Full project title:
Adriatic Monk Seal Project
Duration:
1st April 2024 – 31st March 2027
Total budget:
474 354 €
Association Biom budget:
76 429 €
EuroNatur i Monk Seal Aliance – 50/50
Lead partner:
EuroNatur, Association Biom for Croatia
Partners
EuroNatur, CZIP, PPNEA, Arhipelagos, MedCem, Flag Pine i Ass0ciation Biom
Contact:
Ante Kodžoman, ante.kodzoman@biom.hr, project lead
Project goals
Ensure long-term protection of Mediterranean monk seals and their habitats in the Adriatic
Knowledge exchange and capacity building on the species, its biology and ecology
Cross-sectoral cooperation – nature conservation, tourism, fisheries and other relevant sectors
Project summary
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is the rarest seal in the world and the most endangered marine mammal in Europe. According to the latest estimates, there are approximately 800 to 1000 individuals of the species worldwide. It was historically present in the Adriatic Sea, and for now we can only talk about recording occasional observations, not about the existence of a permanent population. These observations have been increasingly frequent in recent years and are often documented with photographs and/or videos, especially in the areas of Albania and Montenegro, and are considered to be most likely the result of the expansion of individuals from the area of Greece (northern Ionian population) where great efforts have been made for many years to preserve the species. The Adriatic Monk Seal Project can be considered a continuation of the Eastern Adriatic Monk Seal Project. Through new and old partnerships, work on the project continues with the goal of creating sustainable preconditions for the spread of the species back to Croatia, as well as neighboring countries. The aim is to obtain even more information and knowledge about the status of the Mediterranean monk seal and its potentially suitable habitats in the Adriatic region, and to identify needs and define appropriate recommendations for their protection.
The report forms for reporting sightings are also being improved, so that the data collected in this way can be compared regionally and at a wider level. The aim is to determine the shortcomings and potential in the management of the species and its habitats, to encourage cross-sectoral cooperation and dialogue with the aim of ensuring the sustainable presence of monk seals in the Adriatic region.
To achieve this, under the leadership of EuroNatur, experts from Albania, Montenegro, Italy and Croatia have joined forces to help the Mediterranean monk seal safe return to its former home, with the support of the local community, relevant institutions and individuals, and international experts.
Materials and publications
