This World Oceans Day (8 June), we invite you to join a national effort to protect one of Greece’s most iconic and endangered marine species: the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
With fewer than 800 individuals left in the wild — and nearly half living in Greece — monk seals urgently need safe, undisturbed coastal habitats to survive. But as yachting and marine tourism grow, many of their pupping caves and resting sites are increasingly at risk.
Under the Seal Greece initiative, the Monk Seal Alliance and NECCA (the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency) have launched an information campaign for the tourism industry. As part of this effort, they have introduced a first-of-its-kind Augmented Reality experience designed for recreational boaters and sailors.
Why It Makes Sense — For the Sea and Your Business
Supporting marine conservation isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a smart move for the yachting industry. The Mediterranean monk seal is a flagship species for marine health, and protecting it aligns with rising consumer expectations for eco-conscious travel.
By joining the Seal Greece campaign, you position your brand within the sustainable Blue Economy — an economy that values and safeguards the ecosystems it depends on. From charterers seeking low-impact experiences to growing regulations around sensitive habitats, responsible tourism is now a competitive advantage.
Together, we can lead a new standard for yachting in Greece — one that protects its natural heritage while keeping it open for generations of sailors to come.
Explore Before You Anchor
Through the camera of a mobile device you will unlock an interactive AR experience and learn:
- Whether monk seals may be present in the area
- Why anchoring or entering certain caves can cause long-term harm
- How to sail responsibly — without disturbing wildlife
- How they can contribute to conservation in a simple, positive way
The goal? To inform tourists at the right time and place — before they enter sensitive areas.
How You Can Join the Campaign
Your company can help champion this message of responsible yachting by:
- Displaying AR signage at your marina, charter base, or retail stand
- Sharing the “Explore Before You Anchor” experience with your networks
- Encouraging your clients to respect monk seal zones during chtingsummer cruises
- Collaborating with Seal Greece to raise visibility across the industry
Campaign Launches July 1st — Get On Board
The “Explore Before You Anchor” AR experience will roll out across selected marinas, sailing routes, and coastal hotspots starting July 1st, 2025. Now is the time to get involved.
Whether you’re a charter operator, marina manager, equipment supplier, or sustainability-minded brand — we welcome your partnership.
Contact Jenny Ioannou at info@sealgreece.org (+30 6974992349) to learn how your business can participate, display campaign materials, or co-promote the experience this summer.
