The seminars, entitled “Mediterranean Monk Seal Rescue Operation”, which were organized in the framework of the LIFE Andros Park project were successfully held on Friday and Saturday, 6 and 7 of March.
The MOm Rescue Team presented to the participants marine mammal rescue techniques, focusing on the Mediterranean monk seal. The first seminar, held on Friday at Andrion Club, was addressed to the island’s public services and the professional fishermen and was organized in collaboration with the Port Authority of Andros. The seminar was attended by representatives of the Port Authority, the Veterinary Service, the Fisheries Association of Andros and the Andrion Club. The second seminar, held on Saturday at the Municipality of Andros, was addressed to local volunteer groups and other sensitive citizens. Among the participants were members of the Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Andros – SEDA, the Nautical Club of Korthi, the Animal Association of Andros, the Andros SCE and Andros Routes. In addition to the theoretical part, practical training was provided at the beach at Paraporti.
The interest of the participants was strong; many questions were answered, while constructive discussions were held with professionals and residents of the island, which have a deep knowledge of the species’ presence in the area and have frequent encounters with individuals.
The constant presence of the species in the marine area of Andros Island makes the proper information of everyone about the proper treatment of injured, orphaned or even dead animals very important.
A Rescue/Necropsy kit including the necessary equipment for first aid provision to injured animals or sample taking from dead ones and the transportation of orphaned pups was handed in to the Municipality.
We would like to warmly thank the Andrian Club and the Municipality of Andros for providing the seminar room. We also thank all the participants.
For those that did not manage to attend the seminar:
- If you find a seal that may need help, contact immediately MOm for instructions and inform the Port Authority at 2105222888 and 2282022250, respectively.
- If you see a seal you may enter your observation at the application “I saw a seal” on MOm’s website www.mom.gr/home. Any information is valuable.
