Care4Seals is a project of Gruppo Foca Monaca APS integrated into the "SpotTheMonk" campaign of the University of Milano-Bicocca, which aims to combine scientific research and awareness for the conservation of the monk seal in the central Mediterranean.
The scientific research part consists in monitoring the species through environmental DNA analysis, according to an innovative protocol developed by the University of Milano-Bicocca as part of the SpotTheMonk initiative. Molecular screening is then combined with other research techniques such as photo traps and live video cameras.
The awareness-raising part includes the active involvement of citizens in sample collection through Citizen Science, students and enthusiasts during the monk seal weeks, and local communities through public events. Several stakeholders are involved including local communities, institutions, students, fishermen, and tourist activities. The effectiveness of their active involvement in improving knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal is also evaluated.
For Care4Seals, Gruppo Foca Monaca collaborates with numerous national and international partners, private and public, and governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Environmental DNA
Environmental DNA
It is an innovative and completely non-invasive monitoring technique as it does not require seeing, disturbing or manipulating the animals. Every species leaves traces of itself in the environment in which it lives. Indeed, seawater contains the DNA of all the species that have passed through that area. Through the analysis of collected and filtered water samples, it is possible to establish whether a seal has passed through the sampling area. Lab analyses are expensive, help us carry out our monitoring with a donation!
Citizen Science
Citizen Science
We are creating a network of citizens who collect water samples along the coasts by boat, kayak or sup.
It is an innovative and completely non-invasive monitoring technique as it does not require seeing, disturbing or manipulating the animals. Every species leaves traces of itself in the environment in which it lives. Indeed, seawater contains the DNA of all the species that have passed through that area. Through the analysis of collected and filtered water samples, it is possible to establish whether a seal has passed through the sampling area. Lab analyses are expensive, help us carry out our monitoring with a donation!
Citizen Science
Citizen Science
We are creating a network of citizens who collect water samples along the coasts by boat, kayak or sup.
The youth manager of GFM, Sofia Bonicalza, won the prestigious Italian Terre De Femmes 2022 award from the Yves Rocher foundation with the Care4Seals project.
Care4Seals
MONK SEAL WEEK
Every year we organise, together with local diving centers, training courses for students, families with children and enthusiasts, in which you take part in:
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IT