Greece's Seals vs. Tourist Boats: A Silent Battle

Greece is bolstering protected areas, including the expansive National Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades, to shield vulnerable Mediterranean monk seals from increasing human disturbance. These rare marine mammals, with Greece hosting half the global population, face renewed threats from the burgeoning leisure tourism industry.

Conservation efforts have seen seal numbers rise, but unregulated tourism activities, such as boats approaching sensitive habitats, put this fragile recovery at risk. Initiatives like national education campaigns and the establishment of no-entry zones around key habitats aim to mitigate these impacts.

While new, large-scale Marine Protected Areas have been announced, their success hinges on effective management and robust law enforcement. Without adequate patrols and investment, these protected zones risk becoming 'paper parks,' failing to provide the necessary sanctuary for the seals.