Marine Mammal 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/