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

The September 2023 floods in Pelion, Greece, were a devastating natural disaster, with significant ecological consequences for both terrestrial and marine ecosystems in the region. Our project, Wildlife Recovery Survey: After the September 2023 Floods in Pelion (Greece), aims to assess the impact of these floods on local biodiversity through comprehensive wildlife surveys in the affected areas.

​During the marine survey conducted on October 6, 2024, the entire sea area of Theotokos Beach showed no signs of marine life, except for scattered dead leaves of Posidonia oceanica. However, a small section measuring approximately 10 meters by 4 meters was an exception. This area contained a submerged Plane tree (Platanus orientalis) and fragments of broken concrete from the boat slip, debris left behind by the September 2023 floods. Only in this zone were any fish and marine species observed, which, based on previous years' surveys, are unusually rare for this location and time of year.

Today’s birdwatching tour at Theotokos Beach, South Pelion (Greece) took us deep into a tranquil and remote area, where nature truly put on a show. We were treated to sightings and sounds from a variety of bird species, making the trip an unforgettable experience for all. Here's a recap of what we observed.

Birds We Spotted:

• Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata): This little beauty was seen flitting between the field and the nearby bushes, showing off its aerial agility.
• Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo): Soaring gracefully at a distance over the field for few seconds.
• Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius): Flew across the road right in front of us, a flash of color and energy when we were passing a forest.
• Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs): Perched calmly in a pine tree as we began our return journey.
• Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos): Singing softly among the olive trees, a beautiful reminder of nature’s soundtrack.
• European Greenfinch (Chloris chloris): Spotted perched on the power lines.
• Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes): Seen in the bushes at the end of our route.
• Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula): Made a quick appearance as it flew across the road while we passed the forest.
• Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix): Soaring in the distance.
• Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus): Perched on the power lines, its presence a joyful reminder of the area's diverse birdlife.
• House Sparrow (Passer domesticus): Always a common but delightful sight, these were scattered across the field.
• Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes): This raptor made a dramatic overhead appearance, its flight a majestic display of speed and power.
• Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio): A female was perched on top of a tree near the power lines as we started our return.
  
  

Birds We Heard But Couldn’t See:

• Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus): We heard its melodic call near the villa, though it remained out of sight, adding to the peaceful ambiance.
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The variety of species we encountered today highlights the richness of biodiversity in this area. Each sighting brought its own excitement, whether it was the swift flight of a sparrowhawk or the cheerful chirps of smaller birds.
This is why I cherish these birdwatching tours—there’s always something new to discover. I’m already looking forward to the next one!

The September 2023 floods in Pelion, Greece, were not just a natural disaster; they were an ecological event with profound implications for the region's terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Among the many species affected by the floods, the Common Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) has drawn particular attention, especially the juveniles that we were fortunate to document during the Wildlife Recovery Survey: After the September 2023 Floods in Pelion (Greece).

The Importance of Juvenile Stingrays

​Juvenile stingrays are a critical indicator of the health of marine ecosystems. Their presence suggests successful breeding and a suitable environment for growth and development. In the context of Pelion, the discovery of juvenile Common Stingrays is particularly significant because it indicates that, despite the ecological upheaval caused by the floods, the conditions in the coastal waters still support the early life stages of this species. 

This observation was made today, September 3, 2024, at the beach of Theotokos in South Pelion, Greece.​ Additionally, the nearby beach of Liri holds the distinction of being the first officially recorded and studied nursery area for the Common Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) in Greece.

Stingrays, like many marine species, have specific habitat requirements during their juvenile phase. They typically prefer shallow, sheltered areas with abundant food and low predation pressure, often favoring seabeds composed of mixed sediments, including sand and rocks. These areas provide not only sustenance but also refuge, which is vital for their survival.

The Impact of Habitat Changes on Juvenile Stingrays

The floods in Pelion dramatically altered the seafloor composition at Theotokos beach, transforming a significant portion of the seafloor from a rocky to a predominantly sandy substrate. This change can significantly impact juvenile stingrays for several reasons:

1. Loss of Shelter: Rocky substrates offer crevices and hiding spots that juvenile stingrays use to avoid predators. A shift to a sandy bottom reduces these refuges, potentially increasing predation rates on young stingrays.
   
   
2. Altered Food Availability: The composition of benthic (seafloor) communities can change with the substrate. Rocky areas typically host a variety of invertebrates, such as crustaceans and mollusks, which are key prey items for juvenile stingrays. A sandy substrate might not support the same diversity or abundance of these prey species, leading to nutritional stress for the stingrays.
   
   
3. Breeding and Nursery Grounds: The suitability of breeding and nursery grounds is critical for the continuation of stingray populations. If the altered seabed conditions are less conducive to supporting juveniles, it could lead to a decline in local stingray populations over time.

On July 20th, 2024, a team of the project participants embarked on a significant wildlife recovery survey at the picturesque Radakia beach, located in the southeast region of Pelion, Greece. This survey was part of a larger initiative, the Wildlife Recovery Survey: After the September 2023 Floods in Pelion, aiming to assess and document the impact of the catastrophic floods on the local fauna.

Survey Location: Radakia Beach Sea Cave

Radakia beach is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring stunning sea caves that provide a unique habitat for various species, including bats. These caves, carved by the relentless waves of the Aegean Sea, offer a sanctuary for chiropteran species, making them an ideal location for this survey. In Greek Mythology, Radakia is known for the cave of Thetis.

Bats in Focus: Miniopterus schreibersii and Rhinolophus euryale

During the survey, the team recorded two primary species of bats inhabiting the sea cave: Miniopterus schreibersii and Rhinolophus euryale.

Miniopterus schreibersii, commonly known as Schreiber's bat, was found to be the predominant species in the cave. These bats are characterized by their long wings and swift, agile flight, which enable them to navigate the narrow and twisting passages of the cave with ease. They are a key species in the region, contributing to the ecological balance by controlling insect populations.

Alongside Schreiber's bats, Rhinolophus euryale, also known as the Mediterranean horseshoe bat, was observed. This species is distinguishable by its unique horseshoe-shaped noseleaf, which aids in its sophisticated echolocation abilities. Rhinolophus euryale is particularly sensitive to environmental changes, making its presence a critical indicator of the cave's ecological health post-floods.

Yesterday, Chris Taklis had the pleasure of being invited by KOUDRASIS FISHING to talk about the pufferfish species Lagocephalus sceleratus in Greece.

This invasive species, commonly known as the silver-cheeked toadfish, has made its way into the Mediterranean waters, posing significant challenges to local ecosystems and fisheries. In this talk, conducted in Greek, we delved into its impact, the reasons behind its rapid spread, and what measures can be taken to manage this marine intruder. If you're interested in the intriguing world of Lagocephalus sceleratus and its implications for the Greek fishing community, make sure to watch the video!