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Author: Dorothy Filiotis
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Did you see a sea creature?

Report it with these links to support conservation efforts and citizen science projects.
 

I saw...

A sea turtle! Turtle sighting guide (Archelon) For injured, dead, or hatchling sightings!

A seal! Seal sighting guide (MoM) | Seal report form (MoM)

A dolphin! Dolphin report form (MoM) 

An invasive fish! Report sightings on iSea’s project on iNaturalist (requires sign up) | Identify invasives with these posters

Posidonia seagrass! Posidonia sighting questionnaires. Fill in the questionnaire for the appropriate island

Anything else! Sign up to iNaturalist Greece and enter your observations. And see iNaturalist projects in Greece

Watch presentations about sea turtles, invasive species, Posidonia seagrass, and citizen science projects in our ‘In the Sea‘ webinar

Your observations can help the life of the Aegean. Enjoy spotting the diversity of all our Cycladic relations.

“To see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.”
— Georgia O’Keeffe

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Pick the Alien for dinner

Steps to order an invasive fish for dinner and eat seafood responsibly!

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If you find injured wildlife

Guidelines to respond to wildlife in need​ and other ways to support wildlife organisations

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Posidonia Alert: Protect the seagrass

Posidonia meadows are the basis of marine life and the lungs of the Mediterranean.

Their biggest threat are anchors and anchor chains!

Protect Posidonia by:

  • Anchoring far from Posidonia seagrass meadows.
  • Leaving it on the beach. Share your support for leaving ‘Posidonia banquets’ where they wash up. They are part of a healthy beach!
  • Spreading the word.

Amazing Posidonia

Photo credits: Yiannis Issaris/HCMR
Photo credits: Yiannis Issaris/HCMR
  • Supports high biodiversity
  • Is a nursery for many species
  • Provides blue carbon storage
  • Sequesters 15x more CO2 than Amazon forest per area
  • Offers erosion protection from floods, extreme weather
  • Builds beaches
  • Can live for 100 000s of years
  • Takes 100 years to grow 1 meter
  • Purifies water making it crystal clear
  • Is a major oxygen producer
Watch the Posidonia Alert presentation by Maria Salomidi in our ‘In the Sea’ webinar
(starts at 14:38 – 30 minute presentation)

Anchor away from posidonia

photo credits: Mallorcablue

Anchors tear out ancient Posidonia plants in minutes.

The best way to avoid this is to anchor on sand, far from Posidonia meadows.

Watch the video below for an overview of Posidonia! And share the word!

See the Posidonia Alert campaign page for more. Use the questionnaires to share your own observations of poseidonia meadows.

Sources:

Cyclades Preservation Fund: Posidonia Alert

Climate change: ‘Forever plant’ seagrass faces uncertain future – BBC News

IUCN – Love Posidonia

Atlas Posidonia – What is Posidonia

credits NAXOS WILDLIFE PROTECTION
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How WE can help the Sea Turtles of the Cyclades

In case of an injured or sick sea turtle call NAXOS WILDLIFE PROTECTION (+30 697 6797070) and/or the Port Police asap for instructions.

Watch this 3 minute video for further information.

If we see a sea turtle in the sea

We respect her space.

We keep a safe distance without obstructing her way.

DO NOT TOUCH sea turtles. Like all wild animals, sea turtles may feel threatened if touched or approached.

DO NOT FEED sea turtles. Feeding them can have devastating effects on the sea turtles’ health and behaviour. Sea turtles are capable of finding enough food.

A sea turtle requires help if it...

  • Cannot descend.
  • Is entangled in fishing gear.
  • Has fishing line or rope extending from its mouth – never attempt to remove this yourself as there may be more hooks inside that can cause severe damage.
  • Is injured.
  • Is found on land – requires immediate help.

Call NAXOS WILDLIFE PROTECTION and the Port Police asap for instructions.

Wrong actions or movements can prove fatal to the sea turtle.

Watch the NAXOS WILDLIFE PROTECTION presentation by Sophia Lykouropoulou in our In the Sea webinar
(Starts at 1:28:38 – 30 minute presentation)

Help before harm happens

Ways we can create a safer environment for sea turtles:

  • Educate ourselves
  • Become a conscious and responsible seafood consumer. Fishing activities are the sea turtles’ greatest threat.
  • Report any illegal fishing activity to the Port Police.

If we see a nesting turtle, tracks or hatchlings:

  • We step away from the spot and keep other passers by away as well.
  • We call NAXOS WILDLIFE PROTECTION (+30 697 6797070) and the Port Police asap.
  • We do not speak loudly
  • We do not use flash and lights
  • We do not obstruct their way to the sea.
credits NAXOS WILDLIFE PROTECTION
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Walk routes with a purpose

Walk Cycladic trails and help their preservation with tips from Andros Routes

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Cycladic Initiatives Map

Here is a sample of the incredible initiatives working around the Cyclades for environmental and social causes. This is a dynamic list of CPF’s active local grantees and partners that keeps growing.

Ways to engage with local initiatives

  • Donate. Many of these initiatives accept donations. Check the website links to find donation options
  • Volunteer. Check for volunteering options in your area. And read our First Steps to Volunteering post for further tips.
  • Research further initiatives on the island of your choice, this map offers just a sample to get you started
Watch the Local Participation webinar to learn more about volunteering, local initiatives, and the CPF network.
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First Steps to Volunteering

If you are looking to get involved in a local organisation. We discussed at length the issue of collaborative action in our Local Participation webinar. Here are some pointers to begin volunteering.

Steps for engaging in a volunteer programme:

  • Research local organisations: See the map below as a starting point. Read websites or social media pages of initiatives to understand their operation.
  • Reach out to the organisation
  • Understand the volunteer requirements
  • Attend an orientation or training session
  • Be flexible, adaptable and open to communication

Cycladic Initiatives Map:

Cycladic Initiatives Map: Here is a sample of the incredible initiatives working around the Cyclades for environmental and social causes. This is a dynamic list of CPF’s active local grantees and partners that keeps growing.