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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

Coralligenous Habitats – Protecting the Secret of the Aegean

In the deep waters of the Mediterranean, in particular the Aegean Sea, there is a secret world we risk losing before we even discover it. The Coralligenous Habitats of the Mediterranean, found at a depth of 70-250 meters, are some of the most complex and rich marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean. At the same time,

The rebirth of nature during the spring is intense in the sea

While at the Archipelagos Institute we monitor on a daily basis the changes in the marine ecosystems, due to the limited fishing and overall limited presence of humans at seas because of the pandemic, the images we record impress us, even if we know they will not last long… In the picture you can see

Limiting the environmental footprint caused to our seas by our daily habits: Collaboration between the Archipelagos Institute and KORRES

When we talk about protecting the environment and combating pollution, our mind usually goes to causes and causers that are difficult for us as citizens to influence, such as industrial pollution. Frequently do not think about the large environmental footprint caused by our daily consumption habits, i.e. the personal hygiene products, cosmetics and cleaning products

Sea Diamond – An Abandoned Toxic Waste for 14 years on the seafloor of Santorini

Fourteen years after the Sea Diamond sunk taking with it 3 human lives and after it was abandoned on the sea floor of Santorini, it continues to corrode and release dangerous toxic substances in the marine ecosystems. Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation has been on the side of the local community since the first day

2 Urgent Patient Transfers by Archipelagos Institute’s boat

Despite the rough weather conditions prevailing in the Aegean these days, Archipelagos Institute was asked carry out within 1 day 2 emergency transfers of patients with serious health problems (not COVID 19) from a small to a larger island. With a continuous presence for over 24 years in the Aegean, there have been numerous similar

Mapping of Posidonia seagrass meadows and coastal habitats using kayaks

Despite the difficult conditions, at the Archipelago Institute we adapt our actions to protect the biodiversity of our seas according to the restrictions. Researchers in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team of the Archipelago Institute, continue to map the Posidonia seagrass meadows and the coastal habitats using kayaks. In collaboration with the British University of

Students Take Action

Adapting to the special conditions of the time, the Archipelagos Institute continues an action which has been going on for 24 years, online, during which it offers non-profit lessons and activities of environmental education in schools. The aim was and is to inform and prepare the new inhabitants of the islands about the problems that

Online Classes for the Protection of the Aegean for Nursery School Students from Kalymnos island

Out of all the students who have taken part in the environmental education lessons from Archipelagos Institute over the past 22 years, the most interesting and challenging questions are posed from the youngest students – a fact that fills us with hope, but also with great responsibility. What is certain, however, is that having followed

Intervention of the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation at the meeting of the Regional Council of Western Greece

The planned increase by 70% of fish farming production in the coasts of Etoloakarnania (the westernmost part of Central Greece) was discussed at the recent meeting of the Regional Council of Western Greece, with a possibility that the previous approval of the proposal by the Regional Council could be reversed. The Archipelagos Institute, as a

Alarming Extent of Plastic Pollution in the Greek Seas

Fragments and fibres of plastic waste exposed to the environment are already ubiquitous to all levels of the ecosystems and food chains of the Greek seas. This is according to the results of multi-level research conducted by the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation. Idyllic Tourist Destination or Open Landfill? At a time when the Greek
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