Mediterranean monk seals: how you can help

See if there's something you can help with

As a tourist
Tourism provides essential income for local communities on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. However, tourism can also have very damaging impacts.

In some areas in Turkey, unscrupulous dive operators take tourists illegally into monk seal caves, causing the animals to leave the area. DO NOT join any tour that says it will visit a monk seal cave!

Keep away from marine turtle nesting beaches as well, and try and have an eco-friendly holiday in a small-scale resort that doesn't over-use water and other natural resources.

Research and monitoring equipment
The scientists and volunteers at SAD-AFAG work long hours to carry out essential research and monitoring. But they're lacking some items that they can't afford. They would be very happy if their work could be helped through any of the following:

• VHS video recorder/player for activities to raise awareness
• Sony Mini DV Video Walkman
• 100 watt light source for underwater video camera
• Underwater digital camera with flash
• Waterproof binoculars
• Water- and shock-proof case to protect fragile equipment, particularly electronic equipment on the boat
• Four 2x10 double steel scuba tanks
• Portable compressor
• 2 buoyancy compensating devices, tech-dive model, sizes M and L
• SCUBA regulators
• Two underater scooters for exploration of monk seal caves with underwater entrances
• Marine diesel engine (25-40 HP)
• Hand tool sets
• Navigation software
• Digital Turkish coastal maps for the Aegean and Mediterranean
• Dacron ropes of various widths and lengths
• GIS programme Arcview 8.3 and PC to use it
• TV (min. 67 inch)
• Marine outdoor wear
• Generator
• Funding for fuel expenses for research activities (US$345 per month)

If you can help, contact Yesim Aslan at aslan@afag.org

Office equipment
SAD-AFAG also needs office equipment and supplies:

• Photocopy machine
• Stationery
• Mobile phone

If you can help, contact Yesim Aslan at aslan@afag.org

Funding
In December 2003, the two-year EU SMAP grant that WWF's Mediterranean Programme secured for SAD-AFAG's work finished. If you would like to donate so that WWF can support projects like this, you can do so safely and securely using a credit card on this site. You can also donate directly to SAD-AFAG - please contact Yesim Aslan at aslan@afag.org for further information.

Volunteers
SAD-AFAG is looking for volunteers who could help raise awareness about monk seal conservation, or who could help with their research. All volunteers should be able to speak Turkish, and it would help if those who wish to help with research have experience with diving, cave work, and boats. If you can help, contact Yesim Aslan at aslan@afag.org