 We’ve just wrapped up the data for the first six months of 2025 and turned every confirmed shark encounter into a map. Each pin marks a real sighting across Greece, and each colour shows a different species.
What the data reveals: ✔️ From reef-dwelling catsharks to deep-sea six-gills, Greece’s waters remain rich in shark diversity ✔️ Sightings span the Aegean, Ionian, and even areas near Athens ✔️ Most sharks were released alive, proving that responsible fishers and divers are making a real difference Why it matters: Healthy shark populations are vital for a balanced marine ecosystem. By collecting and sharing this data, we can monitor trends, identify hotspots, and promote stronger protection where it’s needed most. How you can get involved: 1️⃣ If you see a shark, capture a clear photo or video from a safe distance and record the date, location, and species if you know it 2️⃣ Always handle sharks with care, release them quickly, and avoid bringing them ashore 3️⃣ Share this post and help raise awareness that Greece’s seas are full of life worth protecting 🗺️ Dive into the map and discover the true guardians of our seas #greeksharklogbook #saveoursharks #Aegeanlife #citizenscience #mermanconservation Pelagia Logbook: June 2025 update on the ongoing Pelagia noctiluca jellyfish bloom in the Aegean sea29/6/2025
 The bloom of the Mauve Stinger jellyfish, Pelagia noctiluca, continues in the Aegean Sea. New observations have been added to the Pelagia Logbook, helping us understand the extent and movement of this natural phenomenon.
📍 See where sightings have been recorded 📊 Follow monthly updates 🔎 Learn how to identify and stay safe ➡️ Check the full update here: https://www.mermanconservation.co.uk/pelagia-logbook-aegean-sea-2025.html 🙏 Thank you to all citizen scientists and observers contributing to the effort. Every sighting counts! #PelagiaNoctiluca #PurpleJellyfish #AegeanSea #JellyfishBloom #PelagiaLogbook #CitizenScience #MermanConservation  © Chris Taklis - Sparisoma cretense On June 23, 2025, our team surveyed the coastal waters of Vlachorema in South Pelion, Greece. The area revealed a vibrant mosaic of marine life, ranging from well-known fish to colorful nudibranchs, algae, bryozoans, and more. Below is a categorized list of the species recorded during our dive. Fish
Nudibranchs and Sea Slugs
Sponges
Algae and Seagrasses
Worms and Tube-dwellers
Bryozoans
Echinoderms
At the Heart of the Mauve Stinger Bloom at Milina (Greece) | Observation from June 18, 202519/6/2025
 © Chris Taklis - Pelagia noctiluca Our team at Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd. recorded a striking jellyfish bloom yesterday afternoon in the Pagasetic Gulf. In the waters just off Milina, more than 30 mauve stingers (Pelagia noctiluca) were observed gathering approximately 20 meters from the beach, while swimmers were still enjoying the sea.
This local observation appears to be part of a wider bloom event that is now expanding beyond the Pagasetic Gulf toward northern Evia and parts of the Sporades. The density and behavior of the jellyfish suggest that this bloom may continue to spread in the coming days. The mauve stinger is a well-known species in the Mediterranean, recognizable for its translucent body with pink or purple markings and its bioluminescent glow. Although small, it can deliver a painful sting and occasionally forms dense swarms that impact both swimmers and fisheries. We will continue to monitor the bloom and provide updates as its extent becomes clearer. Events like this remind us how dynamic and unpredictable marine ecosystems can be, especially during the warmer months. Stay informed and stay mindful when entering the sea.  © Chris Taklis - Calmella cavolini Yesterday’s dive survey along the coasts of Agrielia and Neraki in South Pelion focused on documenting nudibranch diversity, as part of an ongoing seasonal monitoring project. While the waters were teeming with life across multiple taxa, the nudibranch yield was notably lower than in previous years for this time of season. This post summarizes the species observed, categorized by type with scientific names italicized and common names in parentheses. 🐌 Nudibranchs & Sacoglossans Despite targeted efforts, the number of nudibranch taxa was relatively low. This may be due to seasonal variability, temperature shifts, or local ecological pressures or factors we’ll continue monitoring closely in the coming weeks.
Compared to past surveys at the same sites during mid-June, both species richness and individual counts were reduced—warranting further ecological investigation. 🐟 Fish
🪸 Corals & Anemones
🐚 Mollusks (Excl. Nudibranchs)
🧽 Sponges & Tunicates
🌪️ Polychaeta
🌿Hydroids
🥒 Holothuria
🌿 Algae & Marine Flora
 © Chris Taklis - Cladocora caespitosa Yesterday's marine biodiversity survey at Ammitsa Beach in South Pelion offered a vivid snapshot of the Mediterranean’s underwater richness. Under calm June skies and crystalline waters, our fieldwork revealed a surprisingly high diversity of species, ranging from nudibranchs to seagrasses, sponges, corals, and bony fishes. This survey was conducted between 12:25 and 13:10 EEST and included over 36 unique taxa, highlighting Ammitsa as a thriving marine microhabitat worth continued observation and conservation attention. Below is a list of species observed: 🐠 Fish
🐌 Mollusks
🐛 Nudibranchs and Sea Slugs
🪱Worms
🪸Corals
🌿Algae and Marine Plants
🧽Sponges
⭐Echinoderms
🪼Hydroids
🦪 Oysters
🟨 Fungi
Our 2025 records show an early and intense bloom of the Purple Jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) across the coasts of France, Spain, Italy, and the Adriatic Sea, echoing the infamous summer outbreak of 2020, but starting earlier than expected. 🟣 Comparison with 2020: In 2020, Pelagia blooms peaked around late June to August, particularly along the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian coasts, Catalonia, and southern France. This year, observations are already flooding in by early May – a significant shift forward. 📈 Why Is It Happening Earlier? Unlike the typical 12-year cycle theorized for large-scale blooms, recent patterns show Pelagia populations can surge in shorter intervals due to: 🔥 Rising sea temperatures in the Western Mediterranean in some areas already exceed 21°C in May. 🌬️ Weak winter storms and early spring calm seas, allowing jellyfish polyps to mature undisturbed. 🧪 High nutrient levels from spring river outflows, fueling zooplankton, their primary food source. France: Reports along the Provence and the Côte d'Azur, particularly dense near estuaries. Spain: Sightings are increasing along the Costa Brava, Almeria, and Valencia. Italy: Strong presence already confirmed around Tuscany. 📊 We are now mapping the bloom in real time. Early intervention through citizen science is crucial for monitoring and public safety. 📍 View our Mediterranean heatmap.  |
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