Fisheries & Coastal Ecosystem Research Base
During the summer and autumn of 2020, Archipelagos’ main base is on the island of Lipsi, where the Marine Research Base and the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary are located.
In the small town of Lipsi, we operate out of three buildings situated in the centre of Lipsi’s small vibrant town, a town with great community spirit. The main office is situated by the port and hosts a spacious office, outdoor working areas, and an info center/ lecture room.
Next door is our kitchen and indoor/outdoor eating area facilities where our cook prepares the team’s meals for our kitchen staff. Also there is an outdoor communal eating area.
Two facilities are provided for the team’s accommodation in shared rooms, both a few minutes walk from the office. Our accommodation facilities provide wi-fi, laundry facilities and a sunny outdoor communal area.
Archipelagos’ Lipsi Research Base, supports the work for the creation of the Aegean Marine Life sanctuary.
The sanctuary itself is situated 5km from the town and main Research Centre, on the NW of Lipsi Island, within a highly biodiverse fjord-like bay. The Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary when completed and operating , will function with three parallel aims: as an innovative rehabilitation centre for marine mammals and turtles, as a site for the long-term care of dolphins that are rescued from captivity, but also as a coastal ecology research centre where numerous important experiments and research activities take place.
The Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary building is being developed to be a model self-sufficient building. It is powered by solar panels, and will soon also have a solar-powered desalination system to cover the water-supply needs of the building. The AMLS has great support from the local community and authorities in Lipsi, but also from a growing international network of experts giving us the assurance we need to see this project to fruition with multiple aspects of innovation.
Lipsi Island is recognised as one of the most green islands of the Mediterranean, as it is being awarded as one of the best recycling systems, while the local authorities are carrying out several important initiatives to reduce the plastic footprint of the island. Apart from the 800 permanent inhabitants, the population of the Island booms during summertime, as many tourists and seasonal visitors are attracted to the beautiful landscapes, numerous small beaches, hospitable community and rich marine life.
Main Research Base
Accomodation facility 1
Archipelagos’ main research base is located close to the small town of Pythagorio, in the settlement of Mesokampos, on the southeastern part of Samos island. It is multifunctional since it supports marine and terrestrial research and conservation activities. The base consists of offices with a small library, a laboratory, dormitory style rooms for accommodation and a kitchen, as well as a small gym and cinema room.
The building is situated just a few minutes away from the beach with a beautiful view facing the coast of Turkey and the national park of the Dilek Peninsula. The Psili Ammos salt marsh, a protected Natura 2000 site, is located a few kilometers away and supports important migratory and resident bird populations, as well as other wildlife. Within a close distance from Archipelagos’ base lies Pythagorio, an ancient town with a 2,500-year-old harbor filled with brightly colored fishing boats. While in Pythagorio, one can find a wide range of cafes, restaurants, taverns and shops. From here several historical sites can be accessed, including the ancient temple of the goddess Hera, the Tunnel of Eupalinos and the Archaeological Museum of Pythagorio.
Samos is a Greek island in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea. It is facing the Turkish coastline, and their closest point is only 1.6 km away. It is a historical island, with ancient heritage and important archeological sites. In antiquity it was home to prominent figures such as the mathematician Pythagoras, the storyteller Aesop, the philosopher Epicurus and the astronomer Aristarchus. Today Samos is characterized by its rare natural wealth, both at land and sea. It is the only island of the Mediterranean that supports populations of golden jackals and the only place in Greece where Mediterranean chameleons still survive. The marine ecosystems around Samos are equally important, as they contain Posidonia seagrass meadows, coralligenous reefs and considerable populations of rare, endangered marine mammals and turtles.
Forestry & Agronomy Research Base
The research station in Ikaria island functions occasionally when there are projects running on the island. It is located in the settlement of Kastanies, Rahes, within a traditional village community. Offices, a small laboratory, a computer room and a meeting room are provided, while wi-fi internet can be accessed throughout.
Additionally, an online meteorological station and AIS receiver station are installed in the base. Dormitory style accommodation and kitchen facilities with a biomass heating unit are also available. The base borders a small-scale agricultural land, a pine forest and stream valleys with an amazing view.
Ιkaria is a very special island of the Aegean, with spectacular river valleys, beautiful beaches, traditional villages and very hospitable local community. The island is characterized by a unique natural environment with a rare combination of Mediterranean ecosystems. It is mountainous with many streams and lakes, as well as large, diverse forests. The marine environment of the region supports populations of many protected species, while the littoral zone boasts rich and diverse ecosystems. Ikaria has a population of roughly 8,400 inhabitants, many of them following the traditional island way of life. The main livelihoods are agriculture, bee-keeping, livestock farming and, to a lesser degree, fisheries. Tourism is also important for the economy of the island.
Coastal Biodiversity Research Stations
The station on the small islet of Marathi is housed in a small environmental observatory provided by the Municipality of Patmos. Archipelagos’ research teams use this research station for short duration surveys or overnight stays.
The small island Marathi, is permanently inhabited by only 3-5 people. The station is predominantly used by Archipelagos’ teams for littoral ecosystem research or when the marine mammal research team spend the night in the station when in between surveys. The surrounding area is unique because of its pristine natural environment, with almost no anthropogenic impact and rich marine biodiversity. It is a perfect location for studying and experiencing pure nature.
The area is a part of the “Permanent Wildlife Refuge of Arki Island Complex & N. Patmos Islets”, which consists of 14 isles in the Patmos region. It was established by the Greek authorities in 2004, based on biodiversity research carried out by Archipelagos in cooperation with the local community, the Municipality of Patmos, and the South Aegean District.