MOm (the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal) received a phone call from the Coast Guard of Fthiotida. The organization’s members were surprised to learn that a seal had been found on a road at the port of Arkitsa.

An operation was immediately set up. Following instructions from MOm, and with assistance from the Coast Guard and local residents, the young seal was safely returned to its natural environment — the sea.

In the waters of the area — the North Euboean Gulf and the Maliakos Gulf — Mediterranean monk seals are frequently seen. In fact, those traveling to the Lichadonisia may come across a family of Monachus monachus in the sea, likely originating from Alonnisos.

MOm’s instructions in the rare event that we encounter a Mediterranean monk seal on the road:

– Keep your distance
– Do not attempt to approach or move it
– Do not pour water on it and do not feed it
– Contact MOm immediately (24-hour hotline): 210 5222888

This year, there was also a record number of births in the National Marine Park of Alonnisos Northern Sporades, with 21 births during the recent breeding season. This confirms the impressive recovery of Mediterranean monk seal populations in Greece.