Conservation
Ionian Dolphin Project
Translating research into conservation action
Conservation
Ionian Dolphin Project
Translating research into conservation action
Action Plans and Assessments
- Contribution to the review of the National Action Plan for the conservation of the bottlenose dolphin and the harbour porpoise in Greece for the Department of Natural Environment and Biodiversity Management of the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy
- Contribution to update the IUCN assessments on the conservation status of Mediterranean common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins
- Providing scientific evidence leading to the listing, since 2021, of the Gulf of Ambracia bottlenose dolphin subpopulation as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, under criteria C2a(ii).
- Participation on the drafting of the Action Plan for the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Mediterranean (as consultants for ACCOBAMS and SPA/RAC)
- Providing scientific evidence for the designation of the Gulf of Ambracia and the Ionian Islands Archipelago as Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs)
- Updating of the Regional strategy for the conservation of monk seal in the Mediterranean 2025-2029 (as consultants for SPA/RAC)
Place-based protection
- Collaboration with local/national and regional NGOs sharing same interests and conservation goals
- Partner in the Amvrakikos Alliance, a group of NGOs and University Departments which aims is to contribute to the effective management of the Gulf of Ambracia National Park
- Production of scientific evidence on Formicula as a key area for the protection of Mediterranean monk seals, which led to the publication of the Ministerial Decision 123711/3066 Official Government Gazette 953/31.12.2024, which declares a 200-meter restricted access zone around this small islet in the Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago. Initiative conducted in collaboration with iSea and Blue Marine Foundation.
- The new Ionian Dolphin Project Centre, works as our office and information centre at Vonitsa’s seafront. This space is meant to give more visibility to our activities (in the Gulf and beyond) and to highlight the unique ecological value, the natural and cultural heritage of the Gulf of Ambracia, for the most effective management and protection of its ecosystems and biodiversity, in direct collaboration with the local community and in synergy with partners of the Amvrakikos Alliance. Tethys will be working towards the promotion not only sustainable dolphin watching guidelines, but also to the promotion and implementation of wider good practices among boaters and companies of the nautical sector towards sustainability.
