Cetacean distribution studies on boat-based surveys
Knowledge on abundance, trends and distribution of cetacean population is needed to increase marine conservation efforts, ecosystem models and spatial planning. Boat-based surveys, conducted along pre-designed transects with dedicated observers, are used to assess the cetacean occurrence and density over our study area area.
Bioacoustics monitoring and recording of the communication of cetacean species
Bioacoustics study is essential to understand the different functions of cetacean communication combined with the influence of anthropogenic activities. The study is carried out using a Hydrophone Array System and PAMGuard Software to detect the presence of cetaceans and to study their vocalizations. At the same time anthropogenic noise pollution is assessed in order to investigate possible effects of marine traffic and other forms of underwater noise pollution on cetacean behaviour and habitat selection.
Behavioural study on marine mammals
The analysis of specific ethograms based on the data collection during boat-based surveys is conducted parallel to other research to better assess the ecology of marine mammals. Statistical analysis and the use of innovative software such as BORIS are helping us to identify and quantify the influence of human activities on the life of marine mammals and to map their habitats (the sites they use for feeding, resting, nursery,, etc.).
Movement pattern, residency pattern and social structure through mark recapture photo-identification techniques
The research enables a census of the presence of a population in a specific area, while also helps in creating a Photo-ID catalogue for each year.The Capture-Mark-Recapture is considered a useful tool for making abundance estimates. During the boat-based survey, dedicated observers are taking picture of specific anatomical parts of the dolphins sighted in order to capture identificationmarks such as patch on the dorsal fin, notch, scars, etc.
Assessing fishstock biomass to estimate prey availability
Archipelagos’ marine mammal research team is currently working to develop a protocol for the estimation of cetacean prey availability, combining data of marine mammal abundance and distribution with data originating from a fishstock biomass scanner.
Analysis of the environmental factors influence on the distribution and abundance of Cetaceans
Ferry - boat fixed-transect monitoring of Cetaceans
Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary
The Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary (AMLS) is a model sanctuary where expert care and rehabilitation will be provided to sick and injured marine animals in and around the Greek islands and formerly captive dolphins can thrive in a natural environment. The AMLS is currently under construction on the island of Lipsi, aiming to become the first of its kind sanctuary using the highest standard of animal welfare and serving as a research and educational facility, that allows study without human disturbance to the animals.
Located in a pristine natural location being cost-effective, sustainable, innovative and far from the impacts of humans the AMLS is a solution to a global problem that is replicable and scalable.
To read more about it, click HERE
Monitoring the Mediterranean Monk Seals
As the Eastern Aegean region is considered a key habitat for the Mediterranean Monk Seal, Archipelagos is carrying out research on this important endangered species. The research is conducting by citizen science awareness and information campaigns, habitat suitability and identification as well as land survey to monitoring the behaviour of spotted individuals. Their interactions with fishing communities, as well as other threats,is monitored in order to develop and enforce realistic conservation and urgently needed schemes.
Archipelagos Stranding Response Network
Over the last decade, the Archipelagos Stranding Response Network has been developed with the cooperation of local communities in the Aegean Islands. It helps providing first aid and rescuing of stranded and, entangled animals as well as data sampling during necropsy on dead animals. The strandings are assessed by qualified staff able to provide guidance also from distance to people reporting the events.
Microplastic/Macroplastic: marine litter monitoring and assessment
The microplastic research, conducted by Archipelagos Team, is focused on the quantification and categorisation of microplastics in the marine environment. To get a better picture of this global issue, marine animals from different level of the food chain are analysed starting from invertebrates up to megafauna (dolphins, seals, sea turtles found stranded). Furthermore, a parallel microplastic analysis focuses on the measurement of its concentration in both sea column and freshwater, as well as its effect on marine fauna and human's health.
The macroplastic research consists of daily and seasonal beach clean ups around Samos island, as well as in other Aegean islands. Moreover, during the boat-based and ferry fixed-transect surveys, a floating marine litter monitoring is conducted. This research can give us the chance to assess the origin of the plastic pollution identifying the seasonal trends and distribution of human litter. In this way, we can be able to realise targeted awareness campaigns to involve locals and tourists adopting conservation strategies to mitigate the problem.
Eco-navigation: a citizen-science platform for sailors and sea enthusiasts to report their observations
Eco-navigation is a a citizen-science platform that addresses to sailors, divers, fishermen and sea enthusiasts and in general people who love the sea. It aims to encourage them to report their interesting observations while at sea such as the observations of marine mammals (dolphins, whales, seals), sea turtles, sharks, invasive species and jellyfish blooms, but also pollution incidents (plastic debris, oil spill, etc.) or other unusual or interesting sightings. The information they gather is made available to expert scientsts throughout Europe, strengthening in this way the cooperation between active citizens and scientists for the conservation of our seas but also for covering the large knowledge gaps that still exist in relation to marine life.
Citizen science and School education and awareness projects
The Archipelagos’ team is active in various parts of the Aegean region, involving and engaging the island communities in its research and conservation efforts. A wide variety of media material is produced to raise awareness, including leaflets, posters, booklets, children’s fairy tales, educational games and DVDs. Various events to raise awareness, such as workshops and conferences, also take place in island schools and communities throughout the year. For Archipelagos, this important investment is the key to long-term protection of the Greek seas and the entire Eastern Mediterranean.
With mild autumn weather conditions, we continue working in the open sea to collect valuable data on the anthropogenic factors that threaten marine life, with our sight always towards the seas.
We remind everyone, that the protection of the environment is not the responsibility of few, but rather an obligation we all share. Understanding that our planet must remain viable, is a prerequisite for our survival and that of future generations.
#savetheaegean #wearearchipelagos #marinelife #archipelagos #backtonature #marineconservation #conservetheaegean #greece
With a temporary improvement in weather conditions, the research boat Pinelopi continues its conservation work in the waters north of Ikaria island. Work focuses on monitoring marine mammal populations, oceanographic studies and the recording of the ever-increasing anthropogenic threats to our seas.
A consistent presence in the same seas for 22 years, the Pinelopi offers an invaluable ally for the Archipelagos Institute and all those who travel with her over the years.
#ArchipelagosInstitute #Conservation #Greece #ResearchConservation #SavetheAegean
A few decades ago the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) was very abundant in the Greek seas, today overfishing has caused a severe decline to their populations.
According to Greek legislation, the minimum legal fishing size for a common octopus is 500gr; however, the proposed minimum sustainable fishing size is 1100-1300gr.
Therefore, in order to be consumed sustainably, without impacting the stock, it is important to select octopus that are over 1300gr in weight. Additionally, by avoiding fishing and consumption during the main breeding season (April- May), stocks of this species can be naturally enriched and continue to exist in the coming years!
#ArchipelagosInstitute #Conservation #Greece #ResearchConservation #SavetheAegean
A hopeful image we have recorded at 96 meters depth. In regions where human activity is limited, ecosystems still thrive!
We cannot know or comprehend what are the consequences nor how many decades are required for recovery after the unfortunate destruction these sensitive ecosystems have faced. Therefore, Archipelagos Institute continues the push for legal establishment of a depth limit below which humans do not have the right to overexploit marine resources.
#ArchipelagosInstitute #Conservation #SavetheAegean #Greece #ResearchConservation
With strong northerly winds in the central Aegean, the crew of Naftilos continue action for the conservation of our seas.
#Archipelagos #wearearchipelagos #savetheaegean #greece #researchforconservation
The “Aegean Explorer” and “Naftilos” out at sea, making best use of weather between seasonal storms! Our Archipelago team records populations of 4 Mediterranean whale and dolphin species. Since 2000, a strong focuse has been the Risso dolphin! This species is distinct due to its heavily scarred body surface and round head. As we continue to learn, we are forever impressed by this extraordinary species!
#Archipelagos #wearearchipelagos #savetheaegean #marinemammalresearch #marineconservation #researchforconservation #dolphin #dolphins #rissos
Καλό μήνα και καλό υπόλοιπο διακοπών σε όσους βρίσκονται σε θάλασσες και σε βουνά.
Διαπλέοντας διάφορα μέρη του Αιγαίου, βλέπουμε σκάφη κάθε τύπου - ταχύπλοα, φουσκωτά, βάρκες - να προσεγγίζουν ακόμα και τις μικρότερες ακατοίκητες νησίδες, συχνά με μεγάλη ταχύτητα και οχλαγωγία.
Υπενθυμίζουμε ότι στις ελληνικές θάλασσές δεν υπάρχει καμία νησίδα, από την πιο μικρή έως την πιο μεγάλη, που να είναι ακατοίκητη ή έρημη. Ακόμα και η μικρότερη νησίδα, πέρα από τα μοναδικής αξίας γεωμορφολογικά στοιχεία, αποτελεί καταφύγιο, από την ανθρώπινη όχληση, για σημαντικά είδη πανίδας και χλωρίδας.
Η όχληση που πολλές φορές προκαλείται - ακόμα και μη ηθελημένα - από όσους επισκέπτονται αυτές τις δυσπρόσιτες περιοχές των θαλασσών μας μπορεί είναι έντονη ή και επιβλαβής για τα είδη που πρέπει να επιβιώσουν εκεί όλο τον χρόνο. Η ζωή στις μικρές νησίδες θα πρέπει να συνεχιστεί και μετά το τέλος του καλοκαιριού.
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We wish a good month to everyone and happy holidays to those on vacation at the seaside or in the mountains.
As we sail across different parts of the Aegean we see boats of different types such as speedboats, rubber boats and boats approaching at great speed and with great uproar even the smallest uninhabited islets.
We’d like to remind you that in the Greek seas none of the islets, from the tiniest to the largest, is uninhabited or desolate. Even the smallest one has geomorphological elements of great value and are a shelter from human disturbance, for important flora and fauna species.
The disturbance that is often caused - even unintentionally- by those visiting these hard-to-reach areas at the sea can be harmful to the species that try to survive there all year round. Life on the islets must continue after the summer.
#wearearchipelagos #savetheaegean #coralligenous #archipelagos #greece #mediterranean #fourni #lipsiisland #mediterraneansea #aegean #aegeansea #marinebiodiversity #greeceislands #sancturary #savethereefs #reefs #coralreefs #coralligenous #coralligene #fishing #ghostfishing #fisheries #bycatch
Με πρόσκαιρα βελτιωμένες τις καιρικές συνθήκες στο ανατολικό Αιγαίο, οι ερευνητές θαλάσσιας οικολογίας του Ινστιτούτου Αρχιπέλαγος επικεντρώνονται στη συλλογή δεδομένων από θαλάσσια οικοσυστήματα σε βαθύτερα νερά, ανάμεσα στα 70-200 μέτρα βάθος.
Τόσο η αλλαγή του κλίματος όσο και οι ανθρώπινες δραστηριότητες, έχουν ήδη προκαλέσει αλλαγές στα θαλάσσια οικοσυστήματα. Παράλληλα παρατηρείται μεγάλα κενά γνώσης για την επίδραση που προκαλείται ιδίως στα μεγάλα βάθη, κάνοντας επιτακτική την ανάγκη για έρευνα σε αυτά τα δύσκολα νερά.
Με βασικό στόχο τον εντοπισμό και την χαρτογράφηση των κοραλλιγενών οικοτόπων, οι ερευνητές του Ινστιτούτου Αρχιπέλαγος, εν πλω στον Aegean Explorer επεκτείνουν τη συλλογή δεδομένων και στην παρακολούθηση των ξενικών ειδών, της κατάστασης των ιχθυαποθεμάτων, και των φυσικοχημικών παραμέτρων.
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As the weather conditions have temporarily improved in the Aegean, the marine ecology researchers from the Archipelagos Institute focus the data collection on the habitats of deeper waters, between 70-200 meters depth.
Both climate change and anthropogenic activities have already altered marine ecosystems, while large knowledge gaps exist on how these impact marine life especially at larger depths. Hence the research in these challenging waters is a great priority.
With the main aim to locate and map coralligenous habitats, Archipelagos’ researchers on board the Aegean Explorer extend their data collection to also monitor the invasive species, the status of the fish stocks, as well as the physicochemical parameters.
#wearearchipelagos #savetheaegean #coralligenous #archipelagos #greece #mediterranean #fourni #lipsiisland #mediterraneansea #aegean #aegeansea #marinebiodiversity #greeceislands #sancturary #savethereefs #reefs #coralreefs #coralligenous #coralligene #fishing #ghostfishing #fisheries #bycatch
Καρχαρίες στις Ελληνικές Θάλασσες #SharkWeek
Καθώς διανύουμε την Εβδομάδα Καρχαριών, είναι μία καλή αφορμή να αναφερθούμε σε αυτά τα ιδιαίτερα είδη. Στις ελληνικές θάλασσες έχουν καταγραφεί 36 είδη καρχαριών, όμως πολύ λίγα είναι γνωστά για τους πληθυσμούς τους.
Ως κορυφαίοι θηρευτές, οι καρχαρίες παίζουν σημαντικό ρόλο στην διατήρηση της ισορροπίας των θαλάσσιων οικοσυστημάτων και έχουν τον ρόλο του εξυγιαντή των ιχθυαποθεμάτων.
Η δραστική μείωση των πληθυσμών των καρχαριών λόγω της περαλίευσης και της παρεμπίπτουσας αλιείας μπορεί να έχει δραματικές επιπτώσεις στην θαλάσσια τροφική αλυσίδα αλλά και στα 3 δισεκατομμύρια ανθρώπων παγκοσμίως η επιβίωση των οποίων εξαρτάται από τους αλιευτικούς πόρους.
Η κατανόηση του πώς οι καρχαρίες κινούνται, συμπεριφέρονται, αναπαράγονται και τρέφονται αποτελεί προϋπόθεση για την προστασία τους. Το Ινστιτούτο Αρχιπέλαγος ξεκίνησε μία νέα ερευνητική δράση για την αξιολόγηση της βιοποικιλότητας των καρχαριών στο Αιγαίο, τόσο στα ρηχότερα όσο και στα βαθιά νερά.
Ένα σημαντικό βήμα για την προστασία των καρχαριών στις ελληνικές θάλασσες.
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Sharks of the Greek Seas
As it is #SharkWeek, it is a good chance to talk about this special species. In the Greek seas, 36 shark species have been recorded, however very little is known about their populations.
As apex predators, sharks play a critical role in maintaining balance in #oceans around the world as they are fed by weak or ill #fishes. However, their numbers are dwindling rapidly due primarily to overfishing and falling victim to bycatch. Their disappearance could trigger widespread trophic cascades and have a great impact on the marine food web as well as on the more than three billion people who rely on the #fishing stock for their livelihoods.
Understanding how #sharks move, behave, reproduce, and feed is essential if we hope to protect them. Therefore, we initiated a project to assess the #biodiversity of #coastal and deep waters shark species in the #aegeansea.
An important step in protecting the Greek shark species.
#wearearchipelagos #savetheaegean #sharks #sharksofinstagram #sharkconservation #protectsharks #greekseas #ocean #conservation
Απορρόφηση του Γαλάζιου Άνθρακα - Είναι όλα τα θαλάσσια λιβάδια Ποσειδωνίας ίδια; Νέα δημοσίευση του Ινστιτούτου Αρχιπέλαγος στο επιστημονικό περιοδικό Frontiers.
Η πρόσφατη επιστημονική δημοσίευση μας με θέμα ‘Is all seagrass habitat equal? Seasonal, spatial, and interspecific variation in productivity dynamics within Mediterranean seagrass habitat’, αφορά την ποσοτικοποίηση της δυνατότητας απορρόφησης του άνθρακα από τα λιβάδια Ποσειδωνίας στο Αιγαίο. Διερευνά δηλαδή το πώς τα διαφορετικά θαλάσσια λιβάδια (σε διαφορετικά βάθη, σε διαφορετική πυκνότητα κλπ) συμβάλλουν σε διαφορετικό βαθμό στην απορρόφηση του άνθρακα.
Σύμφωνα με τη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία τα θαλάσσια λιβάδια και τα άλλα αντίστοιχα παράκτια οικοσυστήματα απορροφούν έως και 35 φορές περισσότερο άνθρακα συγκριτικά με τα τροπικά δάση. Επιπλέον, κάθε τετραγωνικό μέτρο ενός υγιούς λιβαδιού παράγει έως και 20 λίτρα οξυγόνου ημερησίως για τις θάλασσες και την ατμόσφαιρα.
Αλλά τι ακριβώς ισχύει για τα λιβάδια Ποσειδωνίας στα ελληνικά νερά;
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Seagrass meadows’ ability to sequester blue carbon - Are all seagrass habitats equal? New scientific publication at the @frontiersin_ Marine Science.
Our recent scientific publication entitled ‘Is all seagrass habitat equal? Seasonal, spatial, and interspecific variation in productivity dynamics within the Mediterranean seagrass habitat’ quantifies the ability of Posidonia seagrass meadows in the Aegean to sequester (i.e. capture) carbon. It examines how the seagrass meadows of different depths, densities, and other factors play a role in the sequestration of blue carbon.
According to scientific literature, seagrass meadows and other equivalent coastal habitats capture 35 times more carbon than the rainforests. In addition, every square meter of a healthy seagrass meadow produces 20 liters of oxygen daily for the seas and the atmosphere.
But what are the specific figures for Posidonia seagrass in the Aegean Sea?
Link at bio 🔗
#wearearchipelagos #savetheaegean #mediterraneansea #aegean #aegeansea #biodiversityconservation #protectbiodiversity #scubadiving #naturephotography #posidonia #carboncapture #posidoniaoceanica #photosynthesis #seagrass
Καθώς οδεύουμε για την έρευνα στα βαθιά νερά, το ROV κάνει μία σύντομη στάση στα 40 μέτρα. Ακόμα σε αυτά τα σχετικά ρηχά νερά, η θαλάσσια ζωή εντυπωσιάζει.
Η μεγάλη βιοποικιλότητα σφουγγαριών, βρυόζωων και μία πληθώρα άλλων ασπόνδυλων ειδών αποτελεί τη βάση για ένα ιδιαίτερα παραγωγικό οικοσύστημα.
Ας μην ξεχνάμε λοιπόν ότι οι θάλασσες μας κρύβουν τα μυστικά τους στα βαθύτερα νερά, εκεί που μέχρι πρόσφατα δεν έφταναν οι επιπτώσεις της ανθρώπινης δραστηριότητας. Σήμερα όμως ο κίνδυνος είναι όλο και μεγαλύτερος.
Η έρευνα και η δράση του Ινστιτούτου Αρχιπέλαγος έχει ως βασικό στόχο να αυξήσει τις γνώσεις για την ζωή στα βαθύτερα νερά, αλλά και να μοιραστεi με όλους την κοινή ευθύνη που έχουν οι γενιές μας για την προστασία τους.
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As we keep sailing on our way to another deep water research, the ROV makes a short stop at 40 meters depth.
Even in these relatively shallow waters, marine life is impressive. The great sponge and bryozoa biodiversity as well as the various invertebrates comprise the basis for a particularly reproductive habitat.
We shouldn’t forget that our seas hide their secrets in deep water that until recently was not affected by anthropogenic activities. Nowadays, though, the danger is even higher.
Archipelagos’ research and actions aim to increase knowledge about life in the deep seas as well as to share the common responsibility our generations share for the protection of the seas.
#wearearchipelagos #savetheaegean #deepsea #archipelagos #greece #aegean
#aegeansea #greeceislands #biodiversityconservation #protectbiodiversity
#climatechange #underwaterphotography #biodiversity #naturephotography #marinescience #marineconservation #savethesea #invertebrates
Εάν δεν γνωρίσουμε το μοναδικό πλούτο των θαλασσών μας, είναι αδύνατον να τις διαχειριστούμε και να τις προστατέψουμε!
Στις ελληνικές θάλασσες καταγράφουμε μοναδική βιοποικιλότητα και μεταξύ πολλών άλλων περισσότερα από 500 είδη ψαριών.
📌Αρχαιοζωολογικές μελέτες έχουν δείξει ότι τα είδη των ψαριών που αλιεύονταν από τους ψαράδες του Αιγαίου πριν από 10.000 χρόνια, είναι σε μεγάλο βαθμό τα ίδια με τα είδη που ψαρεύουν οι παράκτιοι αλιείς σήμερα. Όμως τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες, η βιοποικιλότητα των θαλασσών μας αλλάζει λόγω των ξενικών και εισβολικών ειδών, με αποτέλεσμα κάθε χρόνο να καταγράφουμε πολλά νέα είδη.
Η Μεσόγειος θεωρείται μία από τις πλέον υπεραλιευμένες θάλασσες στον κόσμο. Σύμφωνα με τον Ευρωπαϊκό Οργανισμό Περιβάλλοντος, περισσότερο από το 65% των ιχθυαποθεμάτων της Μεσογείου βρίσκονται εκτός των ασφαλών βιολογικών ορίων.
📧 Για την αφίσα σε υψηλή ανάλυση επικοινωνείστε μαζί μας στο [email protected]
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It is impossible to protect the rare wildlife of our seas if we are unaware of their importance.
The Greek seas support unique biodiversity and are home among other to over 500 species of fish.
📌Archaeological research has shown that fish species caught in the Aegean 10.000 years ago are to a great extent the same species that artisanal fishermen target today. However, over the past decades the biodiversity of our seas has been changing greatly due to the spread of alien and invasive species and as a result, every year we record numerous new species in the Greek waters.
The Mediterranean is one of the most overfished seas worldwide. According to the European Environment Agency, over 65% of the region's fish stocks are below the safe ecological limits.
📧 contact us at [email protected] to send you the poster in high resolution.
#greeceislands #archipelagos #greece #mediterranean #mediterraneansea #aegean
#aegeansea #wearearchipelagos #savetheaegean #education #environmentaleducation #sustainability #savethesea #sealife #savetheocean #oceanconservation
#marineconservation #fishing #fisheries #bycatch
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