On September 11, 2026, marine biodiversity observations were recorded along the coast of Mourtias and Ammitsa in South-east Pelion, Greece.

The observations focused primarily on shallow coastal habitats and included several fish species, a crustacean, and a coastal seabird. Most records were made around Mourtias, with additional observations from the neighbouring coast of Ammitsa.

The records provide another snapshot of the marine biodiversity occurring along this section of the South-east Pelion coastline and contribute to the continuing documentation of species associated with its rocky, mixed and shallow-water habitats.

Fish

• Belone belone (Garfish)
• Seriola dumerili (Greater Amberjack)
• Sarpa salpa (Salema Porgy)
• Boops boops (Bogue)
• Mullus surmuletus (Striped Red Mullet)
• Oedalechilus sp. (Boxlip Mullet)
• Muraena helena (Mediterranean Moray)
• Atherina boyeri (Big-scale Sand Smelt)

Several of these observations were documented at Mourtias during the middle of the day. Seriola dumerili, Sarpa salpa, Boops boops, Mullus surmuletus and Oedalechilus sp. were among the fishes recorded there.

Garfish belonging to the genus Belone were also observed at Mourtias, together with Atherina boyeri (Big-scale Sand Smelt).

At Ammitsa, Muraena helena (Mediterranean Moray) was documented in the coastal habitat.

Crustaceans

• Palaemon elegans (Rockpool Prawn)

Palaemon elegans was recorded at Mourtias, adding a small coastal crustacean to the day's biodiversity observations.

Birds

• Gulosus aristotelis desmarestii (Mediterranean Shag)

A Mediterranean Shag was also documented at Ammitsa. Coastal seabirds form an important part of the wider marine ecosystem and can be recorded alongside underwater and shoreline biodiversity observations.

Continuing biodiversity monitoring in South-east Pelion.

Although a single day of observations cannot provide a complete representation of the local marine community, repeated records from the same coastline can gradually build a clearer picture of which species occur in the area and how observations change through different seasons.

Combining direct coastal observations, underwater surveys, photography and opportunistic wildlife records allows marine biodiversity to be documented across several habitat types and taxonomic groups.
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These observations from Mourtias and Ammitsa therefore contribute to the continuing documentation of marine and coastal wildlife in South-east Pelion, complementing previous biodiversity surveys carried out throughout the area.

​On September 7, 2026, marine biodiversity observations were carried out at Katigiorgis in South-east Pelion, Greece.

The survey documented a variety of organisms from the shallow coastal environment, including several fish species as well as echinoderms, sponges, molluscs and hydrozoans.

The observations provide another snapshot of the biodiversity associated with the coastal habitats around Katigiorgis and contribute to the continuing documentation of marine species in South-east Pelion.

Fish

• Gobius incognitus (Incognito Goby)
• Sarpa salpa (Salema Porgy)
• Lithognathus mormyrus (Striped Seabream)
• Trachinotus ovatus (Pompano)
• Mugilidae (Mullets)
• Atherina boyeri (Big-scale Sand Smelt)
• Diplodus sargus (White Sea Bream)
• Mullus surmuletus (Striped Red Mullet)
• Tripterygion tripteronotum (Red-black Triplefin)
• Chromis chromis (Mediterranean Damselfish)
• Serranus scriba (Painted Comber)
• Diplodus vulgaris (Common Two-banded Seabream)

Echinoderms

• Stylocidaris affinis (Red Lance Urchin)
• Holothuria sp. (Sea Cucumber)

Sponges

• Axinella sp.
• Chondrilla sp.
• Sarcotragus spinosulus (Black Leather Sponge)

Molluscs

• Rapaninae (Rapanine Whelks)

Hydrozoans

• Hydrozoa

​Repeated biodiversity observations at Katigiorgis and elsewhere in South-east Pelion can help build a growing record of species presence across different habitats and seasons and complement the wider marine biodiversity monitoring being carried out in the region.

​On September 6, 2026, marine biodiversity observations were carried out at Mikros Mourtias in South-east Pelion, Greece.

The observations documented a small but characteristic group of coastal fish species associated with shallow inshore habitats. These records contribute to the continuing documentation of marine biodiversity in the area and add to the growing picture of species presence along the South-east Pelion coastline.

Fish

• Gobius cobitis (Giant Goby)
• Thalassoma pavo (Ornate Wrasse)
• Parablennius sanguinolentus (Rusty Blenny)
• Symphodus tinca (East Atlantic Peacock Wrasse)
• Mugilidae (Mullets)
• Coris julis (Mediterranean Rainbow Wrasse)

These fishes are common in many coastal areas and form a familiar component of shallow marine communities in Greece.

Continuing biodiversity monitoring at Mikros Mourtias.

Although the number of species recorded during a single visit is limited, repeated observations from sites such as Mikros Mourtias are valuable for building a clearer understanding of local biodiversity.

Even short coastal surveys can document representative species from different ecological groups, including bottom-dwelling fishes, wrasses and schooling coastal species. Over time, such records help strengthen the biodiversity baseline for South-east Pelion and complement wider efforts to monitor marine life across the region.
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These observations from Mikros Mourtias therefore contribute another useful record of shallow-water marine biodiversity from the South-east Pelion coastline.

​On August 23, 2026, biodiversity observations were carried out at Radakia and Ftelia in South-east Pelion, Greece.

The survey documented a diverse collection of marine organisms, including fishes, echinoderms, sponges, hydroids, a nudibranch and Posidonia oceanica, together with observations of bats associated with the coastal area.

The records provide another snapshot of the biodiversity occurring along this part of the South-east Pelion coastline and complement previous surveys from nearby locations.

Fish

• Mullus surmuletus (Striped Red Mullet)
• Chromis chromis (Mediterranean Damselfish)
• Symphodus tinca (East Atlantic Peacock Wrasse)
• Lithognathus mormyrus (Striped Seabream)
• Diplodus vulgaris (Common Two-banded Seabream)
• Diplodus annularis (Annular Seabream)
• Sarpa salpa (Salema Porgy)

Nudibranchs

• Caloria quatrefagesi

Sponges

• Aplysina aerophoba (Gold Sponge)
• Agelas oroides (Orange Crater Sponge)

Hydroids

• Pennaria disticha (Christmas Tree Hydroid)

Echinoderms

• Echinaster sepositus (Mediterranean Red Sea Star)
• Arbacia cavernicola

Seagrass

• Posidonia oceanica (Neptune Grass)

Bats

• Miniopterus schreibersii (Schreibers' Long-fingered Bat)
• Rhinolophus euryale (Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat)

​On August 21, 2026, marine biodiversity observations were carried out at Liri in South-east Pelion, Greece.

The observations documented a range of marine organisms, including coastal fishes, a ray, crustaceans, jellyfish and comb jellies. Particularly notable during the day were two separate observations of Monachus monachus (Mediterranean Monk Seal), highlighting the ecological importance of the wider Liri coastal area.

Marine mammals

• Monachus monachus (Mediterranean Monk Seal)

Three separate Mediterranean Monk Seal observations were documented at Liri on August 21. 

The presence of Monachus monachus is particularly important because the species depends on relatively undisturbed coastal habitats for resting and reproduction. Observations from Liri therefore add to the continuing documentation of monk seal presence along this part of South-east Pelion.

Fish and rays

• Belone belone (Garfish)
• Chromis chromis (Mediterranean Damselfish)
• Dasyatis pastinaca (Common Stingray)
• Parablennius sanguinolentus (Rusty Blenny)

Jellyfish and comb jellies

• Cotylorhiza tuberculata (Fried Egg Jellyfish)
• Leucothea multicornis (Warty Comb Jelly)

Crustaceans

• Palaemon sp. (Glass Shrimp)

Ecological importance of Liri.

The August 21 observations demonstrate the diversity of marine life that can be encountered within the Liri coastal area, from small benthic fishes and crustaceans to rays, gelatinous organisms and large marine mammals.

The simultaneous documentation of Dasyatis pastinaca and Monachus monachus is particularly relevant to ongoing biodiversity monitoring in the area. Both records contribute to a broader understanding of how different groups of marine wildlife use the coastal habitats around Liri.

Repeated observations from the same coastline can help establish patterns of species presence and seasonal occurrence while providing a stronger baseline for future conservation and monitoring work.
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The records from August 21 therefore contribute another important snapshot of marine biodiversity at Liri and strengthen the wider documentation of coastal wildlife in South-east Pelion.

​On August 9, 2026, our team documented marine biodiversity at Katigiorgis in South-east Pelion, Greece, using a different survey approach from our usual shallow-water marine bioblitzes.

Rather than surveying species directly underwater, observations were made alongside small traditional coastal fishing boats as they returned to Katigiorgis from fishing grounds in deeper water. Marine organisms brought up in the fishing nets were documented as the catch was sorted, with many non-target species subsequently released back into the sea.

Some of the organisms recorded had been brought to the surface from fishing grounds reaching approximately 100 metres in depth. This provided an opportunity to document species that are less frequently encountered during our shallow coastal surveys and offered a glimpse into the biodiversity associated with deeper marine habitats off South-east Pelion.
The observations included fishes, crustaceans, echinoderms, molluscs, anemones, bryozoans and algae.

Fish

• Scorpaena porcus (Black Scorpionfish) - common in the area's shallow waters.
• Symphodus mediterraneus (Axillary Wrasse) - common in the area's shallow waters.
• Torpedo sp. (Electric Ray)

Crustaceans

• Dardanus calidus (Red Hermit Crab)
• Maja crispata (Lesser Spider Crab)

Anemones

• Calliactis parasitica (Parasitic Anemone)

Molluscs

• Pecten jacobaeus (Pilgrim's Scallop)

Echinoderms

• Echinaster sepositus (Mediterranean Red Sea Star) - common in the area's shallow waters.
• Sphaerechinus granularis (Violet Sea Urchin)

Bryozoans

• Schizoporella errata (Branching Bryozoan)

Algae

• Peyssonnelia sp.

Several of the species were observed alive after being removed from the nets and, where possible, were released back into the sea.

These observations highlight the biodiversity that can be encountered through cooperation with small-scale traditional fishers. While this type of opportunistic survey differs from a standard underwater biodiversity assessment and does not provide a complete representation of the deeper-water community, it can contribute valuable records of species that are otherwise difficult to observe directly.
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Continued collaboration with local fishing communities can complement coastal biodiversity surveys and help build a broader picture of marine life across different depths and habitats in South-east Pelion.

On July 21, 2026, our team conducted a marine survey bioblitz at Theotokos in South-east Pelion, Greece. The survey explored shallow rocky shores and nearshore habitats, recording fish, sponges, anemones, molluscs, echinoderms, crustaceans, algae, and coastal birds.

A total of 32 taxa were recorded during the survey, including 26 identified to the species level, 2 to the genus level, and 1 to the suborder level.

Fish

• Epinephelus marginatus (Dusky Grouper)
• Boops boops (Bogue)
• Coris julis (Mediterranean Rainbow Wrasse)
• Symphodus rostratus (Pointed-snout Wrasse)
• Atherina sp.
• Blennioidei (Blennies)
• Diplodus vulgaris (Common Two-banded Seabream)
• Apogon imberbis (Mediterranean Cardinalfish)
• Symphodus tinca (East Atlantic Peacock Wrasse)
• Serranus scriba (Painted Comber)
• Serranus cabrilla (Comber)
• Oblada melanurus (Saddled Seabream)
• Chromis chromis (Mediterranean Damselfish)
• Thalassoma pavo (Ornate Wrasse)
• Diplodus sargus (White Seabream)
• Sarpa salpa (Salema Porgy)
• Mullus surmuletus (Striped Red Mullet)

Sponges

• Tethya aurantium (Golf Ball Sponge)
• Chondrilla nucula (Potato Sponge)
• Sarcotragus spinosulus (Black Leather Sponge)
• Chondrosia reniformis (Kidney Sponge)

Anemones

• Aiptasia mutabilis (Trumpet Anemone)

Molluscs

• Stramonita sp.
• Tarantinaea lignarius

Echinoderms

• Holothuria sanctori (Variable Sea Cucumber)
• Arbacia lixula (Black Sea Urchin)

Crustaceans

• Percnon gibbesi (Nimble Spray Crab)
  
  

Algae and marine plants

• Codium fragile (Dead Man’s Fingers)
• Dictyota dichotoma (Forked Ribbons)
• Padina pavonica (Peacock’s Tail)

Coastal birds

• Gulosus aristotelis (European Shag)

On June 27, 2026, our team conducted a marine survey bioblitz, exploring the coastal habitats of Platanias and Mikro in South-east Pelion, Greece. The survey recorded a wide range of marine life from shallow rocky shore, sandy seabed, and nearshore habitats, including fish, sponges, corals, anemones, molluscs, sea slugs, echinoderms, hydroids, marine worms, and algae.

A total of 25 marine taxa were recorded during the survey, including 23 identified to species level and 2 identified to genus level.

​Fish

• Sphyraena sp.
  Recorded at Platanias
• Diplodus annularis (Annular Seabream)
  Recorded at Platanias
• Bothus podas (Wide-eyed Flounder)
  Recorded at Mikro
• Dactylopterus volitans (Flying Gurnard)
  Recorded at Platanias and Mikro
• Chelon sp.
  Recorded at Mikro
• Belone belone
  Recorded at Mikro
• Lithognathus mormyrus (Striped Seabream)
  Recorded at Mikro
• Parablennius zvonimiri (Zvonimir’s Blenny)
  Recorded at Platanias
• Oblada melanurus (Saddled Seabream)
  ​Recorded at Platanias

Sponges

• Sarcotragus spinosulus (Black Leather Sponge)
  Recorded at Mikro
• Aplysina aerophoba (Gold Sponge)
  Recorded at Platanias

Cnidarians, corals, anemones, and hydroids

• Pennaria disticha (Christmas Tree Hydroid)
  Recorded at Mikro
• Parazoanthus axinellae (Yellow Cluster Anemone)
  Recorded at Mikro
• Cladocora caespitosa (Cushion Coral)
  Recorded at Mikro
• Anemonia viridis (Snakelocks Anemone)
  Recorded at Platanias

Molluscs and sea slugs

• Cratena peregrina (Wandering Cratena)
  Recorded at Mikro
• Calmella cavolini
  Recorded at Mikro
• Thuridilla hopei
  Recorded at Platanias
• Mytilus galloprovincialis (Mediterranean Mussel)
  Recorded at Platanias

Echinoderms

• Echinaster sepositus (Mediterranean Red Sea Star)
  Recorded at Platanias and Mikro
• Holothuria tubulosa
  Recorded at Platanias

Marine worms

• Protula tubularia (Red-spotted Horseshoe)
  Recorded at Platanias

Algae

• Codium fragile (Dead Man’s Fingers)
  Recorded at Mikro
• Asparagopsis taxiformis (Red Sea Plume)
  Recorded at Mikro
• Acetabularia acetabulum (Mermaid’s Wine Glass)
  Recorded at Platanias

On May 27, 2026, our team conducted a marine survey bioblitz, exploring the coastal habitats of Neraki and Agrielia beaches, a small gulf in South-east Pelion, Greece. The survey recorded a wide range of marine life from shallow rocky shore and nearshore habitats, including fish, sponges, corals, anemones, molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms, and algae.

Fish

• Apogon imberbis (Mediterranean Cardinalfish)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Oblada melanura (Saddled Seabream)
  Recorded at both beaches
• Parablennius gattorugine (Tompot Blenny)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Parablennius zvonimiri (Zvonimir’s Blenny)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Symphodus mediterraneus (Axillary Wrasse)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Sparisoma cretense (European Parrotfish)
  Recorded at Agrielia
• Thalassoma pavo (Ornate Wrasse)
  Recorded at Agrielia
• Sarpa salpa (Salema Porgy)
  Recorded at Agrielia
• Family Mugilidae (Mullets)
  Recorded at Agrielia

Sponges

• Chondrosia reniformis (Kidney Sponge)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Sarcotragus spinosulus (Black Leather Sponge)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Clathrina clathrus
  Recorded at Neraki
• Genus Cliona
  Recorded at Agrielia

Cnidarians, corals and hydroids

• Cladocora caespitosa (Cushion Coral)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Parazoanthus axinellae (Yellow Cluster Anemone)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Genus Aiptasia (Trumpet Anemones)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Aiptasia mutabilis (Trumpet Anemone)
  Recorded at Agrielia
• Genus Eudendrium
  Recorded at Agrielia

Molluscs and sea slugs

• Elysia timida
  Recorded at Neraki and Agrielia
• Calmella cavolini
  Recorded at Neraki
• Edmundsella pedata (Pink Coryphella)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Arca noae (Noah’s Ark Shell)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Pinctada radiata (Rayed Pearl Oyster)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Patella caerulea (Mediterranean Limpet)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Genus Patella (Patella Limpets)
  Recorded at Neraki

Crustaceans

• Pachygrapsus marmoratus (Marbled Crab)
  Recorded at Agrielia
• Perforatus perforatus (Perforated Barnacle)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Family Balanidae
  Recorded at Neraki

Echinoderms

• Holothuria sanctori (Variable Sea Cucumber)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Arbacia lixula (black sea urchin)
  Both beaches
  
  

Algae

• Flabellia petiolata (Fan Weed)
  Recorded at Neraki
• Acetabularia acetabulum (Mermaid’s Wine Glass)
  Recorded at Agrielia

Today’s fieldwork across Liri and Skino revealed a rich and active butterfly community, reflecting the mosaic of habitats that define this part of South East Pelion. From open scrub and dry grasslands to woodland edges and cultivated patches, the diversity we recorded highlights how even small landscapes can support a remarkable range of Lepidoptera.

We documented twelve species during the survey:

🦋 Iphiclides podalirius
🦋 Celastrina argiolus
🦋 Melitaea cinxia
🦋 Pontia chlorodice
🦋 Pieris brassicae
🦋 Pararge aegeria
🦋 Polyommatus icarus
🦋 Colias croceus
🦋 Lampides boeticus
🦋 Gonepteryx cleopatra
🦋 Maniola jurtina
🦋 Aricia agestis

The presence of larger, highly mobile species such as Iphiclides podalirius and Colias croceus, alongside smaller, habitat-sensitive species such as Aricia agestis and Polyommatus icarus, suggests a healthy ecological gradient. Woodland indicators like Pararge aegeria were observed in shaded areas, while open-habitat specialists such as Melitaea cinxia and Pontia chlorodice were active in sunlit clearings and dry fields.

Particularly encouraging was the mix of resident breeders and migratory or dispersive species. Lampides boeticus, known for its mobility, and Gonepteryx cleopatra, a characteristic Mediterranean species, underline the connectivity of these habitats within the wider landscape.

These observations reinforce the ecological value of Liri and Skino as micro-hotspots for butterfly diversity. Continued monitoring will be essential to understand seasonal dynamics, population trends, and potential pressures from land use changes or climate shifts.

This kind of field documentation contributes not only to local biodiversity knowledge but also to broader conservation efforts. Even short surveys like today’s provide valuable data points in building a clearer picture of species distribution across Greece.