How Greece Became the Ultimate Sanctuary for the Endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal

How Greece Became the Ultimate Sanctuary for the Endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal Decades ago, scientific studies predicted that the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) would completely disappear from Greece after the year 2000. Historically viewed by local fishermen as competitors that damaged nets, seals were frequently targeted, leaving the species on the absolute brink of extinction. Today, Greece has defied those bleak forecasts to become the world’s most crucial sanctuary for the Mediterranean monk seal, hosting roughly two-thirds of its global population.

This conservation success story—driven largely by the dedicated, decades-long efforts of MOm (Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal)—led the IUCN in late 2023 to downlist the species' status from "Endangered" to "Vulnerable." By shifting public perception through community outreach, establishing protected marine sanctuaries (such as Alonissos and Gyaros), and operating rescue/rehabilitation networks, conservationists have helped the species reclaim its historical marine habitats across the Aegean and Ionian seas.

Source: https://www.kathimerini.gr/society/reportaz/564362473/pos-i-ellada-egine-to-simantikotero-katafygio-tis-mesogeiakis-fokias/