site.btaRecord Population Growth of Endangered Monk Seal Registered on Greece's Alonissos Island

A record 21 births of Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) were recorded this year in the National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades, according to Greek public television ERT. According to data from the protected area's management, this is the highest figure for the region and is almost double that recorded ten years ago.

According to the local branch of the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA), the reported increase is not accidental, but the result of nearly 30 years of systematic protection, scientific observation, and active cooperation with the local community.

ERT recalls that Mediterranean monk seals are among the most endangered marine mammals in the world. About half of the global population is found in Greek waters, giving the country a key role in the conservation of the species in the Mediterranean. Three decades ago, these animals were classified as a species on the verge of extinction. Data from Alonissos today show a real increase in the population and are cited as an example that long-term conservation measures can lead to concrete and measurable results, the information further states.