Lemnos Marine Conservation is a nonprofit organization working together with EU based NGOs to protect the biodiversity of the sea in Lemnos. We are passionate about involving the community every step of the way as we gather data through the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, while engaging “citizen scientist volunteers” from schools and the community. Citizen scientists are public volunteers and/or students who conduct research and often help to find solutions through gathering data to share with researchers on projects. Together we create a community of volunteers for marine research.
Our mission
Lemnos Marine Conservation Group, LMC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the sustainability and protection of the Lemnos marine and land environment. The mission of LMC is to work with the Lemnos locals to identify and conserve the precious biodiversity both in and around the island. This work will serve as an example of community participation, resilience and a prototype for other Greek islands and globally.
Jacques Cousteau often spoke of the ocean’s role in producing oxygen. The world’s oceans are so remarkable that they are often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth.” We also know that effects of the planet’s warming, pollution and overfishing is dramatically changing our seas. The sea and land are one.
We have accomplished our urgent short term goal to fund a 7-day Lemnos Expedition 2024, carried out by our scientific partner the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation (AIMC). They are planning a follow up short expedition this Spring 2025 to complete their data collection, but AIMC has already identified targeted conservation actions that are necessary.
Founders

Claudia Sherwood-Servidio
Founder Lemnos Marine Conservation, LMC
Claudia Sherwood-Servidio is the Founder of Lemnos Marine Conservation. She has photographed throughout the world and her underwater free diving and photography in Lemnos for the last 25 years has both informed and inspired her to be a part of a community shared mission to protect the biodiversity of the Lemnos seas.

Peter Zaharatos
Co-Founder Lemnos Marine Conservation, LMC
Peter Zaharatos is the CoFounder of Lemnos Marine Conservation. He is a U.S. Architect and board member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine in NYC, leading climate initiatives for the church.

Debra Apruzzese
Financial Administrator Lemnos Marine Conservation, LMC
Debra Apruzzese Lemnian Greek-American motivated to leave the world a better place. Her passion to restore and protect whole ecosystems is reflected in both her personal and professional life. www.linkedin.com/in/debraapruzzese

Anastasia Miliou
Scientific Director, of the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Anastasia is a Hydrobiologist and she is the Greek Ambassador in the EU for Sustainable Maritime Policy and an expert on marine conservation.

Dimitrios Tsouvalas
LMC Operations Consultant
Dimitri is a seasoned maritime professional and Shipping Consultant with extensive vessel operations experience and advanced credentials in shipping business management, safety, and environmental stewardship.
Supporters and Partners


