Marine Mammal Research & Conservation
Overview
The conservation and protection of marine life has been at the forefront of the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation since its foundation in 1998. The Aegean Sea is home to some of the most important remaining populations of marine mammals and turtles in the Mediterranean Sea, including:
- Four species of dolphins: bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, common dolphins and Risso’s dolphins
- Three species of whales: sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and occasionally fin whales
- Three species of sea turtles: loggerhead, leatherback and green turtles
- One species of seal: the highly endangered Mediterranean Monk seal
These species can reside in the Aegean permanently as resident populations, or migrate through in search of food or breeding areas. However, research into these populations and how they use the Aegean Sea is severely lacking, even with the increasing threats they face from climate change and anthropogenic stressors. Anthropogenic stressors in the Aegean Sea include: high levels of marine traffic, pollution (including noise, chemical and plastic), interactions with fisheries, effects of overfishing and habitat destruction. The research conducted by the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation aims to understand the distribution, dynamics and abundance of marine mammal populations in response to the effects of anthropogenic activities in the north eastern Mediterranean.
Despite the existence of national and international legislation for the protection of marine mammals, including EU laws to limit cetacean by-catch and 4.6% of Greece’s marine area designated as protected, there is a lack of effective and enforced action to conserve marine life in the Aegean. Overfishing has diminished prey availability; noise pollution has impacted cetacean communication and sociality; while coastal development has destroyed beaches used as turtle nesting sites and seal resting grounds. The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, in cooperation with local communities, aims to contribute to the development and establishment of long-term solutions to address and mitigate the threats faced by these charismatic creatures.
Partners
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation has been active in the protection and study of marine mammals for over two decades, with a year round presence in the open sea.
Research & Conservation
In order to develop effective conservation actions, such as establishing marine protected areas to protect essential habitats and managing fishing activities, it is important to understand the characteristics, dynamics and trends of cetacean populations.
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation collects data on the biodiversity and abundance of cetaceans in the Aegean Sea. With the use of three research boats, active year round, these populations can be monitored for changes over time and their use of important habitats.
In recent years, Archipelagos observers have recorded the presence of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and Mediterranean Monks seals in the north- eastern Aegean Sea. The Marine Mammal Team’s constant and committed research has revealed this area as an important hotspot for marine mammal biodiversity.
Bioacoustics research is conducted to understand how organisms use sounds, particularly in regards to communication. The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation performs bioacoustics research to study the ways in which different cetacean species communicate. During boat surveys, hydrophones, hydrophone array systems and specialised software are utilised to both locate cetaceans and to record acoustic data. These recordings can then be analysed to explore cetacean vocalisations and their use in communication while assessing the impact of anthropogenic noise pollution. Anthropogenic noise, including military sonar, construction noise and boat propellers, has been observed to affect cetacean behaviour, vocalisations and habitat use, and continues to be a focus of the research conducted by the Marine Mammal Team.
Photo identification (or Photo-ID) techniques are used to better understand the populations present in the Aegean Sea. During boat surveys, observers photograph specific parts of the animals’ anatomy, such as a dolphin’s dorsal fin or a whale’s tail fluke, in order to record characteristic markings allowing for the identification, and importantly re-identification, of individuals. These individuals are named and entered into photo catalogues in order to track when and where specific individuals were sighted and with which other individuals. This ‘Capture-Mark-Recapture’ method is an incredibly useful tool for estimating the abundance of a population, investigating their social dynamics and monitoring their changes over time.
Behavioural research of cetaceans can be used to determine seasonal variations in activity, understand differences in behaviour between species and any changes in behaviour due to group composition (for example, the presence of calves and juveniles).
During boat surveys, observers take behavioural annotations and record videos of cetaceans for analysis using BORIS software. This research can help to reveal how cetaceans behave, including the amount of time they spend feeding, socialising and resting at the surface between dives.
Identifying cetacean behaviours can provide insight into habitat use, for example feeding and breeding areas, and the impact of anthropogenic presence and activities, for example changes in foraging behaviours in the presence of trawling vessels.
The Marine Mammal Team at the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is in the process of developing a protocol for estimating the availability of food stocks by combining data on marine mammal abundance and distribution with data provided by the fish stock biomass scanner.
Globally, an estimated two thirds of fish stocks are either fished at their limit or overfished. Depleting supplies of fish have placed marine mammals and fisheries in direct competition for the remaining stocks. In some instances this has resulted in fishermen considering cetaceans and seals as competition, resulting in negative interactions and even deliberate killings.
In order to properly conserve marine mammals, fish stocks must also be protected.
The eastern Aegean region is considered one of the most important remaining habitats for the Mediterranean Monk seal, due to its islands’ remote coastlines and abundance of sea caves. Field research is used to record behaviours, habitat suitability, interactions with fisheries and more broadly the impact of anthropogenic threats on this highly endangered species.
Filling the existing gaps in knowledge surrounding this elusive species, such as how they use the habitats available in the Aegean, is essential for their protection. Educating local communities on their ecological value and improving relationships between seals and fishermen, while protecting habitats from tourists and coastal developments, can help save the Mediterranean Monk seal from extinction.
In the Aegean, anthropogenic stressors include the presence of marine traffic, interactions with fisheries, the effects of overfishing and various forms of pollution: chemical, noise and plastic. Data from surveys and strandings contribute to the research conducted by the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation into how these stressors impact marine life.
Environmental data such as sea surface temperature, salinity, pH and the concentration of dissolved oxygen is collected to monitor how climate change and the increased exploitation of marine resources affect marine mammals and their preferred habitats.
The Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary is soon to be operational as a model sanctuary where expert care and rehabilitation will be provided to sick and injured marine mammals and turtles. It will also be the first-of-its-kind marine sanctuary for formerly captive dolphins.
Situated on the Greek island of Lipsi, in the Southeastern Aegean Sea, it will combine innovation with high standards of animal welfare, in a pristine natural location.
As a model sanctuary it aims to be a cost-effective, sustainable and innovative solution to a global problem, that is replicable and scalable. Read more about the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary here https://aegeansanctuary.com/
Research & Conservation
Research into Marine Mammal Populations
In order to develop effective conservation actions, such as establishing marine protected areas to protect essential habitats and managing fishing activities, it is important to understand the characteristics, dynamics and trends of cetacean populations.
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation collects data on the biodiversity and abundance of cetaceans in the Aegean Sea. With the use of three research boats, active year round, these populations can be monitored for changes over time and their use of important habitats.
In recent years, Archipelagos observers have recorded the presence of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and Mediterranean Monks seals in the north- eastern Aegean Sea. The Marine Mammal Team’s constant and committed research has revealed this area as an important hotspot for marine mammal biodiversity.
Research into Marine Mammal Populations
In order to develop effective conservation actions, such as establishing marine protected areas to protect essential habitats and managing fishing activities, it is important to understand the characteristics, dynamics and trends of cetacean populations.
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation collects data on the biodiversity and abundance of cetaceans in the Aegean Sea. With the use of three research boats, active year round, these populations can be monitored for changes over time and their use of important habitats.
In recent years, Archipelagos observers have recorded the presence of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and Mediterranean Monks seals in the north- eastern Aegean Sea. The Marine Mammal Team’s constant and committed research has revealed this area as an important hotspot for marine mammal biodiversity.
Research into Marine Mammal Populations
In order to develop effective conservation actions, such as establishing marine protected areas to protect essential habitats and managing fishing activities, it is important to understand the characteristics, dynamics and trends of cetacean populations.
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation collects data on the biodiversity and abundance of cetaceans in the Aegean Sea. With the use of three research boats, active year round, these populations can be monitored for changes over time and their use of important habitats.
In recent years, Archipelagos observers have recorded the presence of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and Mediterranean Monks seals in the north- eastern Aegean Sea. The Marine Mammal Team’s constant and committed research has revealed this area as an important hotspot for marine mammal biodiversity.
Research into Marine Mammal Populations
In order to develop effective conservation actions, such as establishing marine protected areas to protect essential habitats and managing fishing activities, it is important to understand the characteristics, dynamics and trends of cetacean populations.
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation collects data on the biodiversity and abundance of cetaceans in the Aegean Sea. With the use of three research boats, active year round, these populations can be monitored for changes over time and their use of important habitats.
In recent years, Archipelagos observers have recorded the presence of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and Mediterranean Monks seals in the north- eastern Aegean Sea. The Marine Mammal Team’s constant and committed research has revealed this area as an important hotspot for marine mammal biodiversity.
Bioacoustics Research
Bioacoustics research is conducted to understand how organisms use sounds, particularly in regards to communication. The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation performs bioacoustics research to study the ways in which different cetacean species communicate. During boat surveys, hydrophones, hydrophone array systems and specialised software are utilised to both locate cetaceans and to record acoustic data. These recordings can then be analysed to explore cetacean vocalisations and their use in communication while assessing the impact of anthropogenic noise pollution. Anthropogenic noise, including military sonar, construction noise and boat propellers, has been observed to affect cetacean behaviour, vocalisations and habitat use, and continues to be a focus of the research conducted by the Marine Mammal Team.
Photo Identification
Photo identification (or Photo-ID) techniques are used to better understand the populations present in the Aegean Sea. During boat surveys, observers photograph specific parts of the animals’ anatomy, such as a dolphin’s dorsal fin or a whale’s tail fluke, in order to record characteristic markings allowing for the identification, and importantly re-identification, of individuals. These individuals are named and entered into photo catalogues in order to track when and where specific individuals were sighted and with which other individuals. This ‘Capture-Mark-Recapture’ method is an incredibly useful tool for estimating the abundance of a population, investigating their social dynamics and monitoring their changes over time.
Behavioural Research
Behavioural research of cetaceans can be used to determine seasonal variations in activity, understand differences in behaviour between species and any changes in behaviour due to group composition (for example, the presence of calves and juveniles).
During boat surveys, observers take behavioural annotations and record videos of cetaceans for analysis using BORIS software. This research can help to reveal how cetaceans behave, including the amount of time they spend feeding, socialising and resting at the surface between dives.
Identifying cetacean behaviours can provide insight into habitat use, for example feeding and breeding areas, and the impact of anthropogenic presence and activities, for example changes in foraging behaviours in the presence of trawling vessels.
Research into Fish Stock Availability
The Marine Mammal Team at the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is in the process of developing a protocol for estimating the availability of food stocks by combining data on marine mammal abundance and distribution with data provided by the fish stock biomass scanner.
Globally, an estimated two thirds of fish stocks are either fished at their limit or overfished. Depleting supplies of fish have placed marine mammals and fisheries in direct competition for the remaining stocks. In some instances this has resulted in fishermen considering cetaceans and seals as competition, resulting in negative interactions and even deliberate killings.
In order to properly conserve marine mammals, fish stocks must also be protected.
Research into Marine Mammal Populations
In order to develop effective conservation actions, such as establishing marine protected areas to protect essential habitats and managing fishing activities, it is important to understand the characteristics, dynamics and trends of cetacean populations.
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation collects data on the biodiversity and abundance of cetaceans in the Aegean Sea. With the use of three research boats, active year round, these populations can be monitored for changes over time and their use of important habitats.
In recent years, Archipelagos observers have recorded the presence of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and Mediterranean Monks seals in the north- eastern Aegean Sea. The Marine Mammal Team’s constant and committed research has revealed this area as an important hotspot for marine mammal biodiversity.
Bioacoustics Research
Bioacoustics research is conducted to understand how organisms use sounds, particularly in regards to communication. The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation performs bioacoustics research to study the ways in which different cetacean species communicate. During boat surveys, hydrophones, hydrophone array systems and specialised software are utilised to both locate cetaceans and to record acoustic data. These recordings can then be analysed to explore cetacean vocalisations and their use in communication while assessing the impact of anthropogenic noise pollution. Anthropogenic noise, including military sonar, construction noise and boat propellers, has been observed to affect cetacean behaviour, vocalisations and habitat use, and continues to be a focus of the research conducted by the Marine Mammal Team.
Photo Identification
Photo identification (or Photo-ID) techniques are used to better understand the populations present in the Aegean Sea. During boat surveys, observers photograph specific parts of the animals’ anatomy, such as a dolphin’s dorsal fin or a whale’s tail fluke, in order to record characteristic markings allowing for the identification, and importantly re-identification, of individuals. These individuals are named and entered into photo catalogues in order to track when and where specific individuals were sighted and with which other individuals. This ‘Capture-Mark-Recapture’ method is an incredibly useful tool for estimating the abundance of a population, investigating their social dynamics and monitoring their changes over time.
Behavioural Research
Behavioural research of cetaceans can be used to determine seasonal variations in activity, understand differences in behaviour between species and any changes in behaviour due to group composition (for example, the presence of calves and juveniles).
During boat surveys, observers take behavioural annotations and record videos of cetaceans for analysis using BORIS software. This research can help to reveal how cetaceans behave, including the amount of time they spend feeding, socialising and resting at the surface between dives.
Identifying cetacean behaviours can provide insight into habitat use, for example feeding and breeding areas, and the impact of anthropogenic presence and activities, for example changes in foraging behaviours in the presence of trawling vessels.
Research into Fish Stock Availability
The Marine Mammal Team at the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is in the process of developing a protocol for estimating the availability of food stocks by combining data on marine mammal abundance and distribution with data provided by the fish stock biomass scanner.
Globally, an estimated two thirds of fish stocks are either fished at their limit or overfished. Depleting supplies of fish have placed marine mammals and fisheries in direct competition for the remaining stocks. In some instances this has resulted in fishermen considering cetaceans and seals as competition, resulting in negative interactions and even deliberate killings.
In order to properly conserve marine mammals, fish stocks must also be protected.
Research & Conservation
Research into Marine Mammal Populations
In order to develop effective conservation actions, such as establishing marine protected areas to protect essential habitats and managing fishing activities, it is important to understand the characteristics, dynamics and trends of cetacean populations.
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation collects data on the biodiversity and abundance of cetaceans in the Aegean Sea. With the use of three research boats, active year round, these populations can be monitored for changes over time and their use of important habitats.
In recent years, Archipelagos observers have recorded the presence of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and Mediterranean Monks seals in the north- eastern Aegean Sea. The Marine Mammal Team’s constant and committed research has revealed this area as an important hotspot for marine mammal biodiversity.
Research into Marine Mammal Populations
In order to develop effective conservation actions, such as establishing marine protected areas to protect essential habitats and managing fishing activities, it is important to understand the characteristics, dynamics and trends of cetacean populations.
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation collects data on the biodiversity and abundance of cetaceans in the Aegean Sea. With the use of three research boats, active year round, these populations can be monitored for changes over time and their use of important habitats.
In recent years, Archipelagos observers have recorded the presence of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and Mediterranean Monks seals in the north- eastern Aegean Sea. The Marine Mammal Team’s constant and committed research has revealed this area as an important hotspot for marine mammal biodiversity.
Research into Marine Mammal Populations
In order to develop effective conservation actions, such as establishing marine protected areas to protect essential habitats and managing fishing activities, it is important to understand the characteristics, dynamics and trends of cetacean populations.
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation collects data on the biodiversity and abundance of cetaceans in the Aegean Sea. With the use of three research boats, active year round, these populations can be monitored for changes over time and their use of important habitats.
In recent years, Archipelagos observers have recorded the presence of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and Mediterranean Monks seals in the north- eastern Aegean Sea. The Marine Mammal Team’s constant and committed research has revealed this area as an important hotspot for marine mammal biodiversity.
Research into Marine Mammal Populations
In order to develop effective conservation actions, such as establishing marine protected areas to protect essential habitats and managing fishing activities, it is important to understand the characteristics, dynamics and trends of cetacean populations.
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation collects data on the biodiversity and abundance of cetaceans in the Aegean Sea. With the use of three research boats, active year round, these populations can be monitored for changes over time and their use of important habitats.
In recent years, Archipelagos observers have recorded the presence of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and Mediterranean Monks seals in the north- eastern Aegean Sea. The Marine Mammal Team’s constant and committed research has revealed this area as an important hotspot for marine mammal biodiversity.
Research into Marine Mammal Populations
In order to develop effective conservation actions, such as establishing marine protected areas to protect essential habitats and managing fishing activities, it is important to understand the characteristics, dynamics and trends of cetacean populations.
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation collects data on the biodiversity and abundance of cetaceans in the Aegean Sea. With the use of three research boats, active year round, these populations can be monitored for changes over time and their use of important habitats.
In recent years, Archipelagos observers have recorded the presence of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and Mediterranean Monks seals in the north- eastern Aegean Sea. The Marine Mammal Team’s constant and committed research has revealed this area as an important hotspot for marine mammal biodiversity.
Bioacoustics Research
Bioacoustics research is conducted to understand how organisms use sounds, particularly in regards to communication. The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation performs bioacoustics research to study the ways in which different cetacean species communicate. During boat surveys, hydrophones, hydrophone array systems and specialised software are utilised to both locate cetaceans and to record acoustic data. These recordings can then be analysed to explore cetacean vocalisations and their use in communication while assessing the impact of anthropogenic noise pollution. Anthropogenic noise, including military sonar, construction noise and boat propellers, has been observed to affect cetacean behaviour, vocalisations and habitat use, and continues to be a focus of the research conducted by the Marine Mammal Team.
Photo Identification
Photo identification (or Photo-ID) techniques are used to better understand the populations present in the Aegean Sea. During boat surveys, observers photograph specific parts of the animals’ anatomy, such as a dolphin’s dorsal fin or a whale’s tail fluke, in order to record characteristic markings allowing for the identification, and importantly re-identification, of individuals. These individuals are named and entered into photo catalogues in order to track when and where specific individuals were sighted and with which other individuals. This ‘Capture-Mark-Recapture’ method is an incredibly useful tool for estimating the abundance of a population, investigating their social dynamics and monitoring their changes over time.
Behavioural Research
Behavioural research of cetaceans can be used to determine seasonal variations in activity, understand differences in behaviour between species and any changes in behaviour due to group composition (for example, the presence of calves and juveniles).
During boat surveys, observers take behavioural annotations and record videos of cetaceans for analysis using BORIS software. This research can help to reveal how cetaceans behave, including the amount of time they spend feeding, socialising and resting at the surface between dives.
Identifying cetacean behaviours can provide insight into habitat use, for example feeding and breeding areas, and the impact of anthropogenic presence and activities, for example changes in foraging behaviours in the presence of trawling vessels.
Research into Fish Stock Availability
The Marine Mammal Team at the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is in the process of developing a protocol for estimating the availability of food stocks by combining data on marine mammal abundance and distribution with data provided by the fish stock biomass scanner.
Globally, an estimated two thirds of fish stocks are either fished at their limit or overfished. Depleting supplies of fish have placed marine mammals and fisheries in direct competition for the remaining stocks. In some instances this has resulted in fishermen considering cetaceans and seals as competition, resulting in negative interactions and even deliberate killings.
In order to properly conserve marine mammals, fish stocks must also be protected.
Research into Marine Mammal Populations
In order to develop effective conservation actions, such as establishing marine protected areas to protect essential habitats and managing fishing activities, it is important to understand the characteristics, dynamics and trends of cetacean populations.
The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation collects data on the biodiversity and abundance of cetaceans in the Aegean Sea. With the use of three research boats, active year round, these populations can be monitored for changes over time and their use of important habitats.
In recent years, Archipelagos observers have recorded the presence of common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales and Mediterranean Monks seals in the north- eastern Aegean Sea. The Marine Mammal Team’s constant and committed research has revealed this area as an important hotspot for marine mammal biodiversity.
Bioacoustics Research
Bioacoustics research is conducted to understand how organisms use sounds, particularly in regards to communication. The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation performs bioacoustics research to study the ways in which different cetacean species communicate. During boat surveys, hydrophones, hydrophone array systems and specialised software are utilised to both locate cetaceans and to record acoustic data. These recordings can then be analysed to explore cetacean vocalisations and their use in communication while assessing the impact of anthropogenic noise pollution. Anthropogenic noise, including military sonar, construction noise and boat propellers, has been observed to affect cetacean behaviour, vocalisations and habitat use, and continues to be a focus of the research conducted by the Marine Mammal Team.
Photo Identification
Photo identification (or Photo-ID) techniques are used to better understand the populations present in the Aegean Sea. During boat surveys, observers photograph specific parts of the animals’ anatomy, such as a dolphin’s dorsal fin or a whale’s tail fluke, in order to record characteristic markings allowing for the identification, and importantly re-identification, of individuals. These individuals are named and entered into photo catalogues in order to track when and where specific individuals were sighted and with which other individuals. This ‘Capture-Mark-Recapture’ method is an incredibly useful tool for estimating the abundance of a population, investigating their social dynamics and monitoring their changes over time.
Behavioural Research
Behavioural research of cetaceans can be used to determine seasonal variations in activity, understand differences in behaviour between species and any changes in behaviour due to group composition (for example, the presence of calves and juveniles).
During boat surveys, observers take behavioural annotations and record videos of cetaceans for analysis using BORIS software. This research can help to reveal how cetaceans behave, including the amount of time they spend feeding, socialising and resting at the surface between dives.
Identifying cetacean behaviours can provide insight into habitat use, for example feeding and breeding areas, and the impact of anthropogenic presence and activities, for example changes in foraging behaviours in the presence of trawling vessels.
Research into Fish Stock Availability
The Marine Mammal Team at the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is in the process of developing a protocol for estimating the availability of food stocks by combining data on marine mammal abundance and distribution with data provided by the fish stock biomass scanner.
Globally, an estimated two thirds of fish stocks are either fished at their limit or overfished. Depleting supplies of fish have placed marine mammals and fisheries in direct competition for the remaining stocks. In some instances this has resulted in fishermen considering cetaceans and seals as competition, resulting in negative interactions and even deliberate killings.
In order to properly conserve marine mammals, fish stocks must also be protected.
Species
Latest News
Scientific Publications
Niche overlap between monk seal (Monachus monachus) and small-scale fishery fleet of Marathokampos Bay in Samos Island (North Aegean Sea, Greece)
Ingrosso, M., Tintoré, B., Macrina, L., Cipriano, G., Tsimpidis, T., Miliou, A., Carlucci, R., Pietroluongo, G. Niche overlap between monk seal (Monachus monachus) and small-scale fishery fleet of Marathokampos Bay in Samos Island (North Aegean Sea, Greece). 2023 IEEE International Workshop on Metrology for the Sea; Learning to Measure Sea Health Parameters (MetroSea).
A deep learning approach to photo–identification demonstrates high performance on two dozen cetacean species
Patton, P. T., Cheeseman, T., Abe, K., Yamaguchi, T., Reade, W., Southerland, K., Howard, A., Oleson, E. M., Allen, J. B., Ashe, E., Athayde, A., Baird, R. W., Basran, C., Cabrera, E., Calambokidis, J., Cardoso, J., Carroll, E. L., Cesario, A., Cheney, B. J., Corsi, E., Currie, J., Durban, J.W., Falcone, E.A., Fearnbach, H., Flynn, K., Franklin, T., Franklin, W., Galletti Vernazzani, B., Genov, T., Hill, M., Johnston, D.R., Keene, E.L., Mahaffy, S.D., McGuire, T.L., McPherson, L., Meyer, C., Michaud, R., Miliou, A., Orbach, D.N., Pearson, H.C., Rasmussen, M.H., Rayment, W.J., Rinaldi, C., Rinaldi, R., Siciliano, S., Stack, S., Tintore, B., Torres, L.G., Towers, J.R., Trotter, C., Tyson Moore, R., Weir, C.R., Wellard, R., Wells, R., Yano, K.M., Zaeschmar, J.R., Bejder, L. A deep learning approach to photo–identification demonstrates high performance on two dozen cetacean species. Methods in Ecology and Evolution 2023.
Cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea: Encounter Rate, Dominant Species, and Diversity Hotspots
Gnone, G., Bellingeri, M., Airoldi, S., Gonzalvo, J., David, L., Di-Méglio, N., Cañadas, A.M., Akkaya, A., Awbery, T., Mussi, B., Campana, I., Azzolin, M., Dede, A., Tonay, A.M., Monaco, C., Pellegrino, G., Tepsich, P., Moulins, A., Arcangeli, A., Labach, H.,
Environmental variables influencing occurrence and distribution of Delphinus delphis in the eastern Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean Sea)
Ingrosso, M., Tintoré, B., Cipriano, G., Ricci, P., Grandjean, T., Tsimpidis, T., Nomikou, P., Carlucci, R., Miliou, A. Environmental variables influencing occurrence and distribution of Delphinus delphis in the eastern Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean Sea). Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater
Archipelagos - Institute of Marine Conservation
Archipelagos is a Greek non-profit NGO dedicated to defending the biodiversity of our seas
Euronews - Αφιέρωμα στη δράση του Ινστιτούτου Αρχιπέλαγος για την προστασία της θαλάσσιας ζωής και την αντιμετώπιση των αυξανόμενων ανθρωπογενών απειλών, σε στενή συνεργασία με τις κοινωνίες του Αιγαίου
Μία περσινή - αλλά επίκαιρη - παραγωγή που μοιραζομαστε ξανά μαζί σας
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Euronews: The team safeguarding endangered marine life in the Aegean Sea
Euronews feature on Archipelagos Institute's action to protect marine life and address the growing anthropogenic threats, in close cooperation with Aegean communities.
Last year’s, but more relevant than ever - a production worth sharing again.
#euronews #savetheaegean #wearearchipelagos #marinelife #archipelagos #marineconservation #conservetheaegean #greece #aegean #saveourseas #savetheocean #oceanconservation ... See MoreSee Less
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Πανοραμική εικόνα από το Καταφύγιο Θαλάσσιας Ζωής Αιγαίου στο νησί των Λειψών.
Στο βάθος διακρίνεται το νησιωτικό σύμπλεγμα των Αρκιών το οποίο χαρακτηρίστηκε το 2004 ώς “Μόνιμο Καταφύγιο Άγριας Ζωής Συμπλέγματος Αρκιών & Νησίδων Βόρειας Πάτμου” και περιλαμβάνει 14 ιδιαίτερα σημαντικά νησιά και νησίδες. Αυτή η θεσμοθέτηση ήταν αποτέλεσμα έρευνας και παρεμβάσεων του Ινστιτούτου Θαλάσσιας Προστασίας «Αρχιπέλαγος» στην περιοχή, σε στενή συνεργασία με την τοπική κοινωνία των δύο κατοικημένων νησιών – Αρκιοί και Μαράθι – καθώς και με τον Δήμο Πάτμου και την Περιφέρεια Νοτίου Αιγαίου.
Ας θυμηθούμε ότι όλο το Αιγαίο είναι μία μοναδική θάλασσα παγκόσμιας περιβαλλοντικής σημασίας, και όχι μόνο ένας προορισμός ολιγοήμερων διακοπών. Η προστασία αυτής της μοναδικής θάλασσας και των νησιών της είναι μία κοινή ευθύνη που μοιραζόμαστε όλοι μας.
Σε κάθε νησί, μικρό ή μεγάλο, βρίσκουμε ίχνη από την παρουσία των ανθρώπων που έζησαν σε αυτά ή τα καλλιέργησαν εδώ και εκατοντάδες ή χιλιάδες χρόνια.
Στις μέρες μας όμως τα περισσότερα μικρά νησιά είναι έρμαια της απαξίωσης, αλλά και της καταστροφικής υπερβόσκησης. Το μόνο κίνητρο που δίνεται για την «αξιοποίηση» των μικρών νησίων είναι οι επιδοτήσεις για αιγοπρόβατα, που αν και πενιχρές, είναι τελικά ικανές να καταστρέψουν τους κτηνοτρόφους και την κτηνοτροφία αλλά και τα νησιά. ... See MoreSee Less
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Μεγάπτερη Φάλαινα στην Κάλυμνο! 🐋
Σήμερα, 8/1/2026, στον κόλπο των Αργινωντών, στην ανατολική πλευρά της Καλύμνου, καταγράφηκε η παρουσία Μεγάπτερης φάλαινας.
Στην καρδιά του χειμώνα, το Αιγαίο επιμένει - για ακόμη μία φορά - να μας εκπλήσσει ευχάριστα.
Η Μεγάπτερης φάλαινα (Megaptera novaeangliae) είναι είδος που καταγράφεται εξαιρετικά σπάνια στη Μεσόγειο και θεωρείται περιστασιακός επισκέπτης. Μέχρι σήμερα υπάρχουν μόλις 13 επίσημες καταγραφές στη Μεσόγειο, εκ των οποίων τρεις στα ελληνικά νερά.
Ευχαριστούμε θερμά τον Ιωακείμ Χατζηδημητρίου για αυτή την εξαιρετικά σπάνια καταγραφή και το πολύτιμο βίντεο. ... See MoreSee Less
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Μια ματιά στον χρόνο που πέρασε, καθώς προετοιμαζόμαστε για άλλη μία δύσκολη χρονιά αφοσιωμένη στη δράση για την αμυνα της βιοποικιλότητας των θαλασσών μας.
Ζούμε σε μια εποχή όπου, αντί να λύνουμε έστω και κάποια από τα προβλήματα που απειλούν το φυσικό μας περιβάλλον και την ίδια μας την επιβίωση. Τα πραγματικά προβλήματά συσσωρεύονται χρόνο με τον χρόνο, επωάζοντας τις νέες κρίσεις, καθώς τα έχουμε εναποθέσει προς επίλυση σε πολιτικούς και εταιρείες - εθνικούς ρυπαντές (σύμφωνα με το λαϊκό ρητό “οι λύκοι φυλάνε τα πρόβατα”).
Όμως δεν μπορούμε παρά να παλεύουμε, ελπίζοντας ότι κάτι θα αλλάξει στο μέλλον. Τελικά η μόνη αισιοδοξία μπορεί να προέλθει από τη στάση ζωής και την αλλαγή που μπορεί να προκαλέσει ο καθένας από εμάς.
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27 χρόνια δράσης: Το Ινστιτούτο Θαλάσσιας Προστασίας Αρχιπέλαγος είναι μία ανθρώπινη προσπάθεια και μία πλατφόρμα για ανθρώπους από όλο τον πλανήτη που αντιλαμβάνονται την επιτακτική ανάγκη ουσιαστικής δράσης και συνεργασίας, αξιοποιώντας την επιστήμη ως εργαλείο προστασίας και όχι ως αυτοσκοπό.
Μακριά από τα αστικά κέντρα, στόχος μας είναι να φέρνουμε αποτέλεσμα σε πραγματικό χρόνο και όχι σε ακαδημαϊκό, πολιτικό, γραφειοκρατικό ή οποιονδήποτε άλλο χρόνο… Παρά τις δυσκολίες, που συχνά μοιάζουν ανυπέρβλητες, με τεράστια επιμονή και χωρίς να χάνουμε το κουράγιο μας, συνεχίζουμε τη δύσκολη αυτή προσπάθεια.
Για όσους δεν μας γνωρίζουν, θέλουμε να αναφέρουμε για άλλη μία φορά ότι το έργο του Ινστιτούτου Αρχιπέλαγος δεν στηρίζεται ούτε σε δημόσιες χρηματοδοτήσεις, ούτε στο λεγόμενο greenwashing (πράσινο ξέπλυμα). Από τις δημόσιες χρηματοδοτήσεις απέχουμε συνειδητά εδώ και 27 χρόνια. Όχι επειδή τις θεωρούμε εξ ορισμού λανθασμένες, αλλά επειδή, στο σημερινό (και παλαιότερο) αναξιόπιστο περιβάλλον, δεν προάγουν ούτε την αποτελεσματικότητα ούτε τη διαφάνεια. Σε ό,τι αφορά το greenwashing, που βρίσκεται τα τελευταία χρόνια στο απόγειο του στην Ελλάδα, παρότι δεχόμαστε συχνά σχετικές χορηγικές προτάσεις, τις αρνούμαστε σταθερά - μια αρχή στην οποία δεσμευτήκαμε από την πρώτη ημέρα της δράσης μας.
Επιλέγουμε συνειδητά να απέχουμε από οτιδήποτε παραπλανά τους πολίτες και υπονομεύει την εμπιστοσύνη προς τους φορείς που επιτελούν ουσιαστικό περιβαλλοντικό έργο.
Να διευκρινίσουμε λοιπόν ότι οι πόροι μας προέρχονται από το εκπαιδευτικό και ερευνητικό μας έργο, καθώς και από ανθρώπους και φορείς που εδώ και χρόνια πιστεύουν, στηρίζουν και συμμετέχουν στην προσπάθειά μας, στη βάση της εμπιστοσύνης και της διαφάνειας. Σε αυτή τη δύσκολη διαδρομή, κάθε βοήθεια είναι πολύτιμη. Πέρα από την οικονομική στήριξη, ιδιαίτερη σημασία έχουν και οι δωρεές σε είδος: από ένα παλιό αυτοκίνητο ή μία παλιά βάρκα, έως την προμήθεια επιστημονικού εξοπλισμού ή εξοπλισμού σκαφών.
Ας θυμόμαστε ότι η προστασία των θαλασσών μας είναι μια κοινή ευθύνη που μοιραζόμαστε όλοι, τους 12 μήνες του χρόνου, και ότι ο καθένας μας μπορεί να βρει τρόπους να συμβάλει σε αυτόν τον σκοπό, είτε ατομικά είτε συλλογικά.
Σαν Ινστιτούτο Αρχιπέλαγος παραμένουμε μία ανοιχτή πλατφόρμα, στηρίζοντας ουσιαστικές πρωτοβουλίες και ειδικά τους νέους ανθρώπους. Πιστεύουμε στη δύναμη της συνεργασίας, αν και γνωρίζουμε καλά ότι η συνεργασία δεν ήταν και δεν είναι ποτέ μία εύκολη υπόθεση, όμως είναι ο μοναδικός τρόπος να φέρουμε ένα αποτέλεσμα.
Ευχόμαστε σε όλους Καλή Χρονιά, με υγεία και δημιουργικότητα, αλλά πάνω απ’ όλα ειρήνη - κάτι που ίσως ποτέ δεν είχαμε τόσο μεγάλη ανάγκη όσο στις μέρες μας. ... See MoreSee Less
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News 24/7 Πόσα κητώδη έχουμε τελικά στην Ελλάδα;
Η διατήρηση και η προστασία της θαλάσσιας ζωής βρίσκεται στην πρώτη γραμμή του Ινστιτούτου Θαλάσσιας Προστασίας Αρχιπέλαγος από την ίδρυσή του το 1998.
Οι ερευνητές θαλάσσιων θηλαστικών του Ινστιτούτου Αρχιπέλαγος, εν πλω καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια του έτους επί περισσότερα από 25 χρόνια, συλλέγουν σε κάθε αποστολή – μεταξύ άλλων – πολλές εκατοντάδες φωτογραφίες από τα κητώδη που καταγράφουν.
Μέσω της φωτο-ταυτοποίησης αναγνωρίζουν τα διαφορετικά άτομα από τα μοναδικά σημάδια τους. Τα σημάδια αυτά προέρχονται από τις αλληλεπιδράσεις τους με άλλα μέλη της ομάδας τους, με άλλα θαλάσσια είδη ή, σε ορισμένες περιπτώσεις, από ανθρώπινες δραστηριότητες.
Όπως ανακοινώνει το Αρχιπέλαγος:
“Έως σήμερα έχουμε φωτο-ταυτοποιήσει περισσότερα από 600 διαφορετικά άτομα από έξι είδη: σταχτοδέλφινα, ζωνοδέλφινα, ρινοδέλφινα, κοινά δελφίνια, φυσητήρες και ζιφιούς. Παράλληλα, μέσω της ανάλυσης των ήχων επικοινωνίας τους, πραγματοποιούμε και ηχοταυτοποίηση των ατόμων.
Στα δελφίνια, οι φωτογραφίες αναγνώρισης επικεντρώνονται στο ραχιαίο πτερύγιο, το οποίο αποτελεί το πλέον χαρακτηριστικό στοιχείο για την αναγνώριση κάθε ατόμου – αντίστοιχο με το δακτυλικό αποτύπωμα στον άνθρωπο. Στους φυσητήρες οι φωτογραφίες επικεντρώνονται στην ουρά. Με αυτόν τον τρόπο δημιουργούμε καταλόγους όλων των κητωδών που έχουμε αναγνωρίσει σε κάθε περιοχή των ελληνικών θαλασσών που ερευνούμε.
Μέσα από τη φωτο-ταυτοποίηση συγκεντρώνουμε πολύτιμα δεδομένα για τη συμπεριφορά των πληθυσμών, τις μεταναστεύσεις τους, ενώ παράλληλα κατανοούμε καλύτερα τους παράγοντες που τους απειλούν.
Αποτελεί μια μη επεμβατική μέθοδο μελέτης των κητωδών, η οποία μας επιτρέπει να τα παρακολουθούμε διαχρονικά χωρίς να τα επιβαρύνουμε με τη χρήση συσκευών εντοπισμού. Μέσα από την ανταλλαγή εικόνων φωτο-ταυτοποίησης με φορείς που υλοποιούν αντίστοιχη έρευνα, μπορούμε να παρακολουθούμε τις μετακινήσεις και τις μεταναστεύσεις των κητωδών σε διαφορετικές περιοχές της Μεσογείου“.
🐳Ο Φυσητήρας (sperm whale) που αποτελεί το μεγαλύτερο οδοντοκήτος που συναντάται στη Μεσόγειο, χρησιμοποιεί τα νερά του ΒΑ Αιγαίου ως κύριο μέρος της μεταναστευτικής του πορείας.
🐳Ο Ζιφιός (Cuvier’s beaked whale) είναι ένα από τα λιγότερο μελετημένα είδη κητωδών παγκοσμίως, ζει σε ολιγομελείς ομάδες που καταγράφουμε σε μόνιμους πληθυσμούς στις ίδιες περιοχές εδώ και 21 χρόνια.
🐬Το ζωνοδέλφινο είναι το πλέον πολυπληθές είδος στα νερά του ΒΑ Αιγαίου, όμως και το είδος που συναντάται στους περισσότερους εκβρασμούς στις ακτές τα τελευταία χρόνια.
🐬Το κοινό δελφίνι και το ρινοδέλφινο ζουν επίσης σε μόνιμους πληθυσμούς στην περιοχή, ενώ το σταχτοδέλφινο μεταναστεύει σε ολιγομελείς ομάδες στις ίδιες πορείες με τους Φυσητήρες.
Παρά την ύπαρξη εθνικής και διεθνούς νομοθεσίας για την προστασία των θαλάσσιων θηλαστικών, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των νόμων της ΕΕ για τον περιορισμό των παρεμπιπτόντων αλιευμάτων κητωδών και του χαρακτηρισμού του 4,6% της θαλάσσιας περιοχής της Ελλάδας ως προστατευόμενης, υπάρχει έλλειψη αποτελεσματικής και επιβεβλημένης δράσης για τη διατήρηση της θαλάσσιας ζωής στο Αιγαίο.
Διαβάστε το άρθρο:
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Πόσα κητώδη έχουμε τελικά στην Ελλάδα;
www.news247.gr
Η διατήρηση και η προστασία της θαλάσσιας ζωής βρίσκεται στην πρώτη γραμμή του Ινστιτούτου Θαλάσσιας Προστα...1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Χειμερινοί Κήποι στο Ινστιτούτο Αρχιπέλαγος
Οι εποχές αλλάζουν και οι κήποι μας μεταμορφώνονται σταδιακά από καλοκαιρινούς σε φθινοπωρινούς και, πλέον, σε χειμερινούς, παραμένοντας παραγωγικοί δώδεκα μήνες τον χρόνο. Τον επόμενο μήνα θα ξεκινήσουμε την προετοιμασία των ανοιξιάτικων κήπων.
Πρόκειται για μια συνεχόμενη διαδικασία που βασίζεται στην αμειψισπορά, δηλαδή την εναλλαγή διαφορετικών καλλιεργειών στο ίδιο χωράφι. Η πρακτική αυτή βελτιώνει τη γονιμότητα του εδάφους, μειώνει τις ασθένειες που εξειδικεύονται σε μία μόνο καλλιέργεια, αυξάνει την απόδοση των καλλιεργειών και, παράλληλα, περιορίζει τη διάβρωση και την εξάντληση των θρεπτικών στοιχείων.
Παρότι οι περισσότεροι από εμάς είμαστε θαλάσσιοι βιολόγοι, ωκεανογράφοι, ζωολόγοι, χαρτογράφοι, χημικοί, μικροβιολόγοι, νομικοί περιβάλλοντος ή ειδικοί στην επικοινωνία - και όχι αγρότες - όλοι έχουμε έναν ρόλο στην καλλιέργεια των κήπων μας. Εκ περιτροπής, κάθε μέλος της ομάδας αφιερώνει λίγο χρόνο στη φροντίδα τους: φυτεύοντας νέα φυντάνια, ξεβοτανίζοντας τα παρτέρια ή συλλέγοντας ελιές. Στη συνέχεια, βέβαια, απολαμβάνουμε τους καρπούς αυτής της συλλογικής προσπάθειας. Πέρα από την κάλυψη μέρους των διατροφικών μας αναγκών, οι αγροτικές εργασίες μάς επιστρέφουν στην καθημερινή μας εργασία ανανεωμένους.
Ας τολμήσουμε όλοι, όσοι έχουμε τη δυνατότητα, να παράξουμε την τροφή μας. Το μόνο που χρειάζεται είναι χώμα, νερό, ένας ζωντανός και υγιής σπόρος και γνώσεις που μπορούμε να καλλιεργούμε μέρα με τη μέρα.
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Winter Gardens at the Archipelagos Institute
As the seasons change, our gardens gradually transform from summer to autumn and now to winter, remaining productive twelve months a year. Next month, we will begin preparing the spring gardens.
This is a continuous process based on crop rotation, i.e., alternating different crops in the same field. This practice improves soil fertility, reduces diseases that affect a single crop, increases crop yields, and at the same time limits erosion and nutrient depletion.
Although most of us are marine biologists, oceanographers, zoologists, cartographers, chemists, microbiologists, environmental lawyers, or communications specialists—not farmers—we all have a role to play in cultivating our gardens. Each member of the team takes turns spending a little time caring for them: planting new seedlings, weeding the flower beds, or harvesting olives. Then, of course, we enjoy the fruits of this collective effort. In addition to meeting some of our nutritional needs, farm work allows us to return to our daily work feeling refreshed.
We also aim to inspire all those who have the ability to dare to produce their own food. All it takes is soil, water, a living and healthy seed, and knowledge - knowledge that can grow day by day. ... See MoreSee Less
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