An adult male Mediterranean monk seal was found dead in the waters south of Samos Island, having likely drifted from a more southern part of the Aegean due to the strong southerly winds that prevailed over the past ten days.

It was discovered by local residents, who notified the Archipelagos Institute, whose researchers arrived on site to conduct an autopsy. The seal showed no visible injuries or other signs indicative of intentional killing. According to the initial findings of the autopsy, its death is estimated to have occurred at least one week earlier.

In the same marine area, the southerly winds had also carried in two dead sea turtles, whose cause of death could not be determined during the autopsy, as they were found in an advanced state of decomposition.

We thank the Municipality of Western Samos for promptly arranging the sanitary disposal.