AN IMPORTANT MARINE CONSERVATION EFFORT IS UNDERWAY
IN THE AEGEAN SEA, IN THE DEEP WATERS OF THE ISLAND
COMPLEX OF FOURNI, WHERE CORAL ECOSYSTEMS OF GLOBAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPORTANCE, BUT ALSO OF UNIQUE BEAUTY,
ARE IN URGENT NEED OF PROTECTION.
The coralligenous habitats found at depths of 70-250 meters in the Greek seas are some of the most complex, biodiverse and productive ecosystems of the Mediterranean. They are also the most unknown. It is remarkable that such extensive, several thousand-year-old coral colonies exist in the Greek seas, as these corals have an extremely slow growth rate (a few millimeters/year). It is paradoxical, though, that in Greece, as well as in most of the Mediterranean, there is a clear lack of enforcement of the international and national legislation that has been in place for decades for the protection of these vulnerable marine ecosystems. Coralligenous habitats have never been mapped, and as their locations are unknown, the enforcement of conservation measures is impossible. Tragically, a large part of these coral ecosystems has already been destroyed by fishing trawlers. Those that still survive are in danger of irreversible destruction, before we even discover that they exist.
With the aim of promoting urgent protection measures for coralligenous ecosystems, the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation and its international scientific partners have spent the last three years making intensive and ongoing efforts to locate and produce detailed maps of these unknown ecosystems throughout the Greek seas. This work and research continues without interruption, despite the many technical challenges that arise from research in deep waters with strong sea currents and adverse weather conditions.
Eight Under the Pole divers undertake daily dives to depths exceeding 100 meters. They collect samples and numerous other scientific data in selected reefs which have already been mapped and are monitored by the Archipelagos Institute, with the aim to highlight these ecosystems as being of international importance and immediate need of protection.
A recent research expedition in the region of Fourni, in collaboration with the French organisation Under The Pole, revealed for the first time impressive high-resolution images and new data on the rare biodiversity of these coral forests. In just one of the survey sites, dense forests and gardens of several gorgonian species were discovered at a depth of roughly 80-95m, while a bit deeper, between 90- 100 meters, extensive black coral forests were discovered (approx 100 cm tall). These findings are indicative of immense biodiversity. The existence of such a variety and abundance of corals in such a small area– in great ecological condition– is rare in the Mediterranean. It is also worth noting that, due to the large depths where these corals exist, they are much safer from the effects of climate change and marine heat waves that mainly impact shallower waters.However, it is imperative that immediate and effective protection measures be implemented, especially from the fishing activity that threatens to destroy these unique ecosystems on a daily basis.
In this important effort, the contribution of the coastal fishermen and the Municipality of Fourni has been invaluable. For over 20 years, the Archipelagos Institute has developed a relationship of mutual trust, close cooperation, and exchange of knowledge with the fishermen and authorities of the island. Only by working together can the ongoing destruction of these productive marine ecosystems can be halted, before it becomes too late.
Extensive forests of black coral were recorded by the researchers at a depth of about 100 meters. Black coral forests are extremely important habitats for many marine species, including sharks, skates and squid, who use these forests to lay their eggs.
ROUTE BY SUPERFAST FERRIES
