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
Planting Underwater Gardens of Posidonia seagrass- a new innovative planting process
Planting Underwater Gardens of Posidonia seagrass- a new innovative planting process
Aegean Islet Conservation Project in cooperation with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture
Aegean Islet Conservation Project in cooperation with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture
Mutilated Striped Dolphin Stranded on the shores of Samos Island
Mutilated Striped Dolphin Stranded on the shores of Samos Island
Posidonia Seagrass Fruits Wash up on Our Shores – A Rare Phenomenon
Posidonia Seagrass Fruits Wash up on Our Shores – A Rare Phenomenon
View All...
Contact us
Publications
Videos
Awareness Material
Donate
Menu

Winter Research Expedition in the NE Aegean

Winter Research Expedition in the NE Aegean

by Archipelagos / Thursday, 20 December 2012 / Published in Marine Mammals, Press Releases

Living in the current negative climate, we often forget that we live in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation strives to accomplish its goals to promote and protect the rare biodiversity of our seas, in spite of this current economic and political climate.

Archipelagos Institute endeavors to protect, promote and provide sensible management of the rare wealth in the Greek Seas, particularly the Aegean Sea. The organization utilizes the knowledge of scientists and researchers, as well as the talents of multidisciplinary volunteers, who travel from various parts of the world to become a part of the Institute’s research team. Universities from both Greece and other countries provide invaluable help by providing modern technology and expertise.

Since mid-October of this year, Archipelagos Institute has conducted a research expedition in the NE Aegean Sea. The purpose of this expedition is to conduct multilevel research in coastal and open sea ecosystems of the region, in particularly focusing on the following areas:

  • Biological mapping and the creation of digital maps that illustrate areas covered by productive marine ecosystems, such as sea grass meadows and coralligenous reefs, which require immediate protection. The information displayed by these maps is closely linked to the productivity of fisheries and the conservation of the marine environment.
  • Systematic measurement of physicochemical characteristics in the water column at depths up to 150 meters.
  • Recording of protected species populations, particularly marine mammals and birds.

Despite severe weather conditions, the research team takes advantage of every day and hour in which field studies can be conducted. The main objective is to collect accurate scientific data which can be used to map trends in current fisheries production. According to evidence thus far, a decline in fisheries production have been attributed to a combination of anthropogenic factors, including overfishing, the introduction of invasive species, rise of global temperature, among others.

The long-term goal of this research is to find a sustainable solution, involving local management actions and a set of realistic and immediate workable measures. The collected results are then published to the local communities, authorities and organisations of the islands, as well as international bodies such as the General Directorate of Fisheries of the EU and the Environmental Programme of UN (UNEP / MAP – RAC / SPA).

The research expedition of Archipelagos Institute is operated at low cost by using an appropriately configured sailing vessel. The vessel uses a combination of both wind and biodiesel, which is produced by the scientific team using recycled cooking oil from small islands. By reducing costs of the vessel, Archipelagos Institute is able to conduct research expeditions throughout the year. The message of the Institute remains lasting, as research expeditions continue despite difficult economic conditions, until the successful management of environmental resources is accomplished.

The crew of the expedition in the NE Aegean Seaconsists of a multinational team of researchers from various disciplines (oceanographers, marine biologists, GIS analysts) and students who, apart from Greece, come from the U.S., Great Britain, Luxembourg, Turkey, China and Ethiopia.

Despite difficult weather conditions, the researchers work intently on their projects for more than two months utilizing their knowledge, expertise, experience and advanced scientific instruments. Researchers collaborate closely with the Institute’s support team in Samos Island.

The research team offers environmental education lessons in schools, including the kindergartens, primary, secondary and naval schools, of Oinousses, in spite of its heavy workload during the mission. The group also participates in organized informative meetings with the local authorities as well as other organizations.

The local community, authorities, as well as the Development Centre of the Oinousses island complex, supports the actions of the Archipelagos Institute. The organization has exhibited an unprecedented dynamism, as the results of the research expeditions record a unique wealth of the island’s marine ecosystems.

We must protect the long-term sustainability of this natural wealth and prevent it from being casually sold!

There are resources, there is hope, there are people, and there are visions. We have to be worthy of the natural wealth that we borrowed from the future generations.

For additional photos please contact us at [email protected].

 

0
0
0
0
0

What you can read next

Archipelagos’ New Research Expedition
Declaration: Securing sustainability through the CFP Reform
How can we all Protect Sea Turtles?

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

  • Photo-ID & Behavioral Assessments of Delphinus delphis in the Northern Aegean Sea

    Photo-ID & Behavioral Assessments of Delphinus delphis in the Northern Aegean Sea

    2 November 2023
    Yasas! Intern Alannah from the Marine Mammal Field here, currently …
  • Experiences After Work at Archipelagos

    Experiences After Work at Archipelagos

    2 November 2023
    Hi, I’m Ella and I completed a 6-week internship on …
  • Hands-on Projects with the Marine Mammal Research & Conservation Team

    Hands-on Projects with the Marine Mammal Research & Conservation Team

    2 November 2023
    My name is Sjoerd and I am in the last …
  • Planting Underwater Gardens of Posidonia seagrass- a new innovative planting process

    Planting Underwater Gardens of Posidonia seagrass- a new innovative planting process

    29 June 2023
    An innovative process of planting underwater gardens of Posidonia oceanica …
  • A special three-day research expedition to the Ikaria Trench

    A special three-day research expedition to the Ikaria Trench

    19 May 2023
    Archipelagos Marine Mammal Research team took part in a very …
  • Aegean Islet Conservation Project in cooperation with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture

    Aegean Islet Conservation Project in cooperation with the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture

    17 May 2023
    A new cycle of interdisciplinary on-site research of the Aegean …
  • Mutilated Striped Dolphin Stranded on the shores of Samos Island

    Mutilated Striped Dolphin Stranded on the shores of Samos Island

    12 May 2023
    A mutilated striped dolphin was found stranded on the north …

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