Auriane Pertuisot, marine projects officer at the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, has been coordinating a coalition of donors dedicated to protecting the Mediterranean monk seal since 2019: the Monk Seal Alliance. In this post, she explains the coalition’s raison d’être, actions and results.
The Monk Seal Alliance is part of the circle of partners of the Missions Méditerranée des Explorations de Monaco. As part of its mission to educate and raise awareness, it participated in the design of the exhibition “Time for Action: Mediterranean Marine Areas”, inaugurated in Barcelona on April 9, 2024 for the 2nd meeting of the Decade of the Ocean.
Protecting the Mediterranean Monk Seal
Why the Monk Seal Alliance exists
The Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus, is one of the world’s most endangered marine mammal species.
With fewer than 900 individuals remaining, mainly distributed between Greece, Turkey and Cyprus in the Mediterranean, and Mauritania and Madeira in the Atlantic, its conservation is crucial for marine biodiversity.
The Monk Seal Alliance plays an important role in the protection of this emblematic species, supporting conservation projects and coordinating various initiatives on a regional scale.
Who is the Mediterranean Monk Seal?
The Mediterranean monk seal can measure up to 2.4 meters and weigh up to 320 kg.
Monk seal hunting was one of the first human pressures on this species.
Since ancient times, monk seals have been hunted for their skin, blubber and meat.
This intensive exploitation has considerably reduced their numbers.
Historically, seals mainly used beaches for resting and breeding.
However, they gradually adopted inaccessible sea caves, far from human activity, to find a little peace and quiet.
Today, the main threats to the species are habitat loss due to coastal construction and mass tourism, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets or deliberate killing.
The actions of the Monk Seal Alliance
- Habitat protection: MSA works with and supports governments and local NGOs to create and manage marine protected areas (MPAs).
If the organizations managing them have adequate human, technical and financial resources, these areas offer a safe haven for seals. - Monitoring and Research: The alliance funds research projects to learn about population characteristics, seal behavior, habitats and needs.
This information is crucial for understanding the threats they face and deducing conservation priorities. - Awareness and Education: Public awareness is essential for the long-term conservation of monk seals.
MSA supports educational campaigns to inform local communities and tourists about the importance of preserving this species. - Emergency response: In the case of injured or distressed seals, MSA can support organizations providing veterinary care before releasing them into a marine protected area.
Impact and results
Thanks to the efforts of the Monk Seal Alliance and its partners, several notable successes have been achieved.
Local seal populations are showing signs of recovery, and new marine protected areas have been established.
The latest global Red List assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature confirms an increase in the population.
International collaboration and local partnerships are at the heart of these successes, demonstrating the importance of a collective approach to marine wildlife conservation.
Auriane Pertuisot
Monk Seal Alliance coordinator since 2019. In charge of marine projects for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
