Naples – A Mediterranean monk seal has been spotted off the Sorrento Peninsula—a rare sight, as the animal is considered one of the most endangered species in the Mediterranean. The seal appeared off Massa Lubrense on the morning of July 5 and was feeding on its prey at the water’s surface, right in the heart of the strictly protected core zone of the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area.
The scene was filmed by divers from a local diving center at the end of a dive. In what is known as Zone A of the protected area, fishing and human activities are largely prohibited; only authorized diving and scientific research are permitted. It was precisely there that the seal was spotted hunting.
Monk Seal: A Success for Species Conservation
This sighting is not an isolated incident: Over the past 14 months, about two dozen sightings have been recorded between the Sorrento Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast, and Capri. Experts view this as a sign of growing biodiversity and as a reward for decades of conservation efforts. The species is monitored using methods such as camera traps and environmental DNA analysis.
The Mediterranean monk seal had virtually disappeared from most Italian coasts for decades. Worldwide, it is considered one of the rarest marine mammals of all. The fact that it is now regularly hunting again in the Gulf of Campania is seen by conservationists as an encouraging sign—and as an incentive to consistently protect these marine reserves.
