Marine biodiversity observations at Mourtias and Ammitsa (Greece) | September 11, 2026

© Chris Taklis - Seriola dumerili

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.