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.

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!

Greetings, fellow wildlife enthusiasts and conservation advocates! Today, we are thrilled to unveil an exciting new project that promises to take us on a captivating journey into the enchanting world of seals. Welcome to Seal Quest – an ambitious endeavor to identify and celebrate the unique identities of these charismatic marine mammals within the Seal Codex (Wildbook) on UK and Greece.

The Seal Quest Initiative:
Seal Quest represents more than just a scientific endeavor; it's a passionate quest to unravel the mysteries of individual seals, to document their diversity, and to contribute invaluable insights to their conservation. With the support of cutting-edge technology, collaborative efforts, and the dedication of wildlife enthusiasts like you, we aim to create a comprehensive catalog of seal identities like never before.

Why Seal Quest Matters:
Seals are not just subjects of fascination; they are vital components of our marine ecosystems. By understanding the unique identities of individual seals – from their distinctive markings to their behaviors and habitats – we can gain deeper insights into their lives and the challenges they face. Armed with this knowledge, we can develop more targeted conservation strategies to protect these remarkable creatures and the environments they inhabit.

How You Can Get Involved:
We believe that conservation is a collective effort, and that's why we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey. Whether you're a seasoned researcher, a passionate citizen scientist, or simply someone who cares deeply about our natural world, there are countless ways to get involved in Seal Quest. From contributing seal sightings and photographs to engaging with our online community, your participation can make a real difference in our quest to unveil the unique identities of seals.

Seal Quest iNaturalist Project
​Seal Quest is on a mission to unveil the unique identities of seals and contribute valuable insights to their conservation. Now, with our new iNaturalist project, you can be part of this exciting initiative from anywhere in the world. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast, a seasoned researcher, or simply curious about seals, we invite you to join us in documenting seal sightings and contributing to our growing database of seal observations.

Joining the Seal Quest iNaturalist project is easy and requires just a few simple steps:

1. Create an iNaturalist Account: If you haven't already, sign up for a free iNaturalist account on their website or mobile app.
2. Join the Seal Quest Project: Once logged in, search for the "Seal Quest" project on iNaturalist and click "Join" to become a member.
3. Upload Your Seal Sightings: Whenever you encounter seals in the wild, snap a photo and upload it to iNaturalist. Be sure to include relevant information such as date, time, and location.
4. Contribute to Seal Conservation: Your seal sightings will not only contribute to our understanding of seal populations but also help inform conservation efforts to protect these magnificent marine mammals.

Seal Quest on Seal Codex (Wildbook)

In addition to our iNaturalist project, Seal Quest is also collaborating with the Seal Codex on Wildbook, an innovative platform for documenting individual seals and their unique characteristics. Clear photos of seal sightings need to be uploaded on the Seal Codex, further enriching our database and advancing our conservation efforts. 

Uploading sightings is simple – you can do it even without an account, though creating one is preferred.
Stay Connected:
To stay updated on the latest developments and discoveries from SealQuest, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter. Together, we can embark on this extraordinary journey, celebrate the diversity of seals, and pave the way for a brighter future for these magnificent creatures.

Are you ready to embark on a Seal Quest? The journey awaits!

​Introduction:
In September 2023, Thessaly, Greece, witnessed unprecedented floods that not only reshaped its terrestrial landscape but also had a profound impact on the coastal underwater ecosystems. This article explores the aftermath of the great floods, examining the transition from a rocky substrate to mud and evaluating the consequences for marine species. Additionally, it delves into the essential steps needed for future wildlife research and how individuals can contribute to the understanding and preservation of these fragile ecosystems.

The Before Picture:
Before the floods, the coastal underwater environment of Thessaly boasted a diverse and thriving ecosystem. Rocks provided a sturdy substrate, offering habitat for various marine organisms such as algae, mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. The rocky surfaces were not only a source of shelter but also a platform for the attachment of sessile organisms like barnacles and corals. It was a vibrant and balanced underwater community.

The Flood Impact:
The massive floods in September 2023, triggered by intense rainfall and natural factors, left a lasting imprint on the coastal underwater landscape of Thessaly. The force of the floodwaters eroded the rocky substrate, dislodging rocks and reshaping the seabed. The once stable and rocky environment gave way to a softer, more malleable substrate sand and soil/mud.

Shift to Mud Substrate:
As the floodwaters receded, a layer of sediment settled on the seabed, transforming the once rocky substrate into a muddy environment. This shift had significant implications for the underwater flora and fauna of Thessaly. The mud substrate presented new challenges and opportunities for marine life that had adapted to the previous rocky environment.

Impact on Marine Flora:
The transition from rocks to mud had a notable impact on marine flora. Algae, accustomed to attaching to rocky surfaces, faced challenges in securing themselves to the muddy substrate. While some algae species adapted to the new conditions, others struggled to establish themselves, leading to shifts in the underwater plant life and impacting overall biodiversity.

Changes in Fauna Distribution:
The alteration of the substrate triggered a redistribution of marine fauna. Species adapted to rocky surfaces had to adjust to the softer mud substrate. Mobile organisms such as crabs and certain fish navigated the change more effectively, while sessile organisms like barnacles faced challenges in finding suitable attachment points.

Adaptations and Challenges:
The underwater wildlife system in Thessaly showcased remarkable adaptability. Some species evolved to exploit the new opportunities presented by the mud, while others faced challenges in finding suitable habitats and food sources. The delicate balance of predator-prey relationships and competition for resources underwent a period of adjustment as the ecosystem sought a new equilibrium.

Examples of Species Impact:

Endangered Species:
a. Barnacles and Corals: Sessile organisms like barnacles and certain coral species that rely on rocky surfaces for attachment may face challenges in the mud. Reduced attachment points and difficulty obtaining nutrients from the sediment could endanger these species.

b. Rock-dwelling Fish Species: Fish adapted to rocky habitats may find it difficult to adjust, affecting populations and the local food web.

c. Certain Algae Species: Algae specialized for rocky surfaces may struggle to establish themselves on the muddy substrate, impacting herbivores dependent on them for food.

Thriving Species:
a. Crabs and Burrowing Organisms: Mobile species may thrive in the mud, utilizing the soft sediment for burrowing and shelter.

b. Opportunistic Algae and Seagrasses: Some algae and seagrass species adaptable to different substrates may thrive in the nutrient-rich mud.

c. Generalist Fish Species: Fish species with flexible habitat preferences may adapt more easily to the shift, experiencing population increases.

Migration and Colonization:
a. Migratory Species: Changes in migration patterns may occur as species move to areas with more suitable substrates, impacting regional biodiversity.

b. Colonization by New Species: The mud substrate may attract new species adapted to such environments, contributing to overall ecosystem resilience and diversity.

What Needs to Be Done Tomorrow:
Understanding the evolving dynamics of Thessaly's underwater ecosystems is crucial for effective conservation and management strategies. Tomorrow's wildlife research should focus on:

1. Monitoring and Assessment: Implementing regular monitoring programs to track changes in the underwater environment, species distribution, and ecosystem health.
2. Species-specific Studies: Conducting in-depth studies on vulnerable and thriving species to better comprehend their adaptive mechanisms and vulnerabilities.
3. Ecosystem Modeling: Developing predictive models to anticipate future changes in the underwater ecosystem and assess the potential impact on marine life.
4. Community Engagement: Involving local communities in citizen science initiatives, raising awareness about the importance of preserving coastal biodiversity, and gathering valuable data.
5. Conservation Initiatives: Implementing conservation initiatives to protect endangered species and promote the recovery of ecosystems, including the restoration of natural habitats.

How You Can Contribute:
Individuals can play a crucial role in supporting ongoing research and conservation efforts:

1. Participate in Citizen Science: Join local or online citizen science projects to contribute observations and data on marine life in Thessaly. Anyone will be able to participate in Summer Camp in the area to record every marine species underwater from the beginning and to compare to past data we have from the past.
2. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about coastal ecosystems, the impacts of floods, and ongoing conservation efforts. Share your knowledge with friends, family, and community members.
3. Support Conservation Organizations: Contribute to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to marine conservation in Greece. Your support can aid in research, habitat restoration, and education.
4. Practice Sustainable Living: Reduce your ecological footprint by making environmentally conscious choices in your daily life. Conserve water, reduce plastic usage, and support sustainable fisheries practices.
5. Advocate for Policy Changes: Advocate for policies that prioritize the protection and sustainable management of coastal ecosystems. Engage with local authorities and policymakers to promote responsible environmental practices.