The need to develop rapid bio-assessment techniques for assessing the ecological quality of coast... more The need to develop rapid bio-assessment techniques for assessing the ecological quality of coastal waters is emphasized by both scientists and policy makers. In this study non-destructive sampling was performed on macrophytobenthic populations of the upper infralittoral zone at five sites in Rhodes Island (Aegean Sea, Greece), from the busy port of the town of Rhodes to a recreational beach in Ladikon bay. All sites present various forms and degrees of anthropogenic disturbance. Photographic sampling was performed and the Ecological Evaluation Index was applied on the quantified visual data to assess the ecological status (in terms of the WFD) of the study area. The first results classified the five sites in three different Ecological Status Categories, ranging from Low at the Port of Rhodes to High at the distant Ladikon Bay. All intermediate stations were classified as Good. Further studies in terms of seasonality are necessary in order to confirm these results.
In order to most benefit from the potential offered by the European marine basins in terms of gro... more In order to most benefit from the potential offered by the European marine basins in terms of growth and employment (Blue Growth), and to protect the marine environment, we need to know more about the seafloor. European Directives, such as the MSFD, but also the Horizon 2020 roadmap explicitly called for a multi-resolution full coverage of all European seas including bathymetry, geology and habitats. The present work, following on a suite of past initiatives, has made a big step forward in this direction. It has first boosted the collation of existing maps from surveys by setting up a framework and a procedure to encourage people to submit their maps and data. This resulted in a more attractive EMODnet seabed habitat portal and a snowball effect with more and more people willing to join. However, collation will eventually come to an end and as new creations of seabed habitat maps are so complex and time-consuming, a cost-efficient way to meet the need for a full-coverage habitat map...
In this pilot study, we monitored for the first time the biodiversity of hardbottom communities g... more In this pilot study, we monitored for the first time the biodiversity of hardbottom communities grown on artificial substrata in two shallow water habitats of the Saronikos Gulf, Greece. Here we report preliminary results from the analysis of assemblages that established at a disturbed and an undisturbed study site as well as a list of macrofouler species. This research was performed within the framework of the German-Greek collaboration for the advancement of knowledge exchange among young scientists (IKYDA, 2006).
Knowledge on distribution of coralligenous communities with gorgonian facies (Anthozoa: Gorgonace... more Knowledge on distribution of coralligenous communities with gorgonian facies (Anthozoa: Gorgonacea) is still rather poor in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This is mainly due to their considerably deeper distribution than their Western basin counterparts. In the framework of “Nautilos” Project (2005-2008) several combined Submersible and ROV surveys were conducted to systematically locate gorgonian facies and visually assess their basic structure and distribution. Gorgonian assemblages were recorded from 10 study sites within a depth range of 30-120m. Shallow gorgonian assemblages were an exception, with most found at depths greater than 50m. In general, Eunicella cavolinii and Paramuricea clavata were found to be the most common species, while Leptogorgia sarmentosa, Eunicella singularis and Corallium rubrum were extremely rare findings. Considering the susceptibility of these habitats to various anthropogenic impacts, this is an important first attempt to map their spatial distribu...
Based on the following Terms of Reference (TOR) of the content of the European Commission DG MARE... more Based on the following Terms of Reference (TOR) of the content of the European Commission DG MARE request Ares (2011)665688: “Compile information supporting the identification and location of nursery areas (juveniles in their first and, if appropriate, second year of life) and spawning aggregations. This information, which is to be collated and archived in formats adequate for GIS rendering, shall refer to all the demersal and small pelagic species in the Mediterranean included in Appendix VII of Council Regulation (EC) No 199/2008 as well as for the species subject to minimum size (Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006-Annex III). In addition, ecological characterisation of these areas, both in terms of biological community (assemblage) and habitats therein, must be provided.” The technical tender form of the Specific Contract 2 (MEDISEH) defined the following objectives: Review of historical and current data on the locations and the status of seagrass beds, coralligenous and maerl ...
Mapping of ecosystem components (natural and socioeconomic) is a prerequisite for ecosystem-based... more Mapping of ecosystem components (natural and socioeconomic) is a prerequisite for ecosystem-based marine spatial management (EB-MSM). To initiate the process of EB-MSM in the Greek Ionian Sea and adjacent gulfs, the main relevant ecosystem components were mapped based on existing spatial information and expert judgment. The natural components mapped included habitat types and species of conservation importance, according to national and European legislation and international agreements. Main human activities/pressures related to fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and industry were also mapped. A substantial overlapping between ecological features and human activities was identified, confirming the need for a well planned approach of managing marine space in order to mitigate conflicts for marine resources and to conserve marine ecosystems and their associated goods and services.
The need to develop rapid bio-assessment techniques for assessing the ecological quality of coast... more The need to develop rapid bio-assessment techniques for assessing the ecological quality of coastal waters is emphasized by both scientists and policy makers. In this study non-destructive sampling was performed on macrophytobenthic populations of the upper infralittoral zone at five sites in Rhodes Island (Aegean Sea, Greece), from the busy port of the town of Rhodes to a recreational beach in Ladikon bay. All sites present various forms and degrees of anthropogenic disturbance. Photographic sampling was performed and the Ecological Evaluation Index was applied on the quantified visual data to assess the ecological status (in terms of the WFD) of the study area. The first results classified the five sites in three different Ecological Status Categories, ranging from Low at the Port of Rhodes to High at the distant Ladikon Bay. All intermediate stations were classified as Good. Further studies in terms of seasonality are necessary in order to confirm these results.
In order to most benefit from the potential offered by the European marine basins in terms of gro... more In order to most benefit from the potential offered by the European marine basins in terms of growth and employment (Blue Growth), and to protect the marine environment, we need to know more about the seafloor. European Directives, such as the MSFD, but also the Horizon 2020 roadmap explicitly called for a multi-resolution full coverage of all European seas including bathymetry, geology and habitats. The present work, following on a suite of past initiatives, has made a big step forward in this direction. It has first boosted the collation of existing maps from surveys by setting up a framework and a procedure to encourage people to submit their maps and data. This resulted in a more attractive EMODnet seabed habitat portal and a snowball effect with more and more people willing to join. However, collation will eventually come to an end and as new creations of seabed habitat maps are so complex and time-consuming, a cost-efficient way to meet the need for a full-coverage habitat map...
In this pilot study, we monitored for the first time the biodiversity of hardbottom communities g... more In this pilot study, we monitored for the first time the biodiversity of hardbottom communities grown on artificial substrata in two shallow water habitats of the Saronikos Gulf, Greece. Here we report preliminary results from the analysis of assemblages that established at a disturbed and an undisturbed study site as well as a list of macrofouler species. This research was performed within the framework of the German-Greek collaboration for the advancement of knowledge exchange among young scientists (IKYDA, 2006).
Knowledge on distribution of coralligenous communities with gorgonian facies (Anthozoa: Gorgonace... more Knowledge on distribution of coralligenous communities with gorgonian facies (Anthozoa: Gorgonacea) is still rather poor in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. This is mainly due to their considerably deeper distribution than their Western basin counterparts. In the framework of “Nautilos” Project (2005-2008) several combined Submersible and ROV surveys were conducted to systematically locate gorgonian facies and visually assess their basic structure and distribution. Gorgonian assemblages were recorded from 10 study sites within a depth range of 30-120m. Shallow gorgonian assemblages were an exception, with most found at depths greater than 50m. In general, Eunicella cavolinii and Paramuricea clavata were found to be the most common species, while Leptogorgia sarmentosa, Eunicella singularis and Corallium rubrum were extremely rare findings. Considering the susceptibility of these habitats to various anthropogenic impacts, this is an important first attempt to map their spatial distribu...
Based on the following Terms of Reference (TOR) of the content of the European Commission DG MARE... more Based on the following Terms of Reference (TOR) of the content of the European Commission DG MARE request Ares (2011)665688: “Compile information supporting the identification and location of nursery areas (juveniles in their first and, if appropriate, second year of life) and spawning aggregations. This information, which is to be collated and archived in formats adequate for GIS rendering, shall refer to all the demersal and small pelagic species in the Mediterranean included in Appendix VII of Council Regulation (EC) No 199/2008 as well as for the species subject to minimum size (Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006-Annex III). In addition, ecological characterisation of these areas, both in terms of biological community (assemblage) and habitats therein, must be provided.” The technical tender form of the Specific Contract 2 (MEDISEH) defined the following objectives: Review of historical and current data on the locations and the status of seagrass beds, coralligenous and maerl ...
Mapping of ecosystem components (natural and socioeconomic) is a prerequisite for ecosystem-based... more Mapping of ecosystem components (natural and socioeconomic) is a prerequisite for ecosystem-based marine spatial management (EB-MSM). To initiate the process of EB-MSM in the Greek Ionian Sea and adjacent gulfs, the main relevant ecosystem components were mapped based on existing spatial information and expert judgment. The natural components mapped included habitat types and species of conservation importance, according to national and European legislation and international agreements. Main human activities/pressures related to fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and industry were also mapped. A substantial overlapping between ecological features and human activities was identified, confirming the need for a well planned approach of managing marine space in order to mitigate conflicts for marine resources and to conserve marine ecosystems and their associated goods and services.
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