Lemnos & Agios Stratis: Sea caves acquire a “shield” of protection
Source: Tornos News
In the clear blue waters of Lemnos and Agios Efstratios, dozens of sea caves are hidden – precious natural treasures that are a refuge for the rare biodiversity of the Aegean and critical habitats for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
The North Aegean Protected Areas Management Unit of OFYPEKA completed an extensive program of documentation and protection of these sensitive ecosystems, which belong to the priority habitat 8330 of the NATURA 2000 network.
The actions included:
Recording data from more than 30 sea caves
Visual observations to assess marine life and conservation status
Documentation of threats, such as pollution and alien species
Highlighting the ecological pressures faced by the caves
This effort would not have been as successful without the contribution of volunteer scientist-divers and the local government of Ai Stratis, who supported the field missions. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ionian University and the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, while protection actions will soon be extended to the Central Aegean, Evia and Skyros.
With the combined power of science and local society, the sea caves of the North Aegean are now receiving the attention and protection they deserve.
The original article: belongs to Tornos News .
