Coralligenous Ecosystems around Fourni Island Officially Recognised and Protected
“The globally significant coralligenous ecosystems in the Fourni island complex have now been officially designated as a protected natural formation and landscape.”
This marks a key milestone for marine conservation efforts in Greece, as it is the first time coralligenous ecosystems have received formal legal protection. Although relevant legislation existed for decades, it had never been enforced until now.
The coralligenous ecosystems of the Fourni island complex are among the most ecologically rich yet least explored marine habitats in the Mediterranean. Found at depths of 60-150 meters, these underwater structures have formed over centuries or even millennia and serve as vital habitats for a rich marine biodiversity. So far, over 300 species across 113 taxonomic genera have been identified, and our research continues, as there are many more to be discovered. Red gorgonians (Paramuricea clavata) and black coral (Antipathella subpinnata) form extensive marine animal forests beneath these seas. The ecosystems are of international environmental importance and remain a central focus of our ongoing scientific efforts. This achievement follows years of ongoing research by Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, in close collaboration with the Municipality of Fourni, local fishermen, and scientific partners, including Oceana, Under the Pole, and Ionian University. Supported by the Costas M. Lemos Foundation and Pure Ocean, this effort was executed without any public funding. This research is ongoing, aiming to gather further data about these remote, understudied, yet ecologically critical marine ecosystems
Existing legislation mandating the protection of coralligenous habitats had not been enforceable in Greece until now, since the lack of habitat maps meant that the locations of these coralligenous habitats were unknown. To enable rapid implementation of protective measures, the Archipelagos Institute developed and applied a methodology for rapid assessment and mapping of these habitats. This approach integrates advanced marine exploration technologies (including multibeam sonar, biomass scanning, and Remotely Operated Vehicles), scientific diving to depths of up to 100 meters, as well as the integration of fishermen’s invaluable local ecological knowledge. The interest and initiatives of the General Secretary, Mr. Petros Varelidis, were of critical importance for the swift legislative process implemented by the Ministry of Environment.
It is therefore evident that the remaining coralligenous ecosystems in our seas have survived purely by chance. The right image illustrates the destructive impacts of heavy metal trawl doors dragged through areas neighbouring coralligenous habitats.
A new ministerial decision is expected shortly to prohibit destructive fishing practices in the area, a critical measure given the vulnerability of coralligenous ecosystems to trawling. The combined pressure posed to these waters by dozens of both Greek and Turkish trawlers operating here has led to large impacts on both fish stocks, and the key habitats that sustain them. Greek trawlers have frequently fished legally over these habitats, as no protective legislation had been implemented or enforced until now. Meanwhile, illegal fishing has persistently targeted the southern part of the island complex by both Greek and Turkish trawlers, having already caused irreversible damage to some of these fragile habitats.
The Archipelagos Institute and its scientific partners will continue to identify and map coralligenous and other critical ecosystems throughout the Greek seas. In collaboration with local communities and authorities, we aim to develop directly applicable management plans and policy recommendations to support the implementation of effective conservation strategies and measures. In collaboration with the Municipality of Fourni, we are committed to raising awareness of this remarkable natural heritage, not only among residents and visitors but also within the broader public and especially all those who share our commitment to safeguarding the “hidden treasures” of our seas. It is imperative to foster collective knowledge and responsibility to protect these ecosystems before they are irreversibly lost.
