The SEALIFE project tackles the urgent challenge of conserving the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals and a flagship species for healthy marine ecosystems. With fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining globally, fragmented populations, and habitats spanning across national borders, its protection requires coordinated action.

SEALIFE builds on existing Greek expertise in monitoring and conservation and on increasing sightings in Italian waters, especially along the Puglia coast, which may indicate recolonization of historical habitats. The project will harmonize approaches through joint monitoring protocols, eDNA analysis, pollutant assessments, and cave-based population studies, supported by advanced tools such as hydrophones, infrared cameras, and DNA sampling kits. Italian partners will benefit from Greek experience, while both countries will co-develop conservation measures and strengthen capacity through training programmes, workshops, and stakeholder engagement.

The main outputs include:

• Jointly developed solutions (RCO 116) such as a set of common indicators, a monitoring protocol, a conservation measure catalogue, training programmes, and a shared cross-border database;
• A Joint Action Plan (RCO 83) detailing habitat management measures, codes of conduct, and best practices for long-term monk seal protection.

The expected results (RCR 104) are the adoption of these joint protocols and management measures by institutions and stakeholders, improving knowledge of monk seal populations, standardizing monitoring methodologies, and enhancing conservation capacity in both countries. These results will be transferred and capitalized through conferences, workshops, and networking events, ensuring wide dissemination and scalability across the Mediterranean.

Beneficiaries include environmental authorities, research institutes, NGOs, marine managers, local communities, and schools, all of whom will gain tools, knowledge, and opportunities to contribute to marine biodiversity protection. By fostering a unified cross-border strategy, SEALIFE strengthens regional cooperation, safeguards critical habitats, and contributes to the long-term survival of the Mediterranean monk seal.