First observation of the grey seal Halichoerus grypus on the Moroccan Mediterranean coast

A grey seal Halichoerus grypus (Fabricius, 1791) has been recorded in the Moroccan Mediterranean in March 6th, 2022. This is the first documented case of the presence of grey seal in the Alboran Sea. It is an adult male of 180-200 cm in length. This individual likely came from the North Atlantic and entered through the Gibraltar Strait. The Al Hoceima National Park is characterized by the presence of a portion of wild rocky coast, little exploited. The habitat requirements of the grey seal and the monk seal are very similar: both species utilize coastal rocky shores and caverns. Thus, the presence of a grey seal in this area indicates that the area may be suitable for the future recolonization of monk seals (Monachus monachus) in the Moroccan Mediterranean that has disappeared in Al Hoceima National Park.