MOm / The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal is a Greek non–governmental environmental organization with the legal status of a Non–profit association. MOm is active in the protection and promotion of the coastal and marine environment of Greece, through the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal, which is the only seal species in the Mediterranean Sea and the most endangered seal on earth.
The financial resources of MOm originate from the memberships of our supporters, donations from private entities, selected partnerships with national, European and international bodies, and from nationally and European-funded programs. MOm is subject to regular financial auditing by Certified Public Accountants – Auditors.
MOm’s scientific research, conservation and education activities are carried out by a dedicated and highly-specialized team of professionals (i.e. biologists, field technicians, media officers) with the help of
numerous volunteers. MOm’s activities include:
• Scientific Research
• Rescue and Rehabilitation
• Protection and Management
• Public Awareness and Sensitization
• Environmental Education
According to the regulations of the International Convention on the Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) MOm is an accredited research institute (Prot. No.: 89670/1427/12‐3‐2007 / Code Nr.: GR 003). All research and rehabilitation and reintroduction efforts of the Organization are carried out with the necessary permits from the national and international competent authorities.
Since 1996, MOm has been a member of IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), the largest organization in the world for the protection of the natural environment and has participated with a representative in the Seal Specialist Group.
By protecting the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal we protect the entire marine ecosystem of Greece for the present and future generations. Therefore, the design and implementation of sound conservation and management practices for the Mediterranean monk seal are amongst the key priorities of MOm.
Through its research activities, ΜOm collects important information on the biology, ecology and behavior of the Mediterranean monk seal and the threats the species faces. The thorough analysis of this data is used then to design and implement effective protection measures for the Mediterranean monk seal and its habitat in Greece.
MOm’s actions to protect the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal in Greece include:
• The promotion of the establishment of protected areas for Mediterranean monk seals in the country.
• The rescue, rehabilitation and reintroduction of sick, wounded and orphan monk seals.
• Mitigating negative monk seal – fishery interactions.
• Formulating a National Strategy for the conservation of the species.
To learn more and to donate go to https://www.mom.gr/