The potential re‐colonisation of Mediterranean monk seals: Evaluating threats and management options

Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus ; MMS) are a vulnerable marine species historically widespread throughout coastal areas of the Mediterranean, Black Sea and parts of the North Atlantic. MMS have suffered significant population declines and extirpations due to anthropogenic pressures, particularly persecution, overfishing and impacts of tourism. Extant populations are fragmented, but recent trends indicate some re‐colonisation in the historic range. This study sought to understand opportunities and threats to MMS re‐colonisation in Croatia. It gauged support for MMS return and perceptions of different management options from two stakeholder groups. Structured questionnaires were used with fishers to assess the threat of persecution and overfishing, and with visitors to understand their willingness to pay (WTP) conservation fees to support environmental initiatives. Our results indicate that while persecution may no longer be a pertinent threat to MMS in Croatia, overfishing threatens fish stocks and the marine environment. Results also suggest that tourism could generate funding for conservation initiatives, particularly through on‐arrival visitor fees. We consider key management options to support MMS re‐colonisation, including expanding the current marine protected area network and demarking new no‐take zones, working closely with fishers, establishing financial mechanisms for compensation and subsidies, developing awareness raising campaigns, and implementing one‐off conservation fees.