Εxpedition

About the expedition

TRITON RESEARCH VESSEL (shown in photo right)

The Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation (AIMC)  arrived in Lemnos with two research vessels this November 2024 for a 7-day expedition with 24 researchers, mapping the Posidonia seagrass and collecting biodiversity data around Lemnos.  AIMC and LMC met with over 1200 students from the Lemnos schools. LMC’s outreach program presented findings and initiated an open discussion forum for the Lemnos Fishermen union, Teachers Union and local community. Students and teachers were introduced to expedition operations on the vessels themselves in order to speak with the captain, learn about marine conservation and how scientists & researchers collect their data.   

This was the prolific maiden voyage for AIMC’s, the Triton research vessel, with 40 scientists and researchers from over 22 countries: Including Spain, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, U.S., Canada, Pakistan, China and more, collecting data with ROV’s, drones, and divers.
AIMC has shared its research data from the November marine expedition with Lemnos Marine Conservation (LMC). The findings indicate a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem in Lemnos, with healthy water temperatures recorded at various depths. A notable observation was a large pod of Spotted Dolphins accompanying the research vessel, which also revealed extensive, healthy Posidonia Seagrass beds using underwater robots, sonar-equipped canoes and divers. 
Further insights from the May research will provide additional information, but it’s clear that continued conservation efforts are necessary to protect this valuable ecosystem. 

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Triton Captain Thodoris

Mourtzeflos Lemnos coastline

Students on the the boat

Robotic Data Collection (ROV)

International researchers

Researcher from France

Post-Expedition proposed next steps

We will work together with AIMC to consider focused conservation actions

  1. Permanent & sustainable mooring systems to avoid damage to the Posidonia habitat through random anchoring.  
  2. No trawling zones established over coralligenous habitats
  3. Partnership with fishermen for fisheries management 
  4. A potential Moudros Bay Project “Friends of Lemnos”- combining research/conservation/education with local schools who play a part through data collection and sharing information with our science partners as well as display/gallery space for data findings and community outreach events. 
  • Long-term educational activities expanded, coordinating data collection in school projects and involvement such as the Moudros Bay project. Programs will include the community developing their own initiatives and proposing their own projects.
  • Our long-term goal is to have a permanent environmental/observatory/info exhibition center focusing on rare marine biodiversity and impacts of climate change in real time, community issues related to marine resources. 
  • Development of a Marine & Agricultural Co-op with local Lemnos based fishermen and farmers. A proposed “Lemnos Bio-Co-op” would promote sustainable fishing & farming practices as well as have a forum to display and sell produce and goods to the community and educate youth groups on centuries old farming & fishing practices in order to promote health & wellness into the new generation who may be interested in farming & fishing as a livelihood. 

5) The danger of microplastics and nanoplastics in the current marine environment is important to LMC and AIMC and we will create awareness campaigns to battle microplastics in the sea, on the sea bed floor and in sea mammals. These research and experimental conservation programs will be shared with the public for feedback and participation towards microplastic removal from the sea and campaigns to limit the use of plastics and offer plastic alternatives.