The monk seal of approval in Alonissos

Supported By: Alonissos

The National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades is the largest marine protected area in Europe and the proud home to a population of Mediterranean monk seals.

The reserve is nothing to be sniffed at. An underwater playground for divers, the park is of cultural, scientific, and natural significance down to the vast array of plant and animal species, as well as magical archaeological sites such as shipwrecks, monasteries and churches dating back to the Byzantine Empire.

The park is home to some pretty special residents: Mediterranean monk seals, the only seal species in the Med but also the most endangered seal on earth.

The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal (Mom) is a Greek NGO working to protect Greece’s marine environments through protecting the precious gentle mammals. Initiatives include providing rescue kits to local response teams, so they are equipped to save a monk seal in danger, and creating “Seal Watching” guides for visitors, educating them on how to act if they come across a seal.

Visit Website: https://alonissos.gr/en/marine-park/overview.html