National Seal Awareness Campaign will be on Alonissos on 12 July 2025

On July 7, the extensive nationwide Seal Greece awareness campaign, created and executed by the Monk Seal Alliance and the Natural Environment and Climate Change Organization (OFYPEKA) under the Ministry of Environment and Energy, embarked from the port of Volos to the Greek archipelagos. The campaign's goal is to safeguard the Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus, one of the world's most endangered marine mammals. The message will be carried by sailing boats to Skopelos tomorrow and to Alonissos on Saturday.

This is an Awareness Journey that will traverse the Aegean and Ionian Seas using two eco-friendly sailing boats with low-to-zero emissions. At each destination, the mission participants will interact and work together with local communities, sailors, and tourism professionals to raise awareness and encourage actions for safeguarding the nation's marine biodiversity.

Safeguarding the Seas, Preserving the Rare With fewer than 1,000 Mediterranean monk seals remaining worldwide—and nearly half residing in Greek waters—human interference poses a significant threat to their survival. Throughout the tourist season, numerous caves essential for the species' shelter and reproduction are disrupted by pleasure boats, cruises, anchors, excessive noise, and overtourism. The Seal Greece campaign seeks to engage visitors and locals through live storytelling, local initiatives, and interactive tools, encouraging them to collectively aid in the protection of the sea.

Dr. Maria Papadopoulou, the President of OFYPEKA, mentioned:

"The Mediterranean monk seal is a rare and iconic symbol of Greece's maritime heritage. Through the Seal Greece initiative, we unite citizens, mariners and visitors to preserve these exceptional species and their sensitive habitats for future generations."

Introducing Mona – the Augmented Reality (AR) Guide to the Sea. Central to the campaign is Mona, a digital representation of a Mediterranean monk seal brought to life through an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) experience. This application, accessible on smartphones, activates when users enter areas commonly inhabited by Mediterranean monk seals, offering instant guidance, information, and practical advice to minimize disturbance and safeguard marine species and habitats.

Mona is featured in informational materials, across social networks, and on TikTok, where a specially created filter provides users with both entertaining and educational interactions.

Auriane Pertuisot, Coordinator of the Monk Seal Alliance, highlights:

"Our goal is the peaceful coexistence of humans and seals. Through innovative tools like Mona and with the participation of local communities, we cultivate a culture of respect and responsibility towards nature, while enhancing the sustainable experience of the sea."

The Awareness Journey – Route 2025 will take place from July 7 to August 30, 2025. In partnership with Aegean Cargo Sailing, which supplies two eco-friendly sailing vessels along with their captains, Lucas, Suzanne, Nora, John, and Aran — a diverse crew of sailors, scientists, and storytellers from different generations and countries — will voyage from the Sporades to the Cyclades and from Corfu to Zakynthos. They will support awareness initiatives occurring in marinas and ports along their path.

For more information abount the Monk Seal click here

AEGEAN ROUTE

Volos: July 7–8

Skopelos: July 11

Alonissos: July 12

Chios (Volissos): July 20–21

Pisces: July 23–24

Naxos: August 2–3

Kimolos: August 9–10

Paros: August 17–18

Mykonos: August 21–22

Tinos: 25–26 August

Syros: August 29–30

IONIAN ROUTE

Corfu (Gouvia): July 18–19

Paxos: July 21–22

Preveza: July 24–25

Lefkada: July 26–27

Meganisi: July 29–30

Kefalonia (Fiskardo): August 1–2

Ithaca (Vathi): August 4–5

Zakynthos (Port): August 8–9