THE National Marine Park of Zakynthos

The National Marine Park of Zakynthos (N.M.P.Z.) was established with the aim to protect and conserve animal and plants species as well as their habitats, which constitute an important natural heritage at national and international level.
Therefore, the main concern of the N.M.P.Z. is the preservation of natural heritage and conservation of ecological balance of marine and coastal area of Lagana’s bay and Strofadia islets taking into account at the same time the development of human activities that are compatible with the aim of nature’s protection.
The area of the N.M.P.Z. is well known as one of the most important rookeries of the Loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta in the Mediterranean. The area of the N.M.P.Z. is also characterized by the presence of the endangered monk seal Monachus monachus, the rich migrant avifauna and endemic flora, as well as the habitats of European and Mediterranean interest like sand dunes and halophile vegetation systems and meadows of the sea grass Posidonia oceanica.
© Photos: Laurent Sourbes

Posidonia Oceanica – Seagrass meadows

Seagrass meadows: life’s vibrant tapestry below, where marine flora sway, sheltering countless creatures in their verdant embrace. Beneath azure waves, they purify, oxygenate, and nurture a vital sanctuary in our ocean’s realm. Among tangled roots, a delicate balance thrives, where biodiversity flourishes, echoing nature’s symphony. Guardians of coastal ecosystems, they silently weave resilience against tides of change. In these submerged havens, harmony blossoms, reminding us of the intricate beauty beneath the surface.

SEA GUARDIANS – TRAINING THE GUARDIANS OF THE SEA

Groups of professionals or amateur users, whose activity has a significant impact on the marine environment, have been trained through a series of seminars and workshops, especially designed with a focus on the Marine Protected Areas of Greece. The programme aimed to better understanding of the marine environment, to highlight the threats and the institutional framework for marine environmental protection, to demonstrate good practices for managing fish stocks and avoiding marine pollution. Sea Guardians, also contributing to a collective effort, in the logic of citizen science by the participation of all citizens for the collection of data on marine species and pollution hotspots through an e-tool free mobile application.

Pinna Nobillis in Thermaikos Gulf

MARINE ACTIVITIES IN KARPATHOS-P.A.M.U. 19

Aiming at the improvement of the ecological state of the marine caves in Karpathos and Saria Islands, actions targeting the removal of accumulated marine litter, rapid assessment of pressures and threats, and the census of hosted non-indigenous and protected species were implemented. More than 200 marine species were recorded in 18 marine caves, including 13 protected and several rare species. Bioconstructions which date back to hundreds of years, formed by rock sponges, deep-sea species recorded only in a few marine caves of the Mediterranean Sea, were also recorded. Thirteen non-indigenous species were recorded, as well as partial necrosis or fragmentation of coralline algae and sessile invertebrates.
In addition to this, the personnel of the Management Unit of Southeastern Aegean Protected Areas, performs daily patrols (by cars, boat, or foot) at the Protected Area, monitors Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus, as well as the sea turtle Caretta caretta and cooperates with local authorities for more effective protection of the Protected Areas.

CONSERVATION MARINE ACTIVITIES P.A.M.U. 11

The protected marine area under the supervision of the Management Unit of National Parks Zakynthos, Ainos and Protected Areas of Ionian Islands has a surface of than 3.000 km2 and is characterized by the presence of many priority habitats and species protected under the Directive 92/43 EOK. Ongoing undertaken conservation activities concern mainly the protection of meadows sea grass Posidonia oceanica through the positioning of ecological anchorage systems (Zakynthos, Kefalonia), the monitoring of marine mammals and reptiles stranding within the whole Ionian region (data base), the conservation of Mediterranean Monk Seals, the implementation of specific protection measures regarding sea turtles Caretta caretta reproduction cycle (Zakynthos) and the global monitoring of the status of conservation of protected marine habitats and species as well as impacts of Climate change (Zakynthos, Kefalonia).

Management actions for coastal dunes in Alyki Kitrous

Over the last decades, coastal dunes (Habitat types such as 2110, 2120 and 2220) have been subjected to severe anthropogenic and natural pressures and are mainly threatened by uncontrolled tourism growth, lack of public awareness, off-road vehicles or even common vehicles entering coastal wetland and driving on the sand dunes, camper vans parking over the dune habitats and littering.
Aiming to protect and ensure the long-term sustainability of the coastal dune system and the biodiversity it hosts such as: Sea lillies Pancratium maritimum, Hermanni’s tortoises Testudo hermanni, Greek tortoises Testudo graeca, Kentish plovers Charadrius alexandrines, the following management actions were implemented along the coast of the Protected Area:

•  Installation of wooden fences and keep-off bars,
• Creation of special designated paths among sand dunes
• Launching public awareness and environmental education campaigns that involved the production of video for social media, information leaflets, sign posting and conducting thematic events on sand dunes, their value and the threats and pressures they are facing.

Photos: Lydia Alvanou

The Mediterranean Coral Reef Fishes

The Mediterranean reefs, with their vibrant colors and diverse marine life, are jewels of the sea. Teeming with corals, sponges, and countless species, they form intricate ecosystems of unparalleled beauty. These reefs provide crucial habitats for fish and other marine organisms, supporting local fisheries and tourism. However, they face escalating threats from pollution, overfishing, and rising sea temperatures due to climate change. Urgent conservation actions are imperative to safeguard the resilience and biodiversity of Mediterranean reefs, ensuring their survival for generations to come.

PROTECTION OF GYAROS – ACTIVITIES IN P.A.M.U. 16


One of the most important actions carried out by the Management Unit of the Central Aegean Protected Areas regarding marine ecosystems is the protection of the island of Gyaros, through the operation of a remote surveillance system. The main focus is the restriction of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing incidents. Gyaros is an ideal refuge for many endangered species of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna (e.g. Monachus monachus, Puffinus yelkouan). In Gyaros, also, are located significant marine habitats, such as Posidonia meadows, coral formations & sea caves.

© Photos: File Management Unit of the Central Aegean Protected Areas