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Species Directory

Mediterranean Monk Seal

Overview Conservation & Management Resources

Mediterranean Monk Seal

Monachus monachus

Protected Status

ESA Endangered - Foreign
Throughout Its Range
CITES Appendix I
Throughout Its Range
MMPA Protected
Throughout Its Range
MMPA Depleted
Throughout Its Range

Quick Facts

Weight
530 to 660 pounds
Lifespan
20 to 30 years
Length
7 to 9 feet
Threats
Habitat destruction, Habitat degradation, Entanglement in fishing gear, Harassment
Location
Foreign
See Regulatory Actions

About the Species

The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the rarest marine mammals in the world and one of only a few pinniped species to reside in tropical and subtropical waters. Currently, only 600 to 700 individuals remain. Major threats to the Mediterranean monk seal include displacement and habitat deterioration, deliberate killing by humans, and fisheries bycatch and entanglement.

The Mediterranean monk seal is found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean along the coast of Northwest Africa. Under the Endangered Species Act, NOAA Fisheries must list threatened and endangered marine species regardless of where they are found. The Mediterranean monk seal is listed as endangered under the ESA and depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Protected Status

ESA Endangered - Foreign

  • Throughout Its Range

CITES Appendix I

  • Throughout Its Range

MMPA Protected

  • Throughout Its Range

MMPA Depleted

  • Throughout Its Range

Scientific Classification

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Carnivora
Family Phocidae
Genus Monachus
Species monachus

Featured News

<span>Availability of Mediterranean Monk Seal 5-Year Review (2017)</span>
 Featured Image
Feature Story

Availability of Mediterranean Monk Seal 5-Year Review (2017)

National

Management Overview

The Mediterranean monk seal is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

We initiated a 5-year review for this species in September 2017.


Regulatory Actions & Documents

Listing of the Mediterranean Monk Seal

The&nbsp;Mediterranean monk seal is protected in its range by various laws administered by the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic Ocean. The import/export of samples, parts, or live animals into/out of the United States is
  • Final Rule (35 FR 8491, 06/02/1970)
Final Rule
,
Foreign
Effective
June 2, 1970

More Information

  • Listing Foreign Species Under the ESA

Documents

Document

Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation

The 5-year Status Review for Mediterranean Monk Seal Published on September 2017

National
More Documents
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