2. Information
The National Marine Park of Alonnisos in Northern Sporades, is the first Marine Park in Greece
and the largest protected marine area in Europe (approximately 2,220 km2). Besides the sea
area, the park includes the island of Alonissos, 6 smaller islands (Peristera, Kyra Panagia,
Psathoura, Pepper, Skantzoura and Jura) and 22 islets
In 1988 a Joint Ministerial Decision follows on the protection of the
monk seal which was subsequently renewed in 1990.
4. Information about the animals that
live there
The most important and beloved resident of the Park is the Mediterranean monk seal,
the seal Monachus Monachus, the Monk seal.
From ancient Greek years it had won the sympathy of the people as it was represented
in ancient Greek coins and it was praised by the greatest poet of antiquity, Homer.
It is one of the largest seal species in the world and to survive it consumes food to 5% of
its weight. In the Mediterranean and the coast of North Atlantic about 500 seals live,
but the largest population resides in the National Marine Park of Alonissos. In the caves
of desert islands, especially the island Pepper, which is the core of the park, seals find
shelter and a safe place to bring to the world their young babies once a year.
6. The fishing Organization of Alonissos helps
significantly with the protection of the seal that
is a health indicator of the marine environment.
Although this animal is very clever it avoids
contact with people, but in your journey you
may be lucky enough to see it!
Maybe in the corner of your eye you will be able
to see a dark figure to tear the water, or secretly
admire it sunbathing at a seaside or even some
nights you may hear it snoring!