Dear Marmamers, On behalf of my colleagues, I am pleased to inform you of the publication of the following article in Marine Mammal Science: P. Dendrinos, A.A. Karamanlidis, E. Androukaki & B.J. McConnell (2007): Diving development and behavior of a rehabilitated Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). Marine Mammal Science 23(2): 387-397. Abstract: Among the priority actions identified for saving the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal are gaining basic biological information on movements and behavior, and rescuing and rehabilitating wounded, and orphaned pups. On 22 May 2004 a rehabilitated monk seal juvenile was fitted with a satellite tag, released in the National Marine Park of Alonnisos, Northern Sporades, Greece, and monitored for 167 d. Postrelease, the seal remained close to the islands of the park and within the 200-m isobath. Throughout the monitoring period, the seal reduced time hauled out, while 95-percentile dive duration and depth gradually increased. The overall maximum depth of 123 m recorded in this study is the greatest depth ever recorded for the species. These results confirm the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program carried out on the particular animal and provide additional support for the continuation of the rehabilitation program as a conservation measure for the species. We demonstrate that satellite tracking of rehabilitated seals is a valuable research and conservation tool, even for a species that commonly uses shoreline caves for resting, molting, and parturition. The article is available online and will be in print in the April Issue. Sincerely, Alexandros A. Karamanlidis Biologist - Field Researcher Email: a.karamanlidis@mom.gr _____ MOm, HELLENIC SOCIETY FOR THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF THE MONK SEAL 18 Solomou Str. GR-10682 Athens Greece. Tel.:+30.1.5222888, Fax: +30.1.5222450, web-site: <http://www.mom.gr/> www.mom.gr _____