In the framework of the LIFE MareNatura project, pelagic surveys for cetaceans, seabirds and sea turtles were carried out by sailing boat in the area north of the Sporades and south-southeast of Halkidiki, where the North Aegean Trench is located and the depths reach up to more than 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 a sliding hydrophone with Distance sampling) and visual methods for monitoring cetaceans, seabirds and turtles (Distance sampling & ESAS protocol) were applied. With the application of these methods, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead turtles, artemisia, sea crows were observed, while the increased mobility of mychos towards Dardanelles was noteworthy.
