In search of monk seals in the Ligurian Sea and surrounding areas

Scientific collaboration between the Genoa Aquarium and the Bicocca University which will analyze any traces of DNA left in the sea

GENOA – A.A.A.looking for monk seals in the Ligurian Sea and beyond.A new scientific collaboration is underway between the Acquario Foundation of Genoa, the Bicocca University of Milan and the Foca Monaca Group for study the presence of the mammal Monachus monachus within the Pelagos Sanctuary and in the north-western Mediterranean.The research methodology was developed some years ago by Professor Elena Valsecchi with the “Spot the Monk” project and uses environmental DNA (eDNA), which provides information on the presence of different species in marine waters in a non-invasive way through DNA traces that remain in the environment.

The initiative has the support of the 11th Hour Racing Team, the American boat that won the last Ocean Race, which ended in Genoa.In addition to financial support, the 11th Hour Racing Team contributed to the project by collecting water samples for analysis by crew members, while sailing in the Mediterranean after departing Genoa and returning to its European base in France.The new three-year collaboration includes also a dissemination action which will involve citizens, diving centers and other subjects with a view to extensive public involvement in the conservation project of this species, expanding the "Care4Seals" project of the Monk Seal Group.

Once upon a time, the monk seal was widespread along all the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, then it became extinct in much of its range due to human impact. Currently the estimated population is around 700 individuals, although no data is collected in much of the Mediterranean.The main nuclei are located in the Aegean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean.Sightings have never been lacking even in the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic.