Reopening of the Archipelago research bases in N.E. Dodecanese and the occurrence of illegal fishing practices

After the preliminary biological mapping of the Posidonia seagrass meadows and coralligene reefs that was carried out in S.W. Samos, the research continued in the marine area of N.E. Dodecanese. Archipelagos research crew went to the Wildlife refuge (ΦΕΚ Νο. 1417/16.09.2004.) of the Arki - Patmos islet complex.







Lowering a high analysis underwater camera into the water from the research vessel ‘Nireas’.





The crew sailed on the research yacht “Nireas” to reopen the 2 research bases in Marathi and Arki. With the help of state of the art recording devices, they continued the biological mapping in one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the Aegean Sea.




The yacht of Archipelagos in Arki Island








At present, the research team of Archipelagos is working towards setting up signs with informational material in accessible areas of the wildlife refuge. The aim of this is to make the locals and visitors aware of the high environmental importance of the area and the need for the total protection of both marine and terrestrial biodiversity of the islet complex.





The research station of Archipelagos in Arki






The effort of the few inhabitants to maintain the work started by Archipelagos is admirable. After the islet complex was declared as a Wildlife refuge, the locals have realised the benefits to the biodiversity and always acting legally, they have taken on the responsibility of “guarding” and protecting the area. An example of this effort is a recent incident when Arki inhabitants stopped a group of people who tried to fish illegally in the area during the night using harpoon & diving equipment. The port authorities of Patmos arrived in the region immediately and enforced the law (imposing fines, confiscating diving equipment).





Marathi belongs to the complex of the islands Arki-Patmos. It is one of the richest ecosystems in the Aegean Sea





We should point out that in the past few years the illegal fishing activities, either with the prementioned methods or with the use of dynamite, have become more frequent, resulting in extensive damage in the marine ecosystems and fisheries (watch the video that was recorded a month ago, where fishermen are fishing with dynamite).
Unfortunately, the search for easy income, the society’s tolerance to this phenomenon and the insufficiency of controlling and repressive regulations have led to the inflation of the problem.

However, Archipelago’s persistence in involving the local communities and making a stand against poaching and illegal fishing seems to be successful. The passive attitude and the dependence on others for help never proved effective due to the location of the islets and the inefficiency of the port authorities.