Wildlife· Chios· Greece — Dodecanese, Sporades & North Aegean

Chios Strait Monk Seal Waters (Chios & Turkish Coast IMMA)

38° 26.4′ N · 26° 13.2′ E · approximate

The sea between Chios, Psara and the Turkish coast is a recognised Important Marine Mammal Area for the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, with coastal caves used for breeding and pupping. Sightings are rare and precious; knowing what to do if one surfaces near the boat matters.

Dodecanese

Practical

The Chios and Turkish Coast IMMA covers about 3,838 km² of the central-east Aegean, bounded by Chios, Psara, Çeşme, the Karaburun peninsula, the Gulf of İzmir and Foça, out toward the 200 m depth line; it qualifies for Monachus monachus breeding and pupping (criterion C1). Eleven caves have been identified as potential seal habitat and nine seals observed; telemetry shows seals cross the deep water freely (IMMA factsheet). Greece holds roughly 40–51% of the world's mature monk seals. MOm (the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal) asks boaters to: stay calm and keep clear, never approach or spearfish near a seal, and NOT enter a sea cave where a seal is seen (a mother and pup may be inside) — swim slowly out along the rock, leaving the entrance clear; on land stay at least 30 m away, keep dogs and children back, and never touch it or pour water on it. Report every sighting (live or dead) to MOm on +30 210 5222 888 or the 24-hour line +30 694 249 4471, or to the nearest Port Police (VHF 12). Position approximate: a mid-strait point off Vrontados, chosen to represent the area, not a sighting spot.

Best for

Responsible wildlife watching; reporting sightings

Season

Year-round; pupping in coastal caves mainly autumn

Nearby