Microplastic Pollution Research

The goal of our research at Archipelagos’ microplastic laboratory is to identify the primary sources of plastic pollution and to quantify the extent of the contamination. Our researchers conduct thorough analyses to assess the abundance of microplastic fibers and fragments in various species and habitats in the Greek seas. Sample species are collected from all

Rescuing Loggerhead Turtles

Two Loggerhead turtles were found trapped amongst rocks, in shallow waters, in Kokkari and in Ormos, Marathokampos on Samos island. Both turtles were found by locals, and showed obvious signs of exhaustion, probably having been unable to dive or feed for several days. Archipelagos – Institute of Marine Conservation was immediately contacted by the locals

Coralligenous Habitats: An Imperative Need for Immediate Protection

The research expedition of the “Aegean Explorer”, in the waters of the north eastern Aegean, continues despite the strong prevailing north winds. The first results of the focused and intense work of the research team, within the framework of “Protecting Aegean Sea Coralligene”, have been exceptionally interesting! In a marine area of just 7000m2, the

Underwater Gardens of Sea Pens

The first results of the research expedition, as part of the action “Protecting Aegean Coralligene”, shows very promising results regarding a biodiversity hotspot within these hidden marine habitats! Within only the first 2km of surveys with advanced equipment, such as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sonar, the international team onboard already identified over 250

Over Intensive Aquaculture or Sustainable Development?

The local communities and authorities in the region of Astakos – Echinades – Mitikas – Kastos – Kalamos in Etoloakarnania, western Greece, are claiming the obvious: to halt the increasingly intense degradation occurring in the waters of their region, as well as to restore the environmental destruction that has already been caused.  Archipelagos Institute of

Cuvier’s Beaked Whales – The Rare Wildlife of our Seas

The populations of Cuvier’s beaked whales in the waters of the North and Central Aegean are one of the most important recordings the past few days by the marine mammal research team of Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation. It took us over 20 years of continuous presence in the Aegean to be able to achieve

Provocative, Destructive and Illegal Fishing by 6 Turkish Trawlers off the coast of Leros Island

    During the past days, ‘packs’ of Turkish fishing boats, namely bottom trawlers, have been sailing off at dawn from the Turkish coast,  entering Greek waters, and fishing illegally therein , even at distances of 100 meters from the shores of  Greek eastern Aegean islands such as Samos, Agathonisi , Lipsi, Leros and Kalymnos.

Aegean Sea: An important hotspot for Cetaceans

Only within the past 24 hours, the Marine Mammal Research team of Archipelagos Institute encountered and collected data on sperm whales, Cuvier’s beaked whales, and four species of dolphins in the region of NE Aegean. These sightings confirm the region’s global environmental significance for multiple cetacean populations. Through extensive surveys with the boats “Pinelopi” and

International Visitors at the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary Project

At Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation an important visit took place by Queen Sofia of Spain, along with the Greek Deputy Minister of Environment & Energy, Mr. Giorgos Amiras, the General Secretary of Natural Environment & Water, Prof. Konstantinos Aravosis and the Ambassador of Spain, Mr. Enrique Viguera. The Queen was accompanied by distinguished guests

Discovering the Fascinating Marine World of the Aegean Sea – A webinar for young people of all ages!

The Consulate General of Greece in Boston, in collaboration with the Institute of Eastern Mediterranean Studies at Emmanuel College and with the Archipelagos – Institute of Marine Conservation will bring the Aegean Sea to the USA on the 29th of May at 11:00 Boston (EDT)/ 18:00 Athens (EEST). In the webinar you will experience impressive audiovisual material from the biodiversity of