Enabling place-based conservation initiatives for the Mediterranean monk seal in the Ionian Sea

Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is regarded as one of the most endangered pinniped species in the world, with approximately 600-700 remaining individuals. The species’ condition is still very critical, having been extirpated from most of its historical range and its presence in the Mediterranean is currently severely depleted, with individuals largely confined to the region’s northeastern corner (likely fewer than 250 mature individuals).

The Ionian monk seal subpopulation might in fact be still qualified as Critically Endangered. Therefore, actions to safeguard survival of monk seals in Ionian Greece, where pressure from fishing and touristic activities is high and no protected areas exist, seems even more urgent than elsewhere in the Mediterranean. The situation is specifically worrying around Formikula islet, where the presence of monk seals is starting to attract the attention of recreational boaters and holidaymakers. Over the past few years this islet has become increasingly popular among tourists and some public awareness/education is urgently needed to prevent bad practices or behaviors (e.g., harassing seals) that may have an adverse impact on the monk seals’ presence in the area.

This project, implemented by Tethys, aims at gaining robust baseline knowledge of the importance of this area for monk seal survival in the Ionian Sea, including a thorough assessment of the coastline morphology of Formikula and its neighboring areas in terms of coastal habitat availability, as well as at increasing public awareness and sensitizing stakeholders. To do so, visual surveys will be conducted for 4 months contributing to the first monk seal photo-identification catalogue for the area. The presence of caves suitable as shelters will be studied. Behavioral and demographic data will also be collected and a website aiming to increase awareness and to collect observation about cetaceans (including monk seals) will be updated.

FINAL REPORT SUMMARY (MARCH 2019):

Between June 2017 and September 2018, 35 visual surveys were done to study the Formikula littoral. Various pictures of monk seals have been taken and all the data previously collected has been re-analyzed and integrated in the identification catalogue which that now counts 16 individuals.

• 8 caves have been identified and their GPS position registered.
• 3 tour operators who sails near the island are in touch with the NGO and sensitized.
• The Ionian Dolphin Project (IDP), dedicated to raise awareness among the general public on cetaceans in the Ionian Sea collected to date 294 observations including 21 of monk seals.

The next activities will include drones use with an HD video device and a camera to get better identification.