Enjoy Without Destroying!

Swimming, Snorkeling & Diving

• Leave marine organisms where they are! They are not souvenirs for collection! Even an empty shell has its role in the marine ecosystem – it can be used as a “new house” by a hermit crab.
• Avoid approaching and entering sea caves as they are not only dangerous to swim in, but are also used by the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal as a safe place to raise pups and rest. Any disturbance could cause their migration.
• Species such as The Pen Shell, the Giant Tun and the Triton’s Trumpet are endangered and protected by international, EU and Greek legislation. Their collection is strictly prohibited.
• Avoid swimming near rocks or near the sea bed, as excessive movements could injure, or even kill fragile sessile organisms.
• Do not remove rocks as they are an important part of marine organisms’ habitat.
• Do not feed any marine animals as this can alter their behaviour.
• Never harass marine animals for your own amusement.

Recreational fishing

• Spear gun fishing during the night and/or with underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) is illegal and trictly forbidden. It is considered to be highly destructive. Report such incidents to the port authorities.

When fishing, it is important to target only fully matured fish. Juveniles need to reach maturity to  roduce the next generation and maintain the population. If by mistake an undersized fish is caught, it should be released back in the sea.

Boating

• Be constantly vigilant whilst travelling, especially when travelling on a speed boat. Keep a constant look out to avoid accidental collision with marine animals, e.g. turtles rest in the warm surface water.
• NEVER anchor in Posidonia seagrass meadows as they are important and protected slow-growing ecosystems that can take decades to recover from damage.
• Always maintain a distance from whales and dolphins, especially if mothers and calves are present. Be careful to maintain distance and never seperate them. If you spot a whale or a pod of dolphins, set a constant speed and keep noise to a minimum. Do not chase marine animals but let them come to you!
• Do not harass marine animals for the sake of a better view or photo.
• Admire marine animals from a distance, especially turtle and sea bird nesting sites.
• Keep seas and coasts clean; take any rubbish with you! Plastic rubbish rapidly breaks down into microscopic fragments which many marine organisms will intake. This rubbish contains numerous toxic substances that will bio-accumulate in the food chain.