Background The Monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the six most threatened mammals in the world. In 1993, the Greek population was estimated at 200-250 individuals. This is the largest global population and it represents 90% of the European population. In Greece, 15 years of efforts to conserve the monk seal have led to the establishment of a strictly protected National Marine Park, 35 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), a National Action Plan, and the establishment of management bodies for two of the monk seal's most frequented areas. Conflicts between fishery interests and seals result in deliberate killings by fishermen as well as delayed or non-reporting of stranded monk seals sighted by fishermen. The monk seals cause damage to fishing gear and occasionally die from entanglement in fishing nets. The lack of knowledge and cooperation with fishermen on these issues continue to seriously threaten the species' survival. Formulating measures to reduce mutually negative impacts is a complex problem since interactions between seals and the fishing industry are influenced by a range of parameters. Objectives This MOFI project’s main objective focused on improving the monk seal’s conservation status in Greece by mitigating negative consequences of conflicts between monk seals and fishermen. Win-win goals were set to decrease monk seal mortality rates and reduce loss of income in the fishery sector induced by seals. Actions to achieve these objectives were implemented over 15 000 km of coastline which encompassed 3 000 islands. Results The MOFI project succeeded in its objectives and much of its work concentrated on seven sites at Alonnisos, Kimolos, Karpathos, Kalymnos, Kythira and Elafonisos, Zakynthos, Chios. These ‘hot spots’ were selected on the basis of their importance to the Mediterranean monk seal. Selection criteria included: density of breeding sites; distribution of monk seal sightings/births; monk seal-fishery interaction; plus their importance to the fishery sector in terms of: tonnage and density of fishing vessels / unit area; use of various fishing gear; density of aquacultures; and impact of the fishery sector on local communities. MOFI’s conservation work combined scientific research with stakeholder harmonisation actions in order to increase understanding about the most effective methods for Monk Seal conservation in Greece and improve involvement of the local fishing industry in such conservation efforts. Results were good and LIFE’s involvement contributed to a noticeable decrease in human-related mortality of the species. These outcomes were supported by the project’s training of local fishermen and local communities from the seven hot spot areas. Training transferred knowledge about how to respond and actively participate in the rescue of monk seals in need. Some 164 participants improved their seal conservation skills during the LIFE funded training programme and other project interventions to rescue, treat, rehabilitate and release seals also helped reduce mortality risks within the limited population of this endangered species. Fishing businesses became actively involved in recording seal-fishery interactions at the hot-spot areas and responded well to surveys from the LIFE team. Questionnaires were completed by 196 coastal fishermen, 19 fish farm owners, seven fishery departments and 64 port police authorities. Special experimental fishing work at the two ‘hottest’ spots (Alonnisos and Kimolos) was carried in collaboration with the fishing sector, who also became more involved in the National Rescue and Information Network (RINT) for seals. Practical conservation actions were complemented by the significant amount of new knowhow that was created during the project about key ecological parameters for monk seals. New information about feeding preferences was gained via stomach analyses and stable isotope tests, while seal movements where monitored via tracking systems. Threat and mortality analysis (on 29 specimens) showed that the main cause of death for adult seals was deliberate killing (44%) and entanglement in fishing gear was confirmed as a sizeable problem for younger seals (56%). Conclusions from the monitoring research however showed that although human related mortality still remained high, a gradual decrease in deliberate killings was recorded throughout the project’s four year period. Validation of such data proved critical in developing sustainable conservation measures and led to the elaboration of dedicated policy documents which will be useful to guide future conservation efforts for the species and its habitat. A ‘National Strategy for the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal for the period 2009-2015’ was produced by the LIFE project and this is supported by an ‘Action Plan for the mitigation of seal-fishery interactions’. Both of these strategic conservation tools have been submitted to the competent national authorities and the beneficiary is working towards securing the document’s official adoption. Information was used as an important conservation tool by the project which ran an extensive dissemination campaign to increase understanding and ownership of seal conservation actions. Television’s ability to reach a wide audience efficiently was harnessed via a 15 minute documentary and a series of shorter bulletins. Local radio was also used and the combination of TV and radio bulletins were broadcast some 1134 times. Long term legacies were targeted by increasing school pupils’ knowledge about the Monk seals’ value and its conservation requirements. Other beneficial communication outcomes were achieved by the project’s website, leaflets, newsletter, ‘Save a stranded seal’ booklet and press coverage within 350 articles covering print and electronic media. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).