1.   Study of the ecology of littoral zone ecosystems

Assessment of the ecology of the shallow littoral ecosystems is executed with the use of visual census techniques through snorkelling and scuba diving (scuba diving permit from the Ephorate of Maritime Antiquities, Hellenic Ministry of Culture).

The littoral zone surveys focus on the assessment of the biodiversity of fish, invertebrates and algae. These surveys are carried out with visual census techniques, employing the use of line transects on which individual numbers are counted for fish (within a time limit) and invertebrates while percentage cover within quadrats is used for algae. These transects are usually carried out by snorkelling with depth parameters set at 3-6m. Apart from the biodiversity on the research project, parameters such as light levels, temperature, depth and pH can also be assessed. Other specific research projects include:

• the assessment of the growth and morphology of the invasive algae species Caulerpa racemosa, as well as its impact on biodiversity


• the assessment of the cover of Posidonia oceanica seagrass beds, and impact caused to them by the anchorage of recreational boats, in touristic areas.


• the assessment of the impact caused by overgrazing by sea urchins on the biodiversity of algae and invertebrates.

2.   Study of Marine Mammals Populations

A. Cetaceans

Study of the populations of Striped, Bottlenose, Common and Risso's Dolphins, as well as of Sperm Whales and Cuvier's Beaked Whales.This study is carried through boat-based surveys, observation surveys from terrestrial vantage points, as well as through acoustic monitoring from permanent hydrophone stations (which will operate from autumn 2006).This study focuses:

• on the assessment of the biodiversity of cetacean populations,


• on the assessment of cetacean migratory behaviour,


• on the creation of a photo-identification database, and


• on the surveillance of cetacean acoustic behaviour and analysis of the sounds produced.

B. Monk Seals

-Assessment of the populations of Mediterranean Monk Seals through boat-based surveys.

- Development and application of a pilot project for the conservation of the monk seals, with the active involvement of small-scale   fishermen in both the monitoring of their populations as well as on the conservation of the species.

C. First Aid

First aid is being offered to cetaceans stranded in the region.

Toxicological analysis is being carried out on samples from marine mammals that have been found dead.

3. Fisheries

• Study of the productivity of coastal fisheries


• Collection of historical data through questionnaire-based surveys on the fisheries of the Aegean Sea, in relation to: the techniques and practices used, the scientific fisheries productivity, trends evident over time.


• Study of the extent and the frequency of damage caused by dolphins and seals to coastal fishermen's nets.


• Collaboration with the local fishermen's associations, and the Greek fishermen's Confederation, in order to develop and apply pilot schemes for the sustainable management of fisheries

4. The (under creation)National Park of the North Dodecanese

The aforementioned studies are being carried with the aim to identify areas of special environmental importance in the Aegean Sea, for which sustainable management & conservation schemes will be developed, established and applied, in collaboration with the local communities.

Currently the results of the aforementioned research are used for the preparation of the Analytical Management Plan, required for the establishment National Park of the North Dodecanese. This park covers the area of 44 islands and islets of the north Dodecanese, and will constitute one of the largest marine parks of the Mediterranean. It will protect a large number of different (marine and terrestrial) habitats and species, while in it there will also be applied a series of pilot community-based management measures.