However, in recent years, the Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal (Mom) has collected around 300 confirmed monk seal observation reports in the Saronic Gulf region and on the coast of Attica. It is noteworthy that 19 of these references were newborns, suggesting that the monk seal has not only returned in the region round Athens, but has further selected the region for its reproduction. Considering that human activity in the region is huge, the phenomenon shows that the Mediterranean monk seal has begun to "trust" people again.

It appears that long-term efforts of environmental organisations to raise awareness over environmental issues, has borne fruit. The return of this rare animal indicates that even in the huge urban fabric of Athens we can enjoy a healthy marine environment.