Archipelagos

  • English
  • Ελληνικα
Who We Are
The TeamThe Team
Research BasesResearch Bases
Research BoatsResearch Boats
Our EquipmentOur Equipment
PartnersPartners
SupportersSupporters
Fields of Action
Marine ConservationMarine Conservation Fisheries Shipping Risks Seagrass Meadows Coralligene Conservation Littoral Ecosystems Invasive Species Jellyfish Sea Turtles
Marine MammalsMarine Mammals Dolphins and Porpoises Whales Seals
Terrestrial ConservationTerrestrial Conservation Island Fauna Forests & Flora Freshwater Ecosystems Aegean Seed Bank
Laboratory ResearchLaboratory Research Microplastics Water Analysis Soil Quality
Projects
Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary
Eco-Navigation
FIsh4Life
Save the Aegean
Join Us
Internships in the Aegean
Remote Internships
Interns Experiences
Field Courses
News
Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea
Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale
From dawn in the open sea
From dawn in the open sea
Archipelagos in the 8th Meeting of the Members of ACCOBAMS
Archipelagos in the 8th Meeting of the Members of ACCOBAMS
View All...
Donate
Menu

Hundreds of explosions at sea in the eastern Aegean, one of the most important regions for marine mammals in the Mediterranean Sea

Hundreds of explosions at sea in the eastern Aegean, one of the most important regions for marine mammals in the Mediterranean Sea

by Aanastasia Miliou / Wednesday, 25 May 2022 / Published in Military Exercises, News, Press Releases
Naftilos3

Over the past two days (Monday 23/05/2022 and Tuesday 24/05/2022) Naftilos’ crew of “Archipelagos” Institute of Marine Conservation recorded hundreds of explosions in the marine region of the NE Aegean. We presume that the explosions originated from the military exercises of the Turkish Navy, south of Izmir.

The wider NE Aegean marine area is a biodiversity hotspot of global importance as it hosts some of the most important marine mammals populations in the Mediterranean. During our research over the past 24 years in this region, we record, almost daily, populations of marine mammals such as sperm whales, cuvier beaked whales, and 4 dolphin species. In that same area over the years we have also recorded numerous dead stranded cetaceans.

While the explosions were happening as well as the following days, we have been noticing the absence of cetaceans species from a region that usually brims with life. Luckily, we have not found any dead or injured marine animals until now.

We have to emphasize that the main issue is not which country carries out the explosions but the dramatic impact these cause on the ecosystems. Our main goal is the conservation of marine life, especially in this area of global environmental interest, there should be no room for nationalistic approaches.

εκρήξεις στη θάλασσα στο ανατολικό Αιγαίο

εκρήξεις στη θάλασσα στο ανατολικό Αιγαίο

The footprint of military exercises on the marine ecosystems

Even though a few years ago the environmental footprint of Hellenic Navy military exercises was particularly intense, over the past few years, operational protocols and procedures have been in place to limit the impact of military activities in the Greek seas. Positive change is obvious since we no longer encounter dead animals or population movements during military exercises. Of course, the ecological print of the Hellenic Armed Forces can and should be limited even more. However, in seas of international importance for biodiversity, such as the wider area of the Aegean, effective protection can only be achieved when all states using the sea, whether coastal or not, agree upon and implement harmonized procedures.

“Archipelagos” Institute of Marine Conservation remains at sea in the region, where we have been working over the past 24 years and, in close cooperation with the local communities and fishing boats that are active in the area, we are searching for injured or dead marine animals.

 

 

0
0
0
0
0
Tagged under: aegean, explosions at the sea, turkish navy

What you can read next

Important initiative by CIESM for the creation of Transnational Marine Conservation Zones
Three buzzards released on the island of Samos
Repeated dolphin killings

HIGHLIGHTS

  • International Visitors at the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary Project

    International Visitors at the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary Project

    1 June 2021
    At Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation an important visit took …
  • The Efkranti Award was Granted to the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

    The Efkranti Award was Granted to the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

    27 July 2020
    It was a great honor but also great moral support …
  • The President of the Hellenic Republic’s visit to Archipelagos research vessel, the Aegean Explorer

    The President of the Hellenic Republic’s visit to Archipelagos research vessel, the Aegean Explorer

    30 June 2020
    Yesterday, during the President of the Republic’s visit to the …
  • Award to Archipelagos: Best Heroic Act of Environmental Stewardship

    Award to Archipelagos: Best Heroic Act of Environmental Stewardship

    19 February 2020
    The Short Documentary Film presenting the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary, …
  • Award to Archipelagos Institute from the International Propeller Club of the United States

    Award to Archipelagos Institute from the International Propeller Club of the United States

    6 February 2020
    We would like to thank the International Propeller Club of …

Recent Posts

  • Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea

    Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea

    23 December 2022
    Before the closing of schools for Christmas break, students from …
  • Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

    Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

    20 December 2022
    Cuvier’s Beaked Whale in the waters of the North Aegean …
  • From dawn in the open sea

    From dawn in the open sea

    8 December 2022
    From dawn in the open sea, having 2-3 hours until …
  • Archipelagos in the 8th Meeting of the Members of ACCOBAMS

    Archipelagos in the 8th Meeting of the Members of ACCOBAMS

    2 December 2022
    The 8th meeting of the members of ACCOBAMS (Agreement for …
  • The International School of the Sea – Action Continues during the Winter Months

    The International School of the Sea – Action Continues during the Winter Months

    1 December 2022
    As winter is approaching, Archipelagos’ International School of the Sea …
  • Green Turtles – Winter Monitoring

    Green Turtles – Winter Monitoring

    23 November 2022
    The work for the preparation of the bay at the …
  • NEW DATA REVEALS BOTTOM TRAWLING IN PROTECTED AREAS

    NEW DATA REVEALS BOTTOM TRAWLING IN PROTECTED AREAS

    2 November 2022
    GREATER TRANSPARENCY NEEDED TO STOP ILLEGAL FISHING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN  …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is committed to researching and defending the biodiversity of the Greek seas and islands.

Our action is possible only with your help!

donate
  • Contact us
  • Placements

Archipelagos - Institute of Marine Conservation © All Rights Reserved || Web Design and Development by Red Web Design & Fekas Brothers

TOP