This summer, we’re proud to partner with Seal Greece, a national initiative by the Monk Seal Alliance and NECCA, to raise awareness about one of the ocean’s rarest residents: the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
A Hidden Icon of the Aegean & Ionian Seas
With fewer than 1,000 individuals left in the wild, the Mediterranean monk seal is one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals and almost half of them live in Greece.
These seals rely on quiet, undisturbed marine caves to rest, breed, and raise their pups. But in peak sailing season, those same areas are under increasing pressure from anchoring, loud engines, and growing foot traffic.
That’s why your anchorage matters more than you think.
🧭 How to Sail Responsibly with Istion
As part of our ongoing sustainability commitment, we invite all Istion guests to take part in anchoring with care:
⚠️ Avoid anchoring near sea caves - especially in remote regions known for monk seal activity (Northern Sporades, Cyclades, parts of the Ionian). Even seemingly quiet stops may be active seal habitats.
🚫 Never enter marine caves as they may be pupping sites, and disturbance could cause long-term abandonment.
📵 Keep noise and drone use to a minimum. Monk seals are highly sensitive to human presence.
📱 Try the AR Experience: Starting July 1st, visit sealgreece.org to explore an interactive monk seal encounter and learn how to identify critical zones.
📣 Spread the word: Talk to your crew. Share your awareness. Lead by example.
🐚 Your Role in Monk Seal Protection
The Mediterranean monk seal doesn’t have many natural predators but human disturbance remains its biggest threat. That means we hold the power to protect what’s left.
By choosing your anchorage carefully, staying alert to sensitive areas, and encouraging others to do the same, you’re helping keep Greece’s coastlines wild, beautiful, and full of life.
Let’s make space for nature while we enjoy it.
Together, with Seal Greece, let’s #RespectTheSeal.
Follow the campaign on TikTok: @sealgreece.org
