This Grant project was completed in 2019 .We continue to showcase this project’s outcomes on our website because we are proud of the impact it has made and continues to have. While this grant project has been archived, we think you might be interested to read on….

The challenge

The challenge here was to respond to rising concerns for the conservation and survival of many cetacean populations living in Greek waters. The data we have at our disposal surrounding the rare and unique habitats populations of endangered and vulnerable Mediterranean cetaceans in the Cycladic Archipelagos is inadequate to support proposals for place-based conservation measures.

The solution 

In response to the concerns, we partnered once again with «Ελληνική Λέσχη για την Μελέτη και Προστασία της Φώκιας Μοναχός» to support the first systematic aerial survey of cetaceans in the Cycladic Archipelagos as part of the North Aegean Dolphin Project. This citizen science project aimed to energetically engage the local community in the conservation of these charismatic marine mammals through the collection of data about cetacean sightings. 

What does the project deliver in practice?

Our specific aims were to:

1. Provide baseline data on cetacean presence and distribution in the whole Cyclades archipelagos. 
2. Identify cetacean hotspots that could be prioritised for intensive research and management.
3. Identify areas where conflicts with fisheries or other human activities are particularly acute.
4. Engage as many locals as possible in the data collection project.
5. Inform and inspire islanders of the archipelagos to energetically participate in future initiatives of marine conservation in the area.

If you would like to help us collect valuable data, please fill out this form. You can also take a look at our dolphin observation guide, or send your audio-visual material to info@mom.gr. 

A bit about the organisation

‘MOm / The Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk seal is a Greek non–governmental environmental organisation with the legal status of a Non–profit association. MOm is active in the protection and promotion of the coastal and marine environment of Greece, through the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal, which is the only seal species in the Mediterranean Sea and the most endangered seal on earth.’ – MOm official website. 

Φωτογραφίες: Πάνος Δενδρινός /MOm