Sail for the Protection of the Mediterranean Monk Seals: A Summer Mission to Protect Greece’s Hidden Marine Treasures
Press release
Initiative
This summer, the Seal Greece national information campaign — developed and co-led by the Monk Seal Alliance and NECCA (Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency) — sets sail across Greek archipelagos on a mission to protect the vulnerable Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals.
Launching on July 7, 2025, from Volos,
an Awareness Voyage will traverse the
Aegean and Ionian Seas aboard two sustainable, wind-powered sailing vessels. At
each port of call, the crew will engage with local communities, boaters, and
tourism operators — raising awareness and inspiring collective action to protect
Greece’s marine biodiversity.
Sail with Care, Protect What’s Rare
With fewer than 1,000 Mediterranean monk seals remaining worldwide — and nearly half residing in Greek waters — human disturbance is among their gravest threats. Many of the quiet coastal caves used for breeding and shelter are disrupted during the busy summer season by recreational boats, party cruises, anchors, noise, and untrained tourism operators.
Through real-time storytelling, local events, and interactive tools, Seal Greece empowers both travelers and locals to play a vital role in marine conservation.
Dr. Maria Papadopoulou, President of NECCA, emphasized the importance of the initiative:
"The Mediterranean monk seal is a precious symbol of Greece’s unique marine heritage. Through the Seal Greece campaign, we aim to unite communities, sailors, and tourists in protecting these rare animals and their fragile habitats, ensuring they thrive for generations to come."
Meet Mona: Your AR Sea Guide
At the heart of the campaign is Mona, an animated monk seal brought to life through an interactive augmented reality (AR) experience. Accessible via smartphone, the seal appears on screen to guide users in real time — especially when they are near protected monk seal habitats. Using geolocation, the app helps boaters and visitors recognize when they are in ecologically sensitive areas and offers simple, practical advice to minimize disturbance and protect these vital marine spaces.
Backed by marine biologists and conservationists, Mona appears on signage, social media, and even TikTok — where a custom filter allows users to explore, play, and learn while spreading the word of awareness.
According to Auriane Pertuisot, Coordinator of the Monk Seal Alliance, the campaign’s strength lies in engaging people through creative means:
“Our goal is to foster harmonious coexistence between people and the Mediterranean monk seals. Through innovative tools like augmented reality, and community engagement, we inspire respectful behaviors that protect these magnificent creatures while allowing sustainable enjoyment of Greece’s beautiful seas.”
The Awareness Voyage: 2025 Route
From July 7 to August 30, 2025, in partnership with Aegean Cargo Sailing, which is providing two eco-friendly sailing boats and their captains, Luke, Suzanne, Nora, John and Arran - a multi-generational and international crew of sailors, scientists and storytellers - will sail from the Sporades to the Cyclades and from Corfu to Zakynthos, supporting awareness-raising activities in marinas and ports along the journey.
AEGEAN ROUTE
- Volos: July 7–8
- Skopelos: July 9–10
- Alonnissos: July 11–12
- Chios (Volissos): July 20–21
- Psara: July 23–24
- Naxos: August 2–3
- Kimolos: August 9–10
- Paros: August 17–18
- Mykonos: August 21–22
- Tinos: August 25–26
- Syros: August 29–30
IONIAN ROUTE
- Corfu (Gouvia): July 18–19
- Paxoi: July 21–22
- Preveza: July 24–25
- Lefkada: July 26–27
- Meganisi: July 29–30
- Kefalonia (Fiskardo): August 1–2
- Ithaca (Vathy): August 4–5
- Zakynthos (Port): August 8–9
Empowering a National Network of Sea Guardians
Seal Greece welcomes the collaboration of marinas, sailing schools, tourism operators, local authorities, and citizen groups to expand its reach and amplify its impact.
Several environmental organizations have already answered the call — and there’s room for more. Groups committed to empowering their communities and protect Greece’s marine heritage are encouraged to take part.
Be Part of the Change
Local marinas, charter operators, and coastal communities are invited to participate:
- Display AR signage and educational materials at your base, welcome area, or event venues
- Share the virtual guidance app through your channels and with your
members
Participate in a Voyage stopover or awareness event - Promote respectful sailing and anchoring in protected zones
About the Monk Seal Alliance (MSA)
The MSA is a consortium of like-minded foundations optimizing resources to support collaborative conservation and rehabilitation of one of the most endangered mammals in the world, the Mediterranean monk seal. The Monk Seal Alliance was created in 2019 by five founding members experienced in funding conservation projects: the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the MAVA Foundation, the Segré Foundation, the Sancta Devota Foundation and the Thalassa Foundation. The Hans Wilsdorf Foundation joined us in 2022.
