Monk Seal Spotted at Punta Campanella

An exceptional sighting thrilled the sea of ​​the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area this morning, on the border between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno.

Off the coast of Massa Lubrense, a young hiker filmed for a few moments what experts believe to be a high probability Mediterranean monk seal – one of the rarest and most threatened species in the Mediterranean.

The video, shared on social media, was analyzed by theISPRA, the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, which confirmed the authenticity and importance of the sighting, also activating the Port Authority of Castellammare di Stabia.

The seal, an animal notoriously shy and sensitive to human presence, had virtually disappeared from the Italian coasts for decades. The last local reports date back to over half a century ago. Only in the last twenty years have rare returns been documented, including a sighting off the coast of Capri in 2022.

A sign of hope for marine biodiversity

"A precious presence for our territory", he declared Lucio Cacace, president of the Punta Campanella AMP, thanking the citizens who reported the episode.
Carmela Guidone, director of the protected area, urges maximum caution: "Avoid approaching the area, and in case of new sightings, keep your distance and contact the authorities immediately."

The monk seal is today one of the most endangered marine mammals: it is estimated that only a few hundred remain in the entire Mediterranean.