In the framework of the LIFE MareNatura program, pelagic surveys were conducted for cetaceans, seabirds and sea turtles with a sailing vessel in the area north of the Sporades and south-southeast of Chalkidiki, where the North Aegean Trench is located and the depths reach up to over 1500 meters. The mission was carried out by the NCC team from 11 to 17 May 2024.

During the surveys, acoustic methods for cetacean monitoring (use of towed hydrophone with Distance sampling) and visual methods for monitoring cetaceans, seabirds and sea turtles (Distance sampling & ESAS protocol) were applied. With the application of these methods, Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins, Striped dolphins, Loggerhead turtles, Cory's shearwater and Mediterranean shags were observed, while the increased mobility of Yelkouan shearwaters towards the Dardanelles was also notable.