In 1992, the first marine park in Greece, the National Marine Park of Alonissos was established, consisting of Alonissos island and six smaller surroundings islands (e.g. Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Gioura, Skantzoura, Piperi) and 22 uninhabited islands. These islands provide the habitat for about 700 last Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus). With their body weight of 250 kg and body length between 2–3 metres, they rank among the largest seals in the world.