Applied Marine Research & Conservation: Marine Mammals, Fisheries & Littoral Ecosystems

Introduction to the course:

This course provides a unique learning experience to participants, combining an interdisciplinary approach to applied marine research and its application to the management and conservation of marine habitats. This 7 day course offers both classroom and practical sessions at various marine sites and habitats, both in the littoral zone as well as in the open sea. The classroom sessions will provide an excellent background knowledge of the marine species found within the Aegean Sea, the techniques utilised for their study, as well as issues relating to their conservation and management.

Practical sessions will involve marine mammal surveys and monitoring of seagrass beds with camera census on board the Archipelagos research boat. It will also include fisheries surveys as well as snorkelling surveys for the assessment of biodiversity, using underwater visual census techniques. The variety of subjects approached on this course offers a holistic view of applied marine research. It will provide participants with the tools and practical experience needed for the greater understanding of marine ecosystems and their conservation, which can only be achieved through the close collaboration with the local communities.

Introduction to the site:

The course will take place in the region of the eastern Aegean Sea, based on the island of Samos and the nearby islands. This area is one of the most important biodiverstiy hot-spots in the Mediterreanean region, supporting important populations of endangered marine species and habitats. Several species of marine mammals are found in the area, including the Striped, Bottlenose, Risso's and the, now rare, Common dolphin, the Sperm whale, Cuvier's beaked whale and the highly endangered Mediterranean monk seal. A diverse range of important marine habitats can also be observed and studied, from Posidonia seagrass beds to coralligene reefs.

These species and habitats are, however, being impacted by a number of anthropogenic factors, including decline of fishstocks, pollution of the seas as well as the noise pollution caused by boat activity. The research carried out by Archipelagos Institute aims to provide data on the status of these ecosystems, as well as the extent of anthropogenic impacts in order to develop and apply sustainable conservation schemes. Based on the data collected, Archipelagos provides the local communities and authorities with management measures and schemes, aiming to ensure the sustainability of the seas, in balance with the needs of the local communities.

Aim:

The aim of this course is to provide an introduction to applied marine research, marine ecology and conservation in the Mediterranean. This course will not only provide an excellent hands-on experience, but also a good background knowledge to anybody who wishes to develop their understanding of Mediterranean marine ecosystems and their protection. Participants will also gain first-hand experience in the ongoing field studies and conservation work of the Archipelagos Institute.

Topics covered include:

• Marine Mammal Biology & Conservation:

Introduction to the biology, ecology and conservation status of the marine mammals of the eastern Mediterranean, focusing on the 4 dolphin and 2 whale species which are regularly recorded in the Aegean Sea, as well as the highly endangered Mediterranean monk seal. The methods of study for these species will be taught, including visual surveying to assess marine mammal abundance, passive acoustic monitoring, behavioural studies and photo-identification of cetaceans. These will be put into practice on boat-based surveys (weather permitting). Marine mammal and turtle first aid will also be covered in these sessions.

• Fisheries: Practices, Ecology & Management:

Lectures will cover the types of fisheries practices in the Aegean and Mediterranean sea, as well as methods of assessment of productivity, Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE), Maximun Sustainable Yield (MSY) and Total Allowable Catch (TAC). The socio-economical importance of fisheries for island communities, the ecology of targeted fish stocks and the impact of fisheries on marine ecosystems are also explored. Methods, control, monitoring and management of fishing activities are discussed, focusing on how to raise an active long-term participation of the local communities in the management process. Greek and EU legislation will also be covered, focusing on the ongoing process of methods of resolving discrepancies in national legislations, as well as on the ongoing process for the reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy.

• Littoral Ecosystems, Ecology & Conservation:

This topic provides an introduction to the ecology and conservation of the Mediterranean littoral ecosystems, as well as an introduction to the underwater visual-census (UVC) techniques and data collection methods. The combination of classroom and snorkelling sessions will provide a great learning experience. Species assessment techniques, including the underwater identification of fish, invertebrate and algae species will be covered.

• Monitoring of Posidonia seagrass beds using underwater imaging:

Lectures will be given on the ecological significance and factors threatening Posidonia seagrass meadows. Seagrass beds will be mapped using a digital cartographic camera system. Their biodiversity and health will also be assessed as well as the epiphyte cover, water quality and the extent of impact caused by antrhoropogenic activities. GIS maps of seagrass bed areas will be produced, and their usage in conservation management planning will be discussed.

• Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) and conservation management planning (CMP):

Lectures will be given on environmental conservation and coastal zone management of the Mediterranean with a focus on the eastern Aegean islands. These sessions will focus on the current state of CMP in Greece and Europe. The involvement of the local communities in coastal zone management will also be discussed. The interpretation and promotion of sustainable use of the coastal zone will be explored through a series of visits to sites of variable environmental and anthropogenic characteristics, providing a holistic approach to coastal management.

Extra three-day optionDuring the extra three day option, the participants can select from a wide range of activities such as, guided tours exploring Samos island (archaeological sites and traditional villages), participating in zoological surveys (assessing populations of priority species such as jackals and chameleons), attending dedicated sessions with Archipelagos researchers, on topics of their special interest.