Archipelagos

  • English
  • Ελληνικα
Who We Are
About UsAbout Us
The TeamThe Team
Research BasesResearch Bases
Research BoatsResearch Boats
Our EquipmentOur Equipment
PartnersPartners
SupportersSupporters
Fields of Action
Marine ConservationMarine Conservation Fisheries Shipping Risks Seagrass Meadows Littoral Ecosystems Invasive Species Jellyfish Sea Turtles
Marine MammalsMarine Mammals Dolphins and Porpoises Whales Seals
Terrestrial ConservationTerrestrial Conservation Island Fauna Forests & Flora Freshwater Ecosystems Aegean Seed Bank
Laboratory ResearchLaboratory Research Microplastics Water Analysis Soil Quality
Projects
Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary
Eco Navigation
FIsh4Life
Save the Aegean
Resources
Awareness Material
Videos
Publications
Join Us
Internships in the Aegean
Remote Internships
Interns Experiences
Field Courses
News
Online Classes for the Protection of the Aegean for  Nursery School Students from Kalymnos island
Online Classes for the Protection of the Aegean for Nursery School Students from Kalymnos island
Alarming Extent of Plastic Pollution in the Greek Seas
Alarming Extent of Plastic Pollution in the Greek Seas
Planting the underwater gardens of the Aegean
Planting the underwater gardens of the Aegean
Harbor Porpoise Found Stranded in the Southern Coast of Samos
Harbor Porpoise Found Stranded in the Southern Coast of Samos
View All...
Contact
Donate
Menu

A Seal Claims its Place among Humans

A Seal Claims its Place among Humans

by Archipelagos / Thursday, 21 August 2014 / Published in Marine Mammals, Press Releases

15 Years ago, the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation began to battle for the defense of the rare wildlife of the Greek seas and islands. Among the many rare animals that have been monitored and studied, since last March one stands out: a young monk seal exhibiting unusual behavior. While monk seals normally  prefer caves and inaccessible coasts lines as resting sites, Argiro, as local fishermen refer to this unusual seal, prefers residential areas and crowded beaches on the Greek island of Samos.

To protect one of only 450 remaining monk seals worldwide, at first the Archipelagos team tried to deter media attention to Argiro and to minimize human disturbance. The Archipelagos prevented both Greek and foreign media for months. However, Argiro had other plans, and has chosen to claim a place on some of the most bustling and touristy beaches on the island (even though close by there are numerous secluded beaches and caves). Given Argiros’ unique personality and popularity, she has become a powerful symbol to communicate the need to conserve this species. However, the Archipelagos team continues the effort to minimize human disturbance to Argiro, and hopes that the seal will find her way back to her natural habitat in the future.

 The efforts to minimize human contact have been carried out through a close collaboration with a wide network of volunteers from the local community made up of fishermen, farmers, tourism professionals, students and teachers, as well as valuable assistance from the local port authorities. This wide network has allowed for over 1600 hours of monitoring of the seal’s behavior over the course of the past five months.

The Archipelagos team is working to facilitate the coexistence between this popular seal and the businesses and tourists located on the same beaches. There is a need to concurrently respect the right of the seal to select a beach to inhabit and the right of business owners and tourists to utilize the same space.

Because sunbathers and business owners alike undoubtedly notice that a seal is sunbathing among them, it was impossible to keep the seal out of the spotlight. The Archipelagos and the volunteers that have been working to protect the seal are hopeful that the majority of her fans aid in the seal’s protection and respect the rarity of the species. Ultimately, we all hope that she will soon return to her natural ecosystem.

In Archipelagos we will do everything to ensure the protection of Argiro. This seal has served as an excellent ambassador of its kind and reminds us that, as in ancient Greece, all wildlife, especially seals and dolphins can coexist in harmony with people.

0
0
0
0
0

What you can read next

Two-day experiential environmental education seminar in Samos
An occasional sighting in the Aegean that only a few of us witness – A mother sperm whale nursing her calf
The Mediterranean Monk Seal Argiro Makes the Headlines in the Greek-Russian News Agency

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Efkranti Award was Granted to the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

    The Efkranti Award was Granted to the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

    27 July 2020
    It was a great honor but also great moral support …
  • The President of the Hellenic Republic’s visit to Archipelagos research vessel, the Aegean Explorer

    The President of the Hellenic Republic’s visit to Archipelagos research vessel, the Aegean Explorer

    30 June 2020
    Yesterday, during the President of the Republic’s visit to the …
  • Award to Archipelagos: Best Heroic Act of Environmental Stewardship

    Award to Archipelagos: Best Heroic Act of Environmental Stewardship

    19 February 2020
    The Short Documentary Film presenting the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary, …
  • Award to Archipelagos Institute from the International Propeller Club of the United States

    Award to Archipelagos Institute from the International Propeller Club of the United States

    6 February 2020
    We would like to thank the International Propeller Club of …

Recent Posts

  • Investigating the Macroinvertebrate Communities Living within the Posidonia oceanica Wracks

    Investigating the Macroinvertebrate Communities Living within the Posidonia oceanica Wracks

    15 February 2021
    My name is Ellie and I am currently studying Biological …
  • Creation of a Guide for Identification of the Aegean Sea Fish Species of the Littoral Zone

    Creation of a Guide for Identification of the Aegean Sea Fish Species of the Littoral Zone

    15 February 2021
    Katja Wolff, a Swiss-Greek intern from Paros island, Greece, who …
  • Comparison of fish biodiversity and invasive fish species presence in different marine habitats, using remote underwater video method (RUV)Comparison of fish biodiversity and invasive fish species presence in different marine habitats, using remote underwater video method (RUV)

    Comparison of fish biodiversity and invasive fish species presence in different marine habitats, using remote underwater video method (RUV)Comparison of fish biodiversity and invasive fish species presence in different marine habitats, using remote underwater video method (RUV)

    15 February 2021
    Migle worked as a member of the Marine conservation team …
  • Assessment of the abundance of invasive fish with the use of a Remote Underwater Video (RUV) method

    Assessment of the abundance of invasive fish with the use of a Remote Underwater Video (RUV) method

    15 February 2021
    I am a recent graduate of Ecological and Environmental Sciences …
  • Working towards an improving seagrass mapping methodology

    Working towards an improving seagrass mapping methodology

    15 February 2021
    I am a recent graduate student from the University of …
  • Assessing Seagrass Health

    Assessing Seagrass Health

    15 February 2021
    My name is Roos and I’m studying Coastal and Marine …
  • Assessing the Biodiversity of Zooplankton in the Aegean Sea

    Assessing the Biodiversity of Zooplankton in the Aegean Sea

    15 February 2021
    My name is Lisa and I am studying Coastal and …
  • English
  • Ελληνικα

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is committed to researching and defending the biodiversity of the Greek seas and islands.

Our action is possible only with your help!

donate
  • Contact us
  • Placements

Archipelagos - Institute of Marine Conservation © All Rights Reserved || Web Design and Development by Red Web Design

TOP