The Ionian Environment Foundation (IEF) continued supporting the Ionian Dolphin Project (IDP) throughout 2024. This project, a long-standing partnership with the Tethys Research Institute, focuses on protecting marine mammals in the Eastern Ionian Sea. The region is home to vulnerable species, such as the critically endangered bottlenose dolphin subpopulation in the Gulf of Ambracia and the Mediterranean monk seal.

In 2024, IDP’s monitoring and research efforts have intensified, addressing the growing impacts of overfishing, habitat degradation, and human encroachment on these species. Through methods including photo-identification, drone photogrammetry, and acoustic monitoring, the project gathers crucial data on dolphin and monk seal populations. These techniques allow researchers to assess the animals’ health, behaviour, and population dynamics, ensuring effective conservation strategies are based on sound science.

Efforts in three critical study areas—the Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago, Gulf of Ambracia, and waters around Paxos and Antipaxos islands—contribute to a wider conservation vision. Each of these areas, designated as Important Marine Mammal Areas, holds distinct significance for the survival of regional marine life. These conservation actions align with European and international commitments, advancing biodiversity protection and sustainable marine ecosystem management.

Project Outcomes

In the last five years, the Ionian Environment Foundation has provided support to the Ionian Dolphin Project’s in-depth research, aiming to enhance conservation efforts in the Ionian Sea. This collaboration has helped deepen our understanding of the region’s dolphin populations and the wider marine ecosystem.

• 118 Days at Sea: Conducting nearly four months of fieldwork to monitor marine life.
• 12,460 KM Surveyed: Covering vast areas of the Ionian Sea to assess dolphin distribution and habitat use.
• 54 Dolphin Sightings: Documenting critical data on population trends and health.
• 47 Hours of Direct Observation: Collecting behavioral data to understand dolphin interactions and movement patterns.
• 264 Behavioral Samples: Recording detailed activities to support long-term conservation strategies.

These efforts have provided valuable insights into marine biodiversity and reinforced the need for continued protection of the Ionian Sea’s ecosystems.

IEF invites supporters and stakeholders to join us in safeguarding the remarkable marine life of the Ionian Sea.

Project Update

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus Monachus) is one of the most endangered marine mammals, with fewer than 600 individuals remaining in the Mediterranean. The uninhabited islet of Formicula, is a a crucial part of the Ionian Archipelago Important Marine Mammal Area.

Despite protective designations, Formicula has become a popular tourist destination, resulting in harmful disturbances. In August 2024 alone, more than 50 boats were recorded in the area in just one day. Visitors were observed chasing seals, swimming with them, and entering breeding caves, which led to the disappearance of pups.

In response to these concerns, and thanks to the combined efforts of iSEA, Tethys Research, and the Blue Marine Foundation, a Ministerial decision on December 31st, 2024 (ΥΠΕΝ/ΔΔΦΠΒ/123711/3066) established a no-entry zone. However, ambiguities surrounding fishing permissions within this zone may undermine its effectiveness.

For more information, read the full article written by Giuseppe Notarbartolo’di Sciara and Joan Gonzalvo on Oryx: A Step Forward for Monk Seal Protection.