Posts

Posted on

Artemis Goes Wild

monk seal pup artemis ready for transport to release site
Monk seal pup artemis ready for transport to release site

Under bright but overcast skies, Mediterranean monk seal pup ‘Artemis’ was released into the protected waters of the National Marine Park of Alonissos, Northern Sporades on 11 April. After a brief ceremony attended by local well wishers, visiting dignitaries and supporters of MOm — the NGO spearheading monk seal conservation in Greece — Artemis was placed in a transport cage and put aboard the research vessel IFAW-Odyssia, for the 2.5 hour journey to Piperi, an island in the core zone of the 2200 sq km Marine Park. The IFAW-Odyssia was escorted by the patrol boat of the Marine Park’s management authority.

Continue reading “Artemis Goes Wild”

Posted on

Artemis Goes Wild (photo gallery 1)

11 April 2009: Following several months in rehab, release day has dawned for orphaned Mediterranean monk seal pup ‘Artemis’. She’s carried from the MOm rehab unit in Steni Vala, Alonnisos, to the organisation’s research vessel, for the 2.5 hour voyage into the core zone of the National Marine Park.

9 New photos

Posted on

Congress allocates $5.7 million to help save Hawaiian monk seals

Press Watch — Honolulu Advertiser, 11 April 2009

Federal funds will also provide jobs for ocean scientists

Congress has allocated $5.7 million — the largest single-year sum to date — for Hawaiian monk seal recovery efforts.

Next to corporate bailouts and economic stimulus plans, the amount pales. But conservation managers say it will make a great difference for the critically endangered animals, whose numbers have dropped below 1,200 in the wild.

“My reaction initially was jubilation,” said Charles Littnan, lead scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries’ monk seal research program. “Then immediately comes the weight of responsibility — making sure that we spend the money efficiently, properly and to maximize impact on the seals.” […]

Full article