Marine mammal research and conservation has been one of the primary fields of action of Archipelagos since its establishment. During the past 12 years, research has been carried out in different parts of the Greek seas; Ionian sea, area of Sporades islands, central Aegean, and greater emphasis has been given to area of the eastern Aegean.
By acknowledging the great socio-economic importance of the fisheries sector for the local communities of the Aegean, but also the antagonistic relationship that inevitably develops among the marine mammals and coastal fishermen, Archipelagos takes action by combining scientific research, close collaboration with the local fishing communities, as well as conservation actions and raising environmental awareness.

Research and Conservation Actions

• Surveys assessing cetacean and pinniped population structure, habitats, distribution and key migratory routes. Photo-identification of individuals.

• Passive acoustic monitoring through use of hydrophones and analysis of sounds.

• Development of a long-term monitoring framework following the completion of a synoptic survey, both Aegean basin-wide and in local key areas identified as being of importance to cetacean, pinniped or sea turtle populations.

• Development of the Archipelagos Emergency Response Team, dedicated to providing first aid and marine life rescue in incidents of live strandings, entanglements, and entrapments.

• Collaboration with tissue banks and specialists regarding pathological, toxicological, parasitic and genetic analyses.

• Assessment of human-animal conflicts, especially in relation to artisanal fisheries and their socioeconomic importance, at a regional and national level. Identification and quantification of species-human conflicts including specifically gear damage, negative effects on local commerce (in particular the economic prosperity of artisanal fisheries), and deliberate killings of protected marine animals.

• Research in order to quantify the extent of known threats to cetaceans, pinniped and sea turtles in the Aegean Sea, aiming in the design of efficient conservation plans and mitigation measures.

• Determination of major shipping lanes and vessel activity in the Aegean Sea, in relation to migratory routes of marine mammals and the quantification of the effects of associated anthropogenic noise.

• Analyses to quantify water and marine substrate quality and the potential of bioaccumulation of chemicals and contaminants on an individual and population level.

• Establishment of specialized databases regarding Photographic Identification, Strandings, Sightings, and Ship Strikes.

• Publication of environmental education and awareness materials (leaflets, posters, booklets DVDs), and improved information availability, in addition to accessibility through increased presence within the community and at community events. The involvement and education of school children, is a priority for Archipelagos, aiming to increase awareness and positive attitudes of the next generation.

• Development of species, and area-specific, conservation action plans, mitigation measures and management actions detailing priority actions plans with realistic targets and time-scales, and adapted to the characteristics of the local communities.

Only through positive multidisciplinary interactions can Archipelagos meet the aims of marine conservation. Collaboration between Archipelagos, the relevant authorities, and local communities is paramount to ensure relevant conservation and mitigation measures can be identified. Through teamwork and collaboration can we ensure that marine life is conserved, and cultural heritage is sustained.