77 days of survey – 124 sightings of marine mammal populations.

Archipelagos’ Marine Mammal Research team continue almost daily surveys at sea , on board the research vessels Naftilos and Pinelopi, despite the frequently rough seas of the autumn months. During 77 days of survey in the Northeastern Aegean, we had 124 sightings of marine mammal populations. The sightings include 4 species of dolphins (bottlenose, common,

Planting Underwater Gardens of Posidonia meadows

Despite the winter approaching, the Archipelagos team’s hard work on Posidonia seagrass replanting continues. Divers and snorkelers, with the help of the support team on kayaks, continue the transport and planting of our underwater gardens. We are slowly but surely making a contribution to reversing the destruction of these invaluable underwater forests. Over the years,

Rescuing Loggerhead Turtles

Two Loggerhead turtles were found trapped amongst rocks, in shallow waters, in Kokkari and in Ormos, Marathokampos on Samos island. Both turtles were found by locals, and showed obvious signs of exhaustion, probably having been unable to dive or feed for several days. Archipelagos – Institute of Marine Conservation was immediately contacted by the locals

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

Over Intensive Aquaculture or Sustainable Development?

The local communities and authorities in the region of Astakos – Echinades – Mitikas – Kastos – Kalamos in Etoloakarnania, western Greece, are claiming the obvious: to halt the increasingly intense degradation occurring in the waters of their region, as well as to restore the environmental destruction that has already been caused.  Archipelagos Institute of

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,

The rebirth of nature during the spring is intense in the sea

While at the Archipelagos Institute we monitor on a daily basis the changes in the marine ecosystems, due to the limited fishing and overall limited presence of humans at seas because of the pandemic, the images we record impress us, even if we know they will not last long… In the picture you can see

Sea Diamond – An Abandoned Toxic Waste for 14 years on the seafloor of Santorini

Fourteen years after the Sea Diamond sunk taking with it 3 human lives and after it was abandoned on the sea floor of Santorini, it continues to corrode and release dangerous toxic substances in the marine ecosystems. Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation has been on the side of the local community since the first day

Mapping of Posidonia seagrass meadows and coastal habitats using kayaks

Despite the difficult conditions, at the Archipelago Institute we adapt our actions to protect the biodiversity of our seas according to the restrictions. Researchers in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team of the Archipelago Institute, continue to map the Posidonia seagrass meadows and the coastal habitats using kayaks. In collaboration with the British University of