Mediterranean monk seals, once on the brink of extinction, are showing encouraging signs of recovery in 2025 thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. These intelligent marine mammals, known for occasionally taking fish from nets, faced severe population declines due to hunting and habitat loss.
With an estimated global population of 815-997 individuals, nearly half reside in Greek waters, where extensive coastlines and sea caves provide safe havens for raising their young. Conservation initiatives, including habitat protection and public awareness campaigns, are proving effective. The IUCN reclassified the Mediterranean monk seal from 'Endangered' to 'Vulnerable' in June 2023, reflecting the positive impact of these efforts.
Ongoing projects, such as the Mediterranean Monk Seal Monitoring and Awareness Project, continue to monitor and protect monk seal habitats. These initiatives involve camera traps in coastal caves and collaboration with local communities to promote responsible practices around monk seal habitats. A national information campaign in Greece aims to educate tourists and the public about minimizing disturbances to seal habitats during the summer months.