Pot traps are specifically designed to attract octopuses, which seek out small, hidden caves to lay their eggs and nurture their young. Laws that regulate the number of pots and the duration of time each season these pots can remain in the sea are often ignored. Sea Shepherd removes these illegal traps to ensure a safe habitat for the octopuses to thrive.

After falling to less than 500, Mediterranean monk seal populations are finally recovering thanks to a decade of marine conservation efforts. But these iconic apex predators still face significant threats from habitat loss, pollution, and deadly encounters with fishing gear. Sea Shepherd’s campaigns in Italy and Greece help support the return of Mediterranean monk seals by protecting their primary food source, the octopus.

Sea Shepherd Global collaborates with local authorities, such as the Port Authority of Porto Lagos and Italy’s Guardia di Finanza, to enforce marine protection laws. These partnerships are crucial for the successful removal of illegal traps and the rescue of octopuses from unsustainable fishing practices.