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.

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!