Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

Founded in 1998, the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is a Greek nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the biodiversity of the Aegean Sea and the northeastern Mediterranean. Based on the island of Samos, its international team conducts year-round scientific research, conservation fieldwork and educational programmes in close cooperation with local communities.

Protecting Whales, Dolphins and Monk Seals
Archipelagos monitors marine mammals across the Aegean, including dolphins, whales and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal. Through research expeditions, photo-identification, acoustic monitoring and field observations, scientists study population distribution, behaviour and threats such as fishing interactions, vessel traffic and marine pollution.

Restoring Underwater Seagrass Forests
Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows are among the Mediterranean's most valuable marine habitats, supporting biodiversity, fisheries and carbon storage. Archipelagos carries out ecological monitoring and experimental restoration of damaged seagrass meadows, including the transplantation of Posidonia fragments. These efforts aim to support the recovery of underwater habitats and protect the ecosystems that depend on them.

Protecting Deep-Sea Ecosystems
The institute investigates vulnerable marine habitats, including coralligenous reefs and deep-sea ecosystems threatened by destructive fishing practices. Its researchers document environmental damage, collect scientific evidence and advocate for stronger protection of sensitive seabed habitats.

Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary
On the Greek island of Lipsi, Archipelagos is developing the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary. The initiative aims to provide a more natural environment for formerly captive dolphins and support the rehabilitation of injured marine wildlife. The sanctuary represents an ambitious approach to improving the welfare and protection of marine animals.

Combating Pollution and Destructive Fishing
Archipelagos investigates plastic and microplastic pollution, illegal fishing and other threats to marine ecosystems. Its research findings support conservation action, environmental awareness and efforts to improve marine protection policies.

Education and Citizen Science
Through its International School of the Sea, Archipelagos provides hands-on training for students, researchers and volunteers from around the world. Citizen science initiatives such as Eco-Navigation encourage sailors, divers and coastal communities to report marine wildlife sightings and pollution. By combining scientific research with practical conservation and community participation, Archipelagos works to protect the extraordinary biodiversity of the Aegean Sea for future generations.

Photo Credits by: ©Archipelagos
https://archipelago.gr/