• How to help

    ©Marco Colombo/The Wild Line

How to help

©Marco Colombo/The Wild Line

Sail Responsibly: Protect Monk Seals and Marine Life

The Greek coastline is home to rare marine wildlife, including the critically vulnerable Mediterranean monk seal. As sailing and yacht tourism grow, our impact on these fragile ecosystems increases—especially in once-secluded coves and sea caves.

Why It Matters

During the monk seal pupping season (June to September), noise, anchor chains, drones, and swimmers can cause mothers to abandon pups or avoid safe habitats altogether. Even sharing geo-tagged locations online can unintentionally direct crowds to these vulnerable areas.

©Aegean Cargo Sailing

©Nicolas Bschor/Pixabay

Responsible Sailing Tips

  • Keep Your Distance at least 30m: Never approach, follow, or feed monk seals or other wildlife. Use binoculars to observe from afar.
  • Anchor Wisely: Avoid seagrass beds and protected reefs—use sandy bottoms or designated areas.
  • Minimize Noise: Reduce engine noise and music, especially near shorelines and caves.
  • Stay Out of Sea Caves: Especially in summer—these are often breeding sites for seals.
  • Leave No Trace: Never dump waste or plastics into the sea.
  • Skip the Geo-Tags: Avoid posting exact locations of quiet coves or seal sightings online.
  • Follow Local Rules: Respect speed limits, signage, and protected zones.

Protect What Makes Greece Unique

Your sailing choices can either help or harm. Small actions—like slowing down, anchoring carefully, or keeping quiet—can make a big difference for Greece’s marine life.

Sail smart. Sail slow. Sail to protect.

©Rustigdaten/Pixabay

Mediterranean Monk Seal Watching Guidelines

Provided by MOm/ The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals and is strictly protected by law. Any action that disturbs, feeds, touches, or harasses a monk seal is illegal and harmful to both the seal and the observer.

Whether you’re on the coast or observing from a boat, it’s essential to watch these animals responsibly and from a safe distance. Human disturbance can alter a seal’s natural behavior, sometimes with serious consequences.

  • Maintain Distance

    Always observe from at least 30 meters away. Close proximity increases stress and the risk of habituation, where seals lose their natural wariness of humans—this can lead to dangerous interactions and disrupt vital behaviors, like nursing.

  • Do Not Enter the Water with a Seal

    While monk seals are not typically aggressive, they are powerful wild animals. Entering the water near them can provoke defensive behavior, especially if they feel threatened or cornered.

  • Avoid Feeding

    Feeding seals puts both them and you at risk. It encourages them to approach people and boats, which can lead to injuries, dependence on humans, and a loss of natural hunting instincts.

  • Leave Resting Seals Undisturbed

    When a seal hauls out onto land, it seeks rest and dryness. Splashing water on it or trying to interact can interrupt necessary recovery periods and cause unnecessary stress.

  • Keep Children and Pets Away

    Young children and pets may unintentionally frighten or provoke a seal. This can result in aggressive reactions or potential transmission of disease between species.

  • Use Binoculars or Zoom Lenses

    For close-up views or photography, always rely on optical equipment rather than physical closeness. This allows for meaningful observation without intrusion.

  • Minimize Time Spent Near Seals

    Even from a respectful distance, limit your viewing time. Prolonged presence may cause anxiety or disrupt natural behaviors like feeding or nursing.

  • Operate Boats Cautiously

    When in a vessel near seal habitats, keep noise to a minimum and navigate slowly. Avoid making sharp movements or approaching directly, as this can alarm or disorient the animals.

Warning signs of disturbance

You are too close if the seal:

  • Raises its head to see you

  • Changes its resting position

  • Starts to rapidly move towards the sea

  • Opens its mouth and shouts

  • Snaps its teeth rapidly

If you see a seal report your sighting at

www.mom.gr

www.facebook.com/mom.greece

Emergency contacts: +30 210 5222888 | +30 694 2494471

Help Protect a Species on the Brink

Your actions matter. Every disturbance, no matter how small, can have a long-term impact—especially on mothers with pups. Respectful viewing ensures that seals can thrive in their natural habitats, free from stress and harm caused by human interference.