A Greek non-profit NGO dedicated to defending and protecting the marine biodiversity of the northeastern Mediterranean
Archipelagos is a Greek non-profit NGO dedicated to defending and protecting the marine biodiversity of the northeastern Mediterranean, with an emphasis on the Greek seas and islands, from increasing human threats, through a combination of applied scientific research, education, conservation actions and community engagement.
As a field based organization, Archipelagos is active at sea all year round, in various regions of the Aegean Sea and the NE Mediterranean. With the use of 4 research boats, Archipelagos combines field research with close cooperation with the local communities that form the foundations for targeted conservation actions. Archipelagos’ international multidisciplinary team combines field research, in cooperation with leading universities and organizations, with active conservation work by which local communities play an important role. Archipelagos has been working for 25 years at sea and in coastal island regions.
We focus on various fields of research and conservation, including marine mammals, coralligenous habitats, posidonia seagrass meadows, fisheries, plastic pollution and terrestrial biodiversity research and conservation. This foundation has enabled and strengthened Archipelagos in our efforts to protect marine and island ecosystems at a local, national and international level.
The Coralligenous habitats of the Aegean Sea are of global environmental importance, but also unique beauty. They support over 1,800 species and play a key role in maintaining the productivity of our seas. They are found between 50-250 metres deep, and are estimated to exceed 7000 years of age. Although these habitats are protected under International, EU, and Greek legislation, the lack of enforcement of existing regulations allows ongoing damage from destructive bottom trawling. Existing legislation surrounding coralligenous habitats cannot be enforced without accurate mapping.
However, the current common-practice methodology to map Coralligenous habitats is time consuming and costly. As a solution, the Archipelagos Institute has developed a rapid-assessment mapping technique combining scientific research at sea with local ecological knowledge.
By using a wide range of novel Geographic Information System (GIS) technology (multi beams, wide-band echo sounder and Remotely Operated Vehicles), Archipelagos has been able to successfully identify and map coralligenous and associated habitats. This ongoing process is being successfully applied in the Fourni island complex, where robust coralligenous areas have been identified and mapped.
Archipelagos is promoting targeted actions aiming to urgently promote the designation of the first ever Greek ‘No Trawling Zone’ near Coralligenous habitats on the island complex of Fourni.
In this difficult effort, the contribution of the coastal fishermen is invaluable. For over 20 years, the Archipelagos Institute has developed a relationship of mutual trust, close cooperation and exchange of knowledge with the fishermen and the authorities of the region.
It is crucial to work closely together to halt the destruction of these productive marine ecosystems, before it is too late.
