In collaboration with ELPE and GASTRADE, NCC has carried out a series of demanding biodiversity surveys in the marine environment of the Ionian and Aegean Seas. These surveys are conducted either by boat or by plane, using specialized equipment and protocols. The boat surveys are visual and acoustic, using towed and directional hydrophones, drifting hydrophones, and drones.

The NCC uses the 15m sailing vessel ARTINA as its main observation platform. The boat is equipped with modern research and safety equipment and can accommodate 6-8 researchers for several days of recording in the open sea. It has the appropriate infrastructure for eDNA sampling. It also has a marine mammal observation platform to ensure that visual measurements are taken from the appropriate height and are in line with international standards. For this reason, ARTINA is also expected to participate in the ACCOBAMS Mediterranean census, ASI 2026. NCC recorders are certified by the JNCC as MMOs.

Alongside visual recordings, marine mammals are photographed so that they can subsequently be identified using photo-ID. This work is carried out in collaboration with specialized agencies (BIOTOPIA for aerial recordings) and specialized scientists-consultants (for acoustic recordings and PAMGUARD analyses). The recordings also include telemetry programs for both seabirds and sea turtles. They also include recordings in colonies with bioacoustic sensors and automatic cameras, both for birds and seals.

In some cases, boat surveys are accompanied by land-based surveys using international best practices, particularly for identifying the presence of dolphins in the Thracian Sea. Marine biodiversity surveys also include surveys of the presence/distribution of marine mammals and underwater noise using towed hydrophones (RTSys, FPODS), underwater noise analyses (in collaboration with the specialist company WaterProof). As part of its marine surveys, NCC collaborates with experienced divers and companies providing underwater drone survey services.

NCC’s expertise in the above issues can be described as unique in Greece, at least in the context of consulting companies.