The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is currently the most threatened marine mammal in Europe. Once easily observed in all Mediterranean countries and along the African and Macaronesian coast, this seal has almost disappeared. However, due to the efforts of several international organizations and important awareness-raising work, we have seen a trend reverse. In 2019, the European Association of Aquatic Mammals (EAAM) will double efforts to help this species through the Greek organization MOm (Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal), which rehabilitates rescued offspring of this species and enables its reintroduction in nature.

Despite the efforts and the good results, a lot of work remains to be done in order to guarantee the full recovery of this species. Accidental hunting through fishing nets and the degradation of beaches where they breed are the worst threats.

Since 2009, EAAM has dedicated more than €50,000 to rescue and rehabilitation activities, which have allowed saving dozens of individuals of this seriously threatened species. In the coming months, EAAM will also fund a scholarship to a European student to collaborate with MOm in the rescue and rehabilitation of Mediterranean Monk Seal pups.

This species almost disappeared from its original locations and its population has been reduced to less than 700 individuals fragmented into four sub-populations, making it one of the most endangered seals on the planet.  Accidental hunt from fishing gear remains the greatest threat to the survival of this species, which also suffered a severe reduction in 1997 when 200 individuals died in the Cabo Blanco colony (Western Sahara) from a red tide.

In order to guarantee the recovery of the species, we will have to continue observing the population growth trend in the coming years. In 2020, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) plans to carry out the first reassessment of the threat level of the species. These reassessments are particularly important in the context of climate change, which effects could seriously affect a threatened species with small and fragmented populations like this one.