Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd
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Mauve Stinger Jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) Update – Pagasetic Gulf, May 2025

27/5/2025

 
We’ve created a heatmap showing where Pelagia noctiluca (Mauve Stinger Jellyfish) has recently been reported in the Pagasetic Gulf and surrounding areas.

The map shows:
📍 Where the jellyfish have been seen
📈 How much – from isolated sightings to mass blooms

📸 Upload your photo to iNaturalist!
Every observation helps science and conservation.
→ https://www.inaturalist.org/

#Jellyfish #PelagiaNoctiluca #Pagasitikos #iNaturalist #MermanConservation #MarineLifeGreece #CitizenScience
Picture
Heatmap of confirmed Pelagia noctiluca observations in the Pagasetic Gulf, from April 30th to May 27th, 2025. Abundance ranges from isolated individuals to mass sightings, indicating an active bloom in the region.

Marine Survey in Platanias (Greece) | May 24, 2025

24/5/2025

 
Picture
© Chris Taklis - Cratena peregrina
Today’s marine survey revealed a vibrant and encouraging array of marine life, highlighting signs of ecological resilience following the 2023 floods.

Below is a list of species observed:

🐠 Fish
  • ​Lithognathus mormyrus (Striped Seabream)
  • Serranus cabrilla (Comber)
  • Serranus scriba (Painted Comber)
  • Coris julis (Mediterranean Rainbow Wrasse)
  • Thalassoma pavo (Ornate Wrasse)
  • Chromis chromis (Mediterranean Damselfish)
  • Diplodus sargus (Sargo)
  • Diplodus annularis (Annular Seabream)
  • Diplodus vulgaris (Common Two-banded Seabream)
  • Sarpa salpa (Salema Porgy)
  • Genus Atherina (likely Sand Smelt, species undetermined)

🪼 Invertebrates​
  • Cratena peregrina (Wandering Cratena)
  • Thuridilla hopei
  • Chondrosia reniformis (Kidney Sponge)
  • Family Serpulidae (Serpulid Tubeworms)
  • Leucothea multicornis (Comb Jelly)

​🪸 Algae, Seagrasses & Cnidarians​
  • Cladocora caespitosa (Cushion Coral)
  • Asparagopsis taxiformis (Red Sea Plume) 
  • Wrangelia penicillata (Pink Bush Alga)
  • Acetabularia acetabulum (Mermaid’s Wine Glass)
  • Posidonia oceanica (Neptune Grass)

This encouraging biodiversity snapshot underscores the importance of ongoing post-flood monitoring and habitat protection.

European Badger – Human Interaction Response Indication System

12/5/2025

 
Interpreting the behavior of Meles meles toward humans in the wild.

As the landscapes of the United Kingdom and Europe continue to change, encounters between humans and badgers (Meles meles) are becoming more frequent. It is increasingly important to understand how these animals react to people in different settings—whether deep in forests, suburban gardens, or along rural roadsides. The Human Interaction Response Indication System provides a scientific yet practical framework for interpreting the range of badger behaviors during such encounters.
​
Goal

The system is designed to categorize and interpret the reactions of European Badgers to human presence, helping observers:
​
  • Recognize early signs of distress or aggression
  • Understand tolerance thresholds
  • Avoid accidental provocation
  • Contribute to respectful coexistence and behavioral documentation

Main Behavior Categories

This system is based on real field observations and ethological principles. It uses seven distinct codes to describe behavioral responses from aggression to complete indifference.​
Code
Response Type
Description
Typical Signs / Indicators
A
Aggressive
Very rare; true attack posture or charge
Growling, baring teeth, lunging, biting, standing ground
D
Defensive
Feels threatened, avoids contact
Hissing, tense body, retreating slowly, hides in sett
C
Curious
Interested but not alarmed
Approaches cautiously, sniffs air or items, inspects cameras
T
Tolerant
Aware but unfazed
Looks briefly then ignores, continues grooming or foraging
N
Not Interested
No reaction or change in behavior
Walks past, ignores observer entirely
Avo
Avoidant
Low-level avoidance, non-panic
Freezes, then backs off or walks away quietly
F
Fleeing
Perceives significant threat
Sudden sprint into vegetation, sett, or road cover
Each code allows field workers and casual observers alike to log behavior consistently, even across varying environments.

This framework supports consistent interpretation across citizen science programs, ecological surveys, and camera trap studies.

Scientific & practical significance

Understanding these responses helps with:
  • Ethical wildlife viewing: Knowing when to back off prevents undue stress to the animal.
  • Data collection: Researchers can standardize observations across regions.
  • Conflict prevention: Early recognition of defensive behavior can prevent bites or injury, especially to pets.
  • Urban wildlife planning: Helps municipalities gauge badger habituation in towns or villages.

Applicability across environments

This indication system was designed to be adaptable. Whether in:
  • Dense forest,
  • Agricultural edge zones,
  • Urban green corridors, or
  • Suburban gardens,
…it helps you assess if the animal feels safe, cautious, or threatened by your presence.

 Field recommendations
  • Use binoculars or trail cams to observe without intruding.
  • If a badger shows defensive (D) or aggressive (A) behavior, retreat slowly.
  • Avoid flashlights or sudden noises at close range.
  • Do not feed or try to habituate wild badgers—it disrupts natural behavior patterns.
  • Always note time, weather, and context when recording observations.

Visual companion resource

A simpler infographic poster version of this system is available as a downloadable and printable A3 file, complete with illustrations and behavior codes. It’s ideal for:
  • Field stations
  • Outdoor education centers
  • Urban wildlife awareness campaigns
  • Camera trap research teams
Picture
The European Badger – Human Interaction Response Indication System brings clarity to a topic often overlooked in wildlife communication: not just how we see animals, but how they perceive and respond to us. Through careful observation and categorization, we can deepen our understanding of badger behavior and strengthen the foundation for harmonious coexistence with one of UK's and Europe’s most iconic nocturnal mammals.

Possible Mauve Stinger Jellyfish Bloom in the Pagasetic Gulf (Greece).

9/5/2025

 
Picture
Screenshot from video footage of Pelagia noctiluca in the Pagasetic Gulf.
Yesterday, Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd officially informed the Greek Ministry of Environment, NECCA, and the Volos Coast Guard about a possible new local emergence of Mauve Stinger jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) in the Pagasetic Gulf.

Given the strong stigma and collective memory of the prolonged jellyfish bloom from 2020 to 2023, we believe it is essential to act early, monitor closely, and provide timely, science-based information to the public and relevant authorities.

Our goal is to support local communities, marine users, and decision-makers with up-to-date data and responsible environmental reporting. We urge the public to remain calm, respect marine wildlife, and report any unusual sightings to us or local authorities.

📸 Have you seen jellyfish in the area?

Please upload your observations to iNaturalist:
👉 https://www.inaturalist.org/

Your photos and reports help us monitor the situation more effectively and contribute to real-time biodiversity tracking.

#MermanConservation #JellyfishBloom #PelagiaNoctiluca #PagaseticGulf #MarineMonitoring #Greece #CitizenScience

Butterfly Survey in Liri (Greece) | May 6, 2025

6/5/2025

 
Picture
Today, during a midday survey in the rich meadows and woodland edges of Liri, we documented a vibrant diversity of butterfly species as part of our ongoing biodiversity monitoring work. The survey, conducted under some cloudy skies, revealed a beautiful glimpse into the Lepidoptera activity in South East Pelion.

Species Observed:

🦋 Eastern Dappled White (Euchloe ausonia)
🦋 Southern White Admiral (Limenitis reducta)
🦋 Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
🦋 Scarce Swallowtail (Iphiclides podalirius)
🦋 Green-underside Blue (Glaucopsyche alexis) 
🦋 Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus)
🦋 Lesser Spotted Fritillary (Melitaea trivia) 
​
This survey is part of our seasonal documentation efforts to better understand local pollinator dynamics and species presence in and around Liri. The data collected will contribute to broader conservation and education initiatives led by Merman Conservation.

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Company

Merman Conservation Expeditions LTD

Company Number: SC787239
UK Register of Learning Providers Number UKPRN: 10096857
Bluesky

Contact

UK: +44 (0) 7475353130    Greece: +30 6945927483

M-F: 10am - 18pm (London Time)


Registered Address

South Charlotte Street
Edinburgh, 
EH2 4AN

FIELD Research Base

Liri, Magnesia
Greece, 37006

Picture

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Copyright © 2023- 2025 Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd. All rights reserved.
  • Home
  • About us
    • About the Company
    • Certifications, Licenses & Permits
    • Company mission
    • Conference Participation
    • Consultations Timeline
    • Partners
    • Wildlife Services Code of Conduct
    • Zoologica Nexus Lab
  • Blog
  • Citizen Science Projects
    • Exotic Encounters: Mapping Alien Species
    • Greek Shark Logbook
    • Pelagia Logbook: Aegean Sea 2025
    • Seal Quest
    • Sharks in Scotland
    • Wildlife Observations Of Pelion (WOOP)
    • Wildlife of UK
  • Events
    • Events Map
    • Private Nature Tours & Field Experiences
    • Wildlife Recovery Survey in Pelion, Greece
  • Resources
    • Apps
    • Conservation Guides
    • Data Repository
    • Outreach Material
    • Podcast
    • Publications
    • Reporting Forms
    • Reports
    • Science & Technology in Conservation
    • Species Management Proposals
    • Survey Monitoring Sheets
  • Contact
  • Wildlife Conflict AI Agent Advisor