UNEP/MAP-SPA/RAC participated in the 37th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society, held in Dundee from 20 to 24 April 2026.
SPA/RAC was represented at the conference by Dr. Luigi Elio Alessandro Bundone, who presented the poster entitled “Recent observations and updated insights on the Mediterranean monk seal in Lebanese coastal waters.”
The poster highlighted findings from the study on “Monitoring and Evaluation of Mediterranean Monk Seal Habitat in North Lebanon”, whose results were published in the scientific journal Conservation in March 2026.
Based on data collected between 2020 and 2025, the study provided insights into the consistency of monk seal presence, habitat use and feeding behaviour in Lebanese coastal waters. A total of 43 sightings were recorded, 34 of which were photo-identified. The findings confirmed the presence of at least three distinct individuals, including one adult female frequently using marine caves in Amchit and Raoucheh.
This work, undertaken under the auspices of the Lebanese Ministry of Environment, was supported through the French Voluntary Contribution (FVC) from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, pursuant to the bilateral agreement signed between UNEP and the Ministry on 15 July 2022 to support activities of the UNEP/MAP 2022–2023 Programme of Work. The activities were implemented in parallel with the Med Monk Seal Project, coordinated by SPA/RAC and financed by the Monk Seal Alliance.
Paving the way for future collaboration
SPA/RAC’s participation in the conference created opportunities for scientific exchange and future collaboration. Constructive discussions were initiated with Gruppo Foca Monaca in Italy and IndyAct in Lebanon, paving the way for possible future joint initiatives focused on monk seal conservation.
In the framework of the Conference, SPA/RAC also took part in the eDNA workshop, , which offered valuable insight into the practical application of environmental DNA methodologies for marine mammal monitoring. The workshop also contributed to strengthening ongoing cooperation with many international scientists and experts in the field of eDNA.
These exchanges are expected to support the development of future projects using eDNA-based approaches to monitor Mediterranean monk seals, particularly in low-density areas where conventional survey methods remain difficult to implement.
The conference presented an important opportunity to reinforce scientific cooperation networks and advance innovative monitoring approaches for the conservation of this endangered species.
