Local Ecological Knowledge in the Aegean
Local Ecological Knowledge – what has recently been described by the scientific community as Local Ecological Knowledge – the knowledge about the environment that local island communities bring to us is an invaluable source of information that in Greece has been devalued for decades and nowadays we are in danger of losing it. We are […]
The action on board the Aegean Explorer continues with the main objective of identifying and mapping protected ecosystems
The action on board the Aegean Explorer continues with the main objective of identifying and mapping protected ecosystems, such as the Poseidonia seagrass meadows and coral habitats, but also the correction of official mapping – where it exists – or the creation of detailed maps from scratch. It should go without saying that it is […]
Experiences After Work at Archipelagos
Hi, I’m Ella and I completed a 6-week internship on the terrestrial conservation team. During my time with Archipelagos, I initiated a project monitoring the ferret populations. Beyond my main project, I also had the opportunity to join boat surveys monitoring the marine mammal populations, getting the opportunity to learn and understand their work. I […]
Mapping and investigating coralligenous habitats in the mesophotic zone (30-150m)
As a marine researcher recently receiving my B.Sc. in Marine Science, I was eager to get more experience in the field. When I graduated, I discovered Archipelagos and knew it would provide me with the perfect remote location where I can research an area that is not well understood or explored. Therefore, I made the […]
Coralligenous Habitats: An Imperative Need for Immediate Protection
The research expedition of the “Aegean Explorer”, in the waters of the north eastern Aegean, continues despite the strong prevailing north winds. The first results of the focused and intense work of the research team, within the framework of “Protecting Aegean Sea Coralligene”, have been exceptionally interesting! In a marine area of just 7000m2, the […]
Underwater Gardens of Sea Pens
The first results of the research expedition, as part of the action “Protecting Aegean Coralligene”, shows very promising results regarding a biodiversity hotspot within these hidden marine habitats! Within only the first 2km of surveys with advanced equipment, such as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sonar, the international team onboard already identified over 250 […]
Research Expeditions over the Ikaria Trench
During the research expeditions over the Ikaria Trench, the Archipelagos’ marine mammal team aim to gather data on the species living over this important hotspot, to increase our knowledge on their behaviour, distribution and density. Weather-allowing, boat surveys extend to further areas during multiple-day research expeditions. The surveys usually occur between the islands of Ikaria, […]
Kayak based-mapping of Posidonia seagrass meadows
My name is Liam P. Kennedy. I am from Annapolis, Maryland, U.S.A. and I am currently pursuing my Bachelors in Environmental Studies & Sciences: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Towson University. Currently, I am on a summer placement with Archipelagos, from June 2021 until late August 2021. My project at Archipelagos is to create maps […]
Coralligenous Habitats – Protecting the Secret of the Aegean
In the deep waters of the Mediterranean, in particular the Aegean Sea, there is a secret world we risk losing before we even discover it. The Coralligenous Habitats of the Mediterranean, found at a depth of 70-250 meters, are some of the most complex and rich marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean. At the same time, […]
Limiting the environmental footprint caused to our seas by our daily habits: Collaboration between the Archipelagos Institute and KORRES
When we talk about protecting the environment and combating pollution, our mind usually goes to causes and causers that are difficult for us as citizens to influence, such as industrial pollution. Frequently do not think about the large environmental footprint caused by our daily consumption habits, i.e. the personal hygiene products, cosmetics and cleaning products […]