Overview
The Greek seas support some of the most important remaining marine mammal and turtle populations in the Mediterranean, including six cetacean species (whales and dolphins), one species of pinniped (the highly endangered Mediterranean monk seal), and three species of sea turtle (link to species section). However, other species – occasional visitors – such as the fin whale and the harbour porpoise, can be found in these waters due to their vagrant and migratory natures.
Cetaceans, pinnipeds and sea turtles face many threats in the Mediterranean area as a result of both humans and the environment. Although protected under international conventions and EU legislation, efficient management measures are not applied, and as a result several of these species are considered threatened or endangered in the Mediterranean area and urgent conservation action is required for their protection.
During the past 12 years, Archipelagos research has also focused on the assessment of marine mammal populations, working towards determining species populations, common threats, and mitigation measures against population declines, in different parts of the Greek seas. Archipelagos’ research and conservation work aims to contribute to knowledge and data, on the least studied populations of rare species.
In Greece, with over 18 000 km of coastline and 220 000 km2 of sea surface, the collection of data regarding the populations and strandings of marine mammals and turtles, is very difficult. The research carried out on these species is limited, and unfortunately strandings are rarely reported or recorded. The involvement of everyone’s help with the reporting of sightings and strandings is very important.
To report a sighting or a stranding you have observed, please click here.
On the event of a live stranding, properly administrated first aid could mean the difference between life and death. You can view here an introduction to first aid to marine mammals and turtles, that anybody could follow, until specialist help arrives.
Strandings can take place for a variety of reasons and can occur as either single or mass stranding events. It is unlikely that the exact cause of a stranding can be linked to one reason alone, some are natural causes, whereas other strandings are complex situations and could have been prevented.
Although the reasons for strandings are not always known, today we have a much better understanding of the possible causes than we ever have in the past. Some of the most predominant reasons marine mammals will strand are:
- Fisheries and Interactions
- Vessel Strikes
- Anthropogenic Debris
- Marine Debris
- Contaminants and Terrestrial Run-Off
- Navigation Problems
- Oil Spills
- Disease and Parasites
- Habitat Degradation
- Predation
- Climate Change
- Other Natural Causes
If you see a marine mammal or sea turtle that appears injured, ill or stranded please call Archipelagos IMERAS for advice and assistance as soon as possible. Please contact Archipelagos IMERAS before administering and First Aid.
+30 22750 41070, if urgent advice is required outside of office hours call +30 69747 44949
or email us at anastasia@archipelago.gr
Please provide as much information as possible from the following:
- Species (if unknown, please give size and appearance)
- Number of animals
- Condition of animal(s)
- Wounds
- Skin condition
- Period of time observed
- Position of animal
- In shade or sun
- Substrate (i.e. on rocks, shingle or sand)
- How long has it been stranded? (rough estimation)
- Exact location of stranding
- Weather conditions at scene
- Sea state
- Level of human activity
- Vessel activity in local area
- Other animals in local area (i.e. birds, fish etc.)
- Your contact details
Upon discovering a live stranded, sick or injured animal; it is important to administer Basic First Aid whenever possible. Properly administrated First Aid could mean the difference between life and death. In any case, the main priority is to avoid causing stress to the animal, as this is a common cause of death. Avoid sudden movements, loud noise, unnecessary movements and close examinations, as well as the presence of a large crowd of people around the animal.
Never try to move it to deeper water as this is also a common cause of death for stranded marine mammals in Greece.
What you should do upon discovering a stranded marine mammal or turtle:
1. Check for movement from a distance. For a turtle or a seal, it might be normal for them to be on the beach.
2. Check the breathing rate. Increased breathing rates indicate stress, which could be fatal. Normal breathing rate is as follows:
• Cetaceans
Small cetaceans (e.g. common dolphin or porpoise)• = 2-5 breaths / min
Medium cetaceans = 1 breath / min•
Large cetaceans (e.g. sperm whale) • = up to 1 breath / 20mins
• Pinniped
Normal/Mean breathing rate 5-15 breaths/min. Continuous breathing is abnormal and may indicate respiratory disease, stress or overheating
• Sea Turtles
Breathing rate outside water: at least every 20 • minutes. Even if breathing is not obvious, the turtle could still be alive. Reflexes should be checked as well.
3. Disentangle or cut away any fishing line or net that may be around the animal.
4. Support whales or dolphins in an upright position and dig trenches under the pectoral fins (flippers). If possible, fill the trenches with seawater to aid in cooling the animal.
5. Keep the animal cool and wet by continually covering with wet sheets or towels (or seaweed if available).
• Ensure the blowhole/nostrils are not covered and are clear of water and debris.
6. Never touch the blowhole or the eyes.
7. In sunny weather, attempt to provide shade for the animal by constructing a tarpaulin.
8. In cold or windy weather, attempt to provide a windbreak around the animal to prevent windburn damage.
Archipelagos provides first aid training to ensure other regions of Greece are equipped with trained volunteer teams who can respond to strandings in a more efficient and effective manner. For more information on first aid training please contact us at +30 22750 41070 or email anastasia@archipelago.gr