Seal Greece & iSea together for awareness in Ithaca

On August 5th, the Seal Greece information campaign—carried out jointly with iSea and in collaboration with Tethys Research Institute and Blue Marine Foundation—made its last Ionian stop in Ithaca, continuing the summer-long mission to protect the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals.

Arriving onboard the eco-friendly sailing boat, provided by Aegean Cargo Sailing and her dedicated captain, our team once again brought the campaign to life with engaging discussions, interactive activities, and vital information for locals, visitors, and especially sailors—one of our main target groups.

Over the course of the day, more than 600 people were informed about the Mediterranean monk seal and its critical habitats. Over 50 children took part in creative drawing activities, while older participants “sent their message” of support for the species’ protection. Particularly encouraging was the willingness of both locals and sailors to engage in in-depth discussions about the species and the new protective measures for Formicula islet.

During our onboard visits to the marina, sailors expressed enthusiasm for learning more about monk seals and conservation rules. We were pleased to discover that several crews from companies based in Lefkada and Ithaca were already aware of the Formicula regulations—an important first step toward ensuring their effective enforcement.

This stop is part of a nationwide journey across more than 20 islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, and led by the Monk Seal Alliance and NECCA. The campaign focuses on safeguarding critical habitats, including newly designated protected areas, and empowering citizens to take an active role in marine conservation.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the local community and maritime companies of Ithaca and Lefkada for their cooperation, to all the sailors and families who joined us in spreading the word, and to our partners whose collaboration makes this mission possible. Every conversation brings us one step closer to ensuring a safe future for the Mediterranean monk seal in Greek waters.