Ionian Dolphin Project
Research and conservation of dolphins and Mediterranean monk seals in the Ionian Greece
Ionian Dolphin Project
Research and conservation of dolphins and Mediterranean monk seals in the Ionian Greece
Founded in 1991, the IONIAN DOLPHIN PROJECT (IDP) aims to ensure the long-term viability of marine mammals living in the coastal waters of Greece, in the eastern Ionian Sea.
Dolphins and monk seals in the area are facing significant threats due, among other factors, to increasing human encroachment and overfishing. As a consequence, some populations of dolphins have disappeared altogether from portions of their former range.
Activities
- Long-term monitoring of marine mammals through vessel-based surveys and individual photoidentification, to detect population trends and identify critical habitats;
- Investigating the impacts of human activities – such as pollution and overfishing – on local marine ecosystems and their most charismatic megafauna;
- Public awareness, education and capacity building initiatives (e.g., training fellow scientist in marine mammal research techniques, presentations to the local communities, lectures at schools, production of education material);
- Working together with stakeholders (e.g., authorities, tourism sector and fishers’ cooperatives) to raise awareness, identify and promote ecosystem-based conservation actions to protect marine mammals, while developing strategies for enforcing existing regulations, including those against illegal fishing;
- Development, establishment and maintenance of a network of NGOs, research institutes and universities, sharing a common vision on marine conservation priorities and goals;
- Dissemination of information in the scientific literature and delivery of management proposals to international agreements and bodies concerned with the protection of marine biodiversity, as well as to national agencies;
- The IDP also runs a citizen science programme, offering the opportunity to people from many diverse backgrounds and nationalities, but with a strong interest on marine mammals and nature conservation, to actively participate in our research activities alongside Tethys’ experts.
Across its 30+ years of activity, the IDP has counted with the dedication of numerous researchers and collaborators—around 100 in total—many of whom now lead their own research initiatives and marine conservation organizations.
You can help us too! By supporting our work with your donation or by participating to our field work
You can help us too! By supporting our work with your donation or by participating to our field work