Mediterranean monk seals had been known to congregate, give birth and seek refuge on the Mediterranean Sea, but in 20th century they were brought to the brink of extinction by habitat changes and fishermen.

The Lega Italiana Protezione Uccelli (LIPU) is an Italian charitable organisation, devoted to the protection of the country’s wildlife, with a particular focus on birds, that has developed a project for the conservation of habitats in the Venice lagoon hosting monk seals and marine birds.