For many, the concept of “Mediterranean” evokes turquoise waters, tourist destinations, and a rich history. However, it also recalls the dramas of unresolved conflicts. As one of the most exploited areas in the world and the cradle of Western civilization, it is rarely associated with the idea of wild nature. Few people know that its waters are home to whales and seals, its islands host unique species, and even wolves and bears explore its most remote beaches.

To celebrate the incredible biodiversity of this region, Marco Colombo, Bruno D’Amicis, and Ugo Mellone formed the collective “The Wild Line” to explore the most remote corners of the “Mare Nostrum.” One of their first achievements is a report on the Mediterranean monk seal: a massive yet elusive mammal that is reclaiming space along the coasts of the world’s busiest sea. Its secrets, hidden in the crevices of the wildest cliffs, are revealed in a unique portrayal that blends aesthetic beauty with scientific rigor.