one of the largest groups among the foundations concentrating their efforts towards the preservation of the mediterranean monk seal is the mediterranean seal research group ("akdeniz foklarını araştırma grubu") operating under the underwater research foundation ("sualtı araştırmaları derneği") in turkey (also known as sad-afag). the group has taken initiative in joint preservation efforts together with the foça municipal officials, as well as phone, fax, and email hotlines for sightings.