THE PROJECT
CONSERVATION OF THE MEDITERRANEAN MONK SEAL AT THE WIDER AREA OF THE NATIONAL MARINE PARK OF ALONISSOS NORTHERN SPORADES (NMPANS)
The project takes place in the National Marine Park of Alonissos Northern Sporades and in the neighboring areas of Skopelos, Skiathos, S.E. Pilion, N. Evia and Lichadonisia, where important populations of Mediterranean monk seals are found. With the funding of the Monk Seal Alliance, the Thalassa Foundation and the Prince Albert of Monaco Foundation, the project focuses on:
- Further development and constant function of a unified, 24 hour/365 day effective patrolling system in the NMPANS,An information and sensitization campaign that will underline the advantages of the co-existence between man and seal, while it will include consultation services, digital tools, conventions, environmental education, social media exposure etc.
- Promoting the participation of local citizens through the creation of local volunteering actions.
- Promotion of the establishment of environment-friendly fishing tourism to local fishermen, aiming to neutralize the negative effects of the encounter between fisheries and seals.
- Educational seminars for the owners and operators of tourist vessels that offer daily trips towards a monk seal-friendly approach and behavior.
- Scientific monitoring of local monk seal population in the area and the effect of the project on the species’ behavior in the wider area of the NMPANS.
-Forming of scientifically documented conservation measures aiming to be adopted by the relevant authorities.
The project benefits from the support of the Monk Seal Alliance
