​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.
​
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.

The first butterfly observations of 2026 were recorded today during a short transect and additional random observations around the hills and fields of Liri and Skino in South Pelion.

Despite the early season, several spring species were already active, indicating the beginning of the butterfly activity period in the area.

Here is what was observed today:

🦋 Large White (Pieris brassicae)
🦋 Small White (Pieris rapae)
🦋 Orange Tip (Anthocharis cardamines)
🦋 Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
🦋 Cleopatra (Gonepteryx cleopatra)
🦋 Eastern Dappled White (Euchloe ausonia)
​
A promising start for the 2026 butterfly season in South Pelion. More surveys will follow as temperatures continue to rise and spring vegetation develops.

Today’s survey at Liri Beach focused on the common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca). These rays spend the day resting on the sandy seabed, sometimes half buried with only their eyes and spiracles visible. Careful observation helps us note their abundance and distribution along the coast, building a clearer picture of how they use this habitat.

As part of the survey, we also checked inside one of the sea caves near the beach. We already know that these caves are used by Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus), so we entered with caution. In the middle of the cave, a male seal suddenly appeared and swam directly toward us.

Today, we carried out a focused marine survey at Liri Beach, South Pelion, at 4-meters depth, dedicated to the observation and documentation of the Common Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca). This species is a familiar yet often overlooked inhabitant of Mediterranean coastal waters, and our aim is to better understand its local presence, behavior, and habitat preferences.

About the Common Stingray

The Common Stingray is a benthic species, usually resting on sandy or muddy seabeds, often partially buried and well camouflaged. It can grow up to 140 cm in length, with a disc-shaped body and a long whip-like tail that carries a venomous spine used for defense. Although generally non-aggressive, stingrays can inflict painful stings if disturbed, which makes observing them with care essential.

They feed mainly on bottom-dwelling invertebrates and small fish, playing an important ecological role in maintaining the balance of benthic communities. In Greece, they are considered relatively common, but systematic data on their abundance and seasonal movements are still limited.

​🦇 Bat Survey Success in Radakia Beach (South Pelion)

Yesterday evening, we carried out a low-impact bat survey at Radakia beach, South Pelion, following our sea cave protocol:
🔗 Survey Protocol - https://www.mermanconservation.co.uk/uploads/8/8/6/1/886111/low-impact-bat-survey-protocol-for-sea-caves_orig.jpg

In just 15 minutes, using minimal light and keeping noise to a minimum, we managed to survey the two species known to frequent the area:
✅ Miniopterus schreibersii
✅ Rhinolophus euryale

We successfully photographed the bats and key identifying features, made population estimates, and observed fascinating juvenile behaviors.

A small effort with valuable data for conservation 🦇🌊
#BatSurvey #SouthPelion #SeaCaveEcology #MermanConservation #GreekBats #RadakiaBeach #ChiropteraConservation