Gyaros Island has become a thriving sanctuary, home to iconic seals and seabirds.
When WWF-Greece and its partners began work here 15 years ago, its waters were plagued by illegal fishing, and one of the world’s rarest marine mammals, the Mediterranean monk seal, was under threat.
Now, a historic Presidential Decree, given in April 2026, has locked a once-hidden gem of ecological beauty, history and even myth, into law. And it’s shaping conservation efforts far beyond Greece.
“This milestone was a 15-year effort to change how marine conservation works in the Mediterranean,” says Spyros Kotomatas, WWF Programme Manager for the Gyaros Marine Protected Area (MPA).
“It took unwavering support from our partners, a broad alliance, and a great deal of persistence. After many years in this field, the levels of determination needed still surprise me. In the end, success comes down to field presence, honesty, and consistency, from donors to local fishers, all working together over time.”
