Their mission is to stop the destruction of the natural environment and the slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans, in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and endangered species.
Sea Shepherd employs innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of ocean ecosystems—whose balance is so fragile—they work to ensure their survival for future generations.
The grant pertains to the 12-month coverage of part of the Organization’s operational expenses for patrol activities and the prevention of illegal activities in the National Marine Park of the Northern Sporades, as well as for the program focused on octopus protection in the North Aegean.
In 2023, Sea Shepherd Greece covered 12,000 nautical miles and recorded 1,800 hours of patrols in the National Marine Park of Alonnisos Northern Sporades, reducing illegal fishing activities and supporting local authorities in law enforcement. As a result, the population of the Mediterranean monk seal increased, moving from Critically Endangered to Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Sea Shepherd aims to expand its at-sea patrols to mitigate the threats of illegal fishing. These activities undermine efforts to establish large Marine Protected Areas and directly threaten the populations of the Mediterranean monk seal and octopus.