Mapping of Posidonia Seagrass beds in Samos

At the end of August, members of the scientific team of Archipelagos visited the municipality of Marathokampos. They met with the Head of the Prefecture of Samos, the Mayor and the members of the City Council of Marathokampos, as well as with representatives of fishing organizations and other members of the local communities.
This took place in the form of a workgroup meeting between stakeholders, for an agreement regarding biological mapping of southwest Samos. This will result in the determination of fishing grounds and various fishing gear restrictions. The agreement aims to preserve the protected and fragile habitats from the detrimental effects of large scale fishing.









Archipelagos' sailing boad "Nireas" in Marathokampos cove

This conservation effort will include the mapping of areas of the protected Posidonia sea grass beds, as well as reefs of “coralligene” (calcareous red algae), so that they can be integrated into a regime of sustainable fisheries management. It is worthwhile mentioning that this specific action arose from the increasing awareness and initiative of the local communities, where the degradation of the marine habitat through illegal fishing practices is causing drastic reductions in fishstocks affecting their livelihoods. This initiative by the local community should be given special recognition as any long-term conservation efforts require their active participation.









Archipelagos informs the local authorities and communities in Samos, for the need of mapping of seagrass habitats, during the workgroup meeting