The Mediterranean monk seal population is recovering

A report by AP covers the work of the Greek NGO MOm in protecting the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).

The most recent rescued Monachus monachus was Renos-Pantelis, found wandering off the coast of Cyprus after his mother died. He was transferred to the NGO’s rehabilitation facility in Athens and is now ready to return to his natural habitat.

Since 1988, MOm has worked to protect and conserve Greece’s coastal and marine environment through the preservation of the Mediterranean monk seal, the only seal species in the Mediterranean and one of the rarest seals worldwide. To date, it has rescued over 40 seals.

Since rescue efforts began in 1980, the population has recovered to 800, with half living in Greece

The Monachus monachus consumes up to 3 kilograms of fish, octopus, and squid per day. In searching for food, they often tear fishermen’s nets, leading to conflicts in which fishermen killed them. As a result, the species was considered endangered from the 1960s to the 1980s.

With the start of rescue efforts in the 1980s, along with public and fisherman awareness programs, the population began to recover. In recent years, the species moved from “endangered” to “threatened” on the IUCN Red List. About a year ago, its status improved further to “vulnerable.”