National Marine Park Alonnisos Northern Sporades Greece

Scientific research

The research vessel of Mom "IFAW - Odyssey" visits the refuges of the Mediterranean seal on the islands and along the coastline of Greece, gathering as many facts as possible about the species to use them in planning measures for their protection.

National Marine Park Alonnisos - Northern Sporades -.

In the area of Alonnisos - Northern Sporades - in 1992 the countries first marine park is founded. Mom contributes decisively not only to its planning and founding but also to its organization and operations:

The observation of the population of the seals,
The operation of the information centers but also the protection of the Park - which is done daily by Mom's fast sailing petrol ship "Alonnisos" in corporation with the harbor police - are of our most important activities.

Because the Mediterranean seal is placed at the top of the ecological pyramid it can be considered a health indicator of the marine environment. Its disappearance is the preamble for its destruction.

Ways to help

In Alonnisos operates the center for refuge and reintegration of the seals, with target the rescue of sick injured or orphaned animals. Mom's rescue team is always ready to give first aid and - if necessary - to transport every animal to the center from wherever in Greece it suffers.

The reintegration of healthy animals in to the natural environment increases the hope for the species' survival.

New protected areas

The network gathering information has been operating since 1991 with the aim to concentrate information about the seals distribution, to discover the areas important to the species and to create sensitivity among the local population towards the seals. This network of Mom has more than 1.500 members in coastal and insular Greece.

With backbone the strategy of protection of the species and using the networks information, Mom plans the outline and application of protective regulations in strategically apportioned areas for the seal as the Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos, Piperi, Skatzoura, Duo Adelphia, Psathoura, Gioura and K.Panagia), Kimolos, Karpathos and Fournoi.

The activities of Mom involve the local population in the effort to protect the seals, with further aim the viable development of the area.

Creating sensitivity and education

Every year the summer information programs, which are accomplished with the valuable contribution of volunteers of Mom, give information to thousands of people in coastal and insular Greece.

The programs of environmental education started in 1990 in schools in Attica and coastal Greece. Until today more than 150.000 children and young people have been informed about the problem of the Mediterranean Seals disappearance and the effort to protect it.

Have a look at the park of the Northern Sporades
and Marine Park of the Mediterranean Seal.

Association for the study and protection of the Mediterranean Seal
Solomou 18, 106 82, Athens,
Tel: 0030 210 - 52 22 888
Fax: 0030 210 - 52 22 450,
E-mail: info@mom.gr