Today, we took an important step to protect one of Europe’s most iconic species—the wolf. Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd. submitted an urgent appeal to EU delegates attending the 44th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention, urging them to oppose the proposal to downlist the wolf from Appendix II to Appendix III.

This decision, if approved, would weaken protections for wolves across Europe, making it easier to hunt and kill them. Such a change risks undoing decades of conservation progress and jeopardizes the ecological balance that wolves help maintain.

Why This Matters

​Wolves play a critical role in our ecosystems. By controlling herbivore populations, they prevent overgrazing and help maintain healthy landscapes. Yet, despite their ecological importance, the wolf is far from secure. A 2022 report by the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe (LCIE) revealed that only three of Europe’s nine wolf subpopulations are classified as “Least Concern.” The rest remain vulnerable or in danger.

The proposal to downlist the wolf is not supported by scientific evidence. Studies from around the world, including the USA, Spain, Italy, and Slovakia, have shown that increased hunting disrupts wolf pack structures, potentially leading to more livestock attacks—not fewer.

• USA: Wielgus & Peebles (2014) found that wolf mortality often leads to more livestock depredations.
• Spain: Fernández-Gil et al. (2016) showed that conflicts mislead management efforts, emphasizing the importance of coexistence.
• Italy: Imbert et al. (2016) revealed factors driving wolves to prey on livestock, underscoring the need for preventive measures.
• Slovakia: Kutal et al. (2024) demonstrated that public wolf hunting failed to reduce livestock losses.

Preventive measures, such as fencing, guarding dogs, and increased human presence, have proven far more effective in reducing conflicts between wolves and livestock.

Public Opinion Is Clear

A recent survey of public opinion on wolf conservation underscores widespread support for maintaining strict protections:

• 71% of respondents across EU Member States favor keeping the wolf's current protection status.
• Only 29% support downgrading it.

Even in rural communities most affected by wolf presence, there is a strong preference for coexistence measures over culling.

Our Message to Delegates

​In our appeal, we emphasized that weakening the wolf’s protection status could set a dangerous precedent for other strictly protected species. The Bern Convention is a cornerstone of Europe’s biodiversity conservation efforts, and downgrading the wolf’s status would contradict its mission during a critical period of climate change and biodiversity loss.

We called on delegates to:

• Reject the downlisting proposal to ensure the wolf remains strictly protected.
• Promote coexistence by supporting effective, non-lethal measures for livestock protection.
• Champion biodiversity by upholding the goals of the EU Green Deal and the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework.

At Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd, our mission is to advocate for policies that prioritize environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation. That’s why we wholeheartedly support the proposed changes to Scottish Government policy, which aim to provide Ramsar sites with the same level of protection as European sites under the Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) process.

Why These Changes Matter

Ramsar sites are internationally recognized wetlands, essential for preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and supporting local ecosystems. However, despite their importance, the protection measures for these sites have not been as robust as those for European sites. Aligning Ramsar site protections with European standards will:
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• Enhance Conservation Efforts: Strengthening legal safeguards ensures these wetlands can thrive amidst growing environmental pressures.
  
  
• Close Policy Gaps: Uniform treatment of Ramsar and European sites eliminates inconsistencies in habitat protection.
  
  
• Safeguard Scotland’s Natural Heritage: As part of Scotland’s rich biodiversity, Ramsar sites contribute to our environmental identity and ecological health.
  
  

Our Commitment
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Supporting this policy change aligns with our core values and long-term vision of protecting ecosystems for future generations. At Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd, we believe that a stronger framework for Ramsar sites benefits not only wildlife but also communities and industries that rely on healthy ecosystems.

Let’s protect what matters. 💚

A groundbreaking research paper by Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd has revealed the first confirmed sighting of the invasive coral species Oculina patagonica in the Pagasetic Gulf near Volos, Greece. This discovery, published in the International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, underscores both the ecological significance of this semi-enclosed gulf and the potential threat posed by this resilient species.

Citation of the published article: Taklis Christos. First record of Oculina patagonica de Angelis D'Ossat, 1908 in the Pagasetic Gulf, Greece. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2024;12(6):24-27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/fish.2024.v12.i6a.2990

Pagasetic Gulf: A Jewel of Marine Biodiversity
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The Pagasetic Gulf is a marine treasure in the Thessaly region of Greece. This semi-enclosed body of water, connected to the Aegean Sea through a narrow strait, hosts a vibrant array of marine life, thanks to its mix of natural sandy, rocky, and muddy substrates. These varied habitats support everything from fish and crustaceans to delicate coral ecosystems, making it a critical hotspot for biodiversity in Greek waters.

However, this ecological haven is now facing a new challenge. The discovery of Oculina patagonica—a coral species known for its invasive tendencies—has raised concerns about its impact on the delicate balance of this thriving ecosystem.

A Significant Discovery by Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd

This research, spearheaded by Christos Taklis, Director of Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd, highlights how rising sea temperatures and human activities such as shipping and coastal development are facilitating the spread of invasive species. The study documented the coral at Faraggi Beach during a 2021 biodiversity survey, where three colonies were found thriving in shallow waters.

“This finding is not just about a new species record,” the study emphasizes. “It’s about understanding how non-native species can alter marine ecosystems in areas like the Pagasetic Gulf, which are already facing stress from climate change and human interference.”

We are thrilled to welcome our two new partners to the Greek Shark Logbook, a Merman Conservation Expeditions Ltd project.

soupiagr (https://www.instagram.com/soupiagr/) and Sharks In Greece (https://www.youtube.com/@SharksInGreece) are the two new partners! Together, we are strengthening our commitment to the conservation of sharks and marine ecosystems in Greece.

Wildlife conservation thrives on collaboration, and by joining forces, we can share knowledge, resources, and expertise to make a greater impact. Our combined efforts will enhance our understanding of shark populations and contribute to their protection in our waters.

We look forward to working with soupiagr and Sharks in Greece to foster a healthier marine environment.
#GreekSharkLogbook #WildlifeConservation #Partnerships #MermanConservationExpeditions #sharksingreece