seal habitats through a strategic, coordinated effort that complements existing initiatives such as LIFE IP 4Natura and others.

©Marco Colombo/The Wild Line

Our goals

Stakeholder Awareness

Develop a national awareness-raising campaign to engage all relevant stakeholders—from local communities to EU actors—in the protection of monk seal habitats.

Sustainable Tourism Code of Conduct

Design a code of conduct for tourism operators active in key monk seal habitats, encouraging adoption of responsible, sustainable practices.

Tourist Information Campaign

Launch a national information campaign targeting tourists, promoting respectful behavior and increased awareness of monk seal conservation.

Monitoring and Management of Threats

Establish systems in at least two seal hotspots to detect and respond to human-induced pressures in real time, through NECCA-led management schemes.

©Aegean Cargo Sailing

The National Information Campaign

As part of SEAL GREECE, a dedicated National Information Campaign is being rolled out in summer 2025. Its goal: to engage the public—especially visitors along the Greek coastline—around the urgent need to protect monk seals. Instead of preaching or restricting, the campaign uses education, storytelling, and behavioral nudges to invite tourists to become part of the solution. By reducing human disturbance in critical habitats, we can give monk seals the space they need to thrive.

Monk Seal Awareness Raising Voyage

This interactive map charts the Monk Seal Awareness Raising Voyage, part of the Seal Greece National Information Campaign.

Over July & August 2025, 2 low-to-zero emission sailing boats, Pelago & BonnieR, sail through the Aegean and Ionian Seas, stopping at selected ports, marinas, and anchorages to promote the protection of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. These eco-sailing vessels and their captains are provided by Aegean Cargo Sailing.

Each stop becomes a hub for awareness. Onboard ambassadors engage local communities, share scientific insights, and distribute educational materials, while local conservation groups hold outreach events.

The map highlights:

Key monk seal habitats
Awareness hotspots including marinas, ports, and anchorages

Follow the route to see how each stop contributes to a safer future for the Mediterranean monk seal.

Partners

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