PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL DATA FROM A PILOT MARINE PROTECTED AREA ON THE ISLAND OF MILOS, GREECE

Tselentis B.S.1, Kyriakopoulos K.1, Moghaddam-Gholipour K.S.1, Kavvadas P.1, Kourkouli P.2 1Laboratory of Marine Sciences, University of Piraeus, [email protected] 2 Department of Geography, Harokopio University Greece , [email protected]

Abstract It is recognized that the creation of Marine Protected Areas is an important tool in the effort to preserve biodiversity, protect and increase fish stocks, prevent further degradation of the marine environment and to protect and restore habitats. It is deemed timely and topical to establish a network of Marine Protected Areas at both national and regional levels in order to mitigate the destruction of sensitive reproduction ecosystems and protected habitats, as well as restrain uncontrolled overexploitation of fish stocks. In this paper the need to gather scientific information on ways to select and map areas that are in need of protection is highlighted and preliminary scientific data on a marine area on the northern part of Milos Island in the Cyclades, is presented. It is also inferred that all efforts within the framework of sustainable management of marine ecosystems and the marine environment in general are not seen as an isolated project, but as a component of the island’s infrastructure as a whole, as well as a factor of social cohesion and local participation in any management schemes applied. Key Words: MPAs, biodiversity, habitat mapping, Cyclades

1. Introduction Scientific evidence has proven that worldwide marine ecosystems are now manifesting severe biodiversity degradation (Rashid et al. 2005). Marine biodiversity loss has been attributed to habitat degradation, anthropogenic pollution, coastal zone mismanagement, overexploitation of fishing stocks, invasive species, climate change (Dulvy et al. 2003). The Mediterranean has been especially affected by all the above, even though it is recognized as one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspot inhabited by a large number of endemic species (Bianchi & Morri, 2000). Of the total Mediterranean sea surface (2.510.000 km²) only 95.660 km² are protected (3,8%), whereas the percentage of coastal areas protected (9.910 km²) represents 0,4% of the total sea surface (Blue Plan, 2005 and Rashid et al. 2005). Considering the deviation from the target of 10% described in the Barcelona Convention (CBD) (UNEP/MAP/RAC/SPA, ACCOBAMS, IUCN, WWF MedPO, WWF MedPAN, 2008) and the EU habitats and water directives (European Commission, 2006), it is clear that serious steps have to be implemented in order to avert a serious deterioration of the Mediterranean marine ecosystem. In this respect there are now (2007 data) around a hundred MPAs in the Mediterranean, mainly situated on the Northern coast (Abdulla et al. 2008 and references therein). Already there is a move to establish new MPAs in order to supplement existing ones aiming at creating a geographically and ecologically balanced network targeting valuable habitats representing the different Mediterranean ecoregions. The Marine Sciences Laboratory of the University of Piraeus, as far back as 1990, has been involved in studying the marine area of northern Milos (see Maps 1&2) in order to establish a Marine Protected Area (MPA). An extended data base of sound scientific evidence has been created over the years establishing the special characteristics and species in need of protection. The data presented in this paper was accomplished through a funding from the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (Memorandum of Understanding N° 100 RAC/SPA/2009). 2 The area proposed for an MPA covers a marine area of about 13 km , on the northern coast of Milos Island (see Map 2), in which the protected species Posidonia oceanica is extensive and where monk seals and loggerhead sea turtles have been sited (Tselentis, 2010). In respect to these important critically endangered Red List category species, the proposed area is adjacent to one of its most important breeding grounds (islands of Kimolos and Polyaigos) where a minimum of 30 individuals and a breeding activity of 6 -7 pups/year have been reported (RAC/SPA, 2005).

Map 1. Geographical region of the Cyclades Islands, Aegean Sea, Greece (arrowed Milos island) Map 2. Location of the pilot MPA north of Milos Island, Cyclades Islands, Aegean Sea, Greece

2. Methodology The area which has been adopted to house the MPA (see Map 2) is not within the NATURA 2000 areas of Milos (GR4220005 Western Milos and GR4220006 Polyaigos island). The MPA area on the north of the island of Milos was proposed by the Laboratory of Marine Sciences of the University of Piraeus and agreed upon by the professional fishermen and Local Government (municipality) of the island of Milos. The Convention for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution (Barcelona Convention) of 1976, amended in 1995, and the Protocol concerning specially protected areas and biological diversity in the Mediterranean, have adopted common criteria to establish national inventories of natural sites of conservation interest. The tools elaborated by the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA), including a Standard Data Form (SDF) were used to compile information concerning the site. The reference list of types of habitat and the reference list of species for selecting the sites to be included in the national inventories, elaborated by RAC/SPA were also used. Mapping of marine habitats was performed based on the 3 types of habitats -1120 - P. oceanica meadows, 1170 - reefs and 8330 - caves, highlighted by prior knowledge compiled for the area and the available classification (European reference codes for identification - European Council’s NATURA 2000 and EMERAUDE network of sites to the specific features of the Mediterranean). Supralittoral and mediolittoral biocenoses were not considered.

2.1. HABITAT MAPPING Seagrass meadows are ecologically very important since they form dense and highly productive beds of extreme value to invertebrates and fish, provide protection against coastal erosion, increase dissolved oxygen concentrations in sea water and capture / sequester large quantities of CO2. Pocidonia oceanica meadows are protected at the European level, as a priority habitat (Dir. 92/42 CEE 21/05/92 and 97/62/CE 27/10/1997) and as a strictly protected flora species (Bern Convention, Appendix I). Bottom-trawling is expressly forbidden on seagrass meadows (Fishing regulation 1626/94 and 1967/2006). Due to the above, the methodology used to map habitats in the area under study, was influenced by available and appropriate techniques for mapping seagrasses in areas of different size and water depth. The options available for mapping seagrasses include remotely sensed data from satellites and/or airborne sensors, acoustic remote sensing (side scan sonar), real-time towed video camera, diver observations and grab sampling. In our case the option of mapping the seagrass by remote sensing was not selected mainly because the sea bottom signal is not always distinct and is influenced by the atmosphere (cloud), the condition of the sea-atmosphere interface (waves), the water column and the sea bottom itself. In clear shallow waters with seagrasses occurring on a light, sandy bottom, the contours of the meadows can easily be distinguished in remotely sensed images such as aerial photos. In our situation however, all available aerial photos we could find, were influenced by wave action and could not distinguish seagrass meadows at depths greater than 10 meters max. Satellite pictures, as stated before, are prone to the same confounding factors, plus the fact that they have a high cost to purchase and analyze. It was thus decided to use ground survey techniques, even though they too are often costly and inconvenient for mapping large coastal areas. The ground survey used by our team involved non-destructive techniques involving a fishing vessel of 5.5m in length, real-time towed under water video camera connected to a surface monitor and video recording unit. Data from a GPS plotter (Map 3) and depth echosounder were recorded simultaneously; ground-truthing verification by deployment of a seabed grab (van veen grab sampler) and direct inspection by SCUBA divers were also used. The 0 – 10m zone was surveyed with a smaller craft and a visual examination for habitat mapping was performed using a glass-bottomed bucket. This was very useful at times in conjunction to the surface diving (skin diving) used, since one could cover a larger distance and more importantly have a wider perspective than a surface diver due to the wider angle the transparent surface (d=40cm) produces in the sea. Also the representation of the sea bed is in a continuum (since the boat is moving steadily in one direction) rather than in a patchy manner that a skin diver experiences. Although, at first, it was believed that this visual surveying could cover the 0 to 10m zone, it was clearly realized that this surveying technique was nor reliable beyond a depth of 5m. For depths of up to 10m only skin diving was used. For depths of 10 – 50m a U/W video camera, in a cage attached to a strong rope supporting the umbilical cord as well, was used. This is lowered and moves slowly over the sea surface, its movements observed on a monitor and recorded on tape. Following the echosounder placed afore, one can monitor the depth and by lifting or releasing the rope keep the required distance from the sea bed to have a detailed of a panoramic view. The images from this footage were reviewed and in conjunction to GPS and depth data as well as ground-truthing with SCUBA diving and van veen Grab sampling, were used to clearly map the areas surveyed. In this way it was possible to map (see Map 3) the patchy Posidonia areas. The well-established methodology of transect surveying was used [vertical lines to parallel (to the coast) transects] was used in order to cover the area of the proposed MPA.

2.2. GIS GEOREFERENCED MAP For the creation of the MPA Milos habitat map, the following basic steps were followed: The habitat map was imported into the Geographic Information System (GIS), the habitat map was georeferenced in UTM-WGS84’, digitization of the habitat details and GPS data, the positions (coordinates from the GPS) of the surveyed caves were introduced as a shapefile into the GIS. As explained above a habitat map was created based on the GPS, U/W video, and ground truthing data collected during the survey period (see above). This map was digitized and georeferenced in UTM-WGS84’(35N Zone), using Ground Control Points (GCPs). Following this, a shapefile for every type of habitat was created in order to be integrated and superimposed on the GIS map. This included the locations of the caves as geographic coordinates from the GPS measurements which were also imported into the GIS as points. The above data were georeferenced using UTM- WGS84’ and finally plotted on the map. As a background map the maps provided by the Hellenic Public Real Estate Cooperation were used, as they are the ones that the Greek state uses for the Greek territory. Alternatively a high resolution Quickbird image exported from Google Earth, could be used.

2.3.SDF INFORMATION Plant and animal species were observed in situ and are presented below.

3. Results 3.1. HABITATS The following infralittoral habitats, based on the classification elaborated by the Meeting of Experts on types of benthic marine habitat in the Mediterranean (Hyères, France, 18-20 November 1998) and later revised by the Fourth Meeting of National Focal Points for SPAs (Tunis, 12-14 April 1999), were identified, as shown on Map 3: III.2.2. Biocenosis of well sorted fine sands III.3. (Coarse sands with more or less mud) III.4.1. Biocenosis of infralittoral pebbles III.5. Posidonia oceanica meadows (including dense, moderate and patch cover areas) III.6. Hard beds and rocks Concerning habitat III.2.2. (Fine sands) it was found at large depths (35-50m) usually in association with rocks, as well as a continuation of sandy environments (III.3.) at shallower depths (Mitakas, Sarakiniko, Pahaina). An interesting association of well sorted fine sands with Caulerpa prolifera was identified at a depth of 45 - 50m. Habitat III.3. (Coarse sands with more or less mud) was found mainly along the few sandy beaches that occur in Mitakas and at small inlets (Sarakiniko, Papafragas and Alogomandra). Habitat III.4. (Stones and pebbles) was found usually near the coast mostly in close association to the other habitats (III.3 & III.5). At depths of 45–50m it is found in association with habitat III.6. Extensive presence of habitat III.5. (1120) was observed throughout the area with dense meadows appearing usually at a depth range of between 13 and 27m. From 10-13m Posidonia oceanica cover was moderate and at 27-30m rather patchy cover occurred. Sparse patchy cover was found near the rocky environments along the coastline and at shallow depths at different parts of the area. Habitat III.6. is extensive along most of the coastline and up to a depth of 10m, in association with marine angiosperms, green, brown and red algae and habitat III4. Cave habitats (II.4.3. mediolittoral caves) were identified along the coastline, but were not further categorized as semi-dark caves (IV.3.2.) or caves in total darkness (V.3.2.).

Map 3. GIS habitat map depicting basic ecotopes in the pilot MPA of N. Milos.

3.2. PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES

PLANTAE DIVISION: CHLOROPHYTA Acetabularia mediterranea Bryopsis sp. Caulerpa prolifera Caulerpa racemosa Chaetomorpha sp. Cladophora sp. Codium bursa Codium tomentosum Dasycladus sp. Enteromorpha compressa Enteromorpha intestinalis Halimeda tuna Palmophyllum sp. Udotea sp. Ulva sp. Valonia utricularis DIVISION PHAEOPHYTA Arthrocladia sp. Cladostephus sp. Colpomenia sp. Cystoseira mediterranea Dictyopteris sp. Dictyota sp. Dilophus sp. Ectocarpus sp. Halopteris sp. Padina pavonica (pavonia) Taonia sp. DIVISION: RHODOPHYTA Acrosymphyton sp. Amphiroa sp. Bonnemaisonia sp. Corallina sp. Galaxaura sp. Gelidium sp. Jania sp. Laurencia sp. Lithophyllum expansum Mesophyllum lichenoides Peyssonnelia sp. Phymatolithon sp. Platoma sp. Plocamium sp. Scinaia sp. DIVISION: ANGIOSPERMAE (MAGNOLIOPHYTA) Posidonia oceanica Zostera sp.

ANIMALIA PHYLUM: PORIFERA Acanthella acuta Agelas oroides Anchinoe tenacior Axinella polypoides Chondrosia reniformis Clathrina (Leucosolenia) clathrus Cliona celata Crambe (Hemimycale) crambe Dysidea fragilis Hemimycale columella Hymeniacidon sanguinea Ircinia (Sarcotragus) spinosula Ircinia dendroides Ircinia fasciculata Ircinia oros Leucosolenia variabilis Oscarella lobularis Petrosia ficiformis (dura) Scypha (Grantia) compressa Spirastrella cunctatrix Spongia agaricina Sycon raphanus Verongia (Aplysina) aerophoba PHYLUM: CNIDARIA Aglaophenia sp. Olindias phosphorica Aurelia aurita Cotylorhiza tuberculata Pelagia noctiluca Rhizostoma pulmo Cerianthus membranaceus Caryophyllia smithii Cladocora caespitosa Leptopsammia pruvoti Epizoanthus sp. Parazoanthus axinellae Corynactis viridis Actinia equina Adamsia carciniopados Aiptasia mutabilis Alicia mirabilis Anemonia sulcata Anemonia viridis Calliactis parasitica Condylactis aurantiaca Cribrinopsis crassa PHYLUM: ANNELIDA Hermodice carunculata Bispira volutacornis Myxicola infundibulum Protula intestinum Protula tubularia Sabella (Spirographis) spallanzanii Sabella pavonina Serpula vermicularis PHYLUM: ECHIURA Bonellia viridis PHYLUM: ARTHROPODA (CRUSTACEA) Balanus sp. Chthamalus sp. Calappa granulata Dardanus calidus Dromia personata Eripiah verrucosa Gnathophyllum elegans Hippolyte sp. Maja squinado Pachygrapsus marmoratus Pagurus prideaux Palaemon (Leander) elegans Pilumnus hirtellus Scyllarides latus Squilla mantis PHYLUM: MOLLUSCA CLASS: POLYPLACOPHORA Chiton olivaceus Acanthochitona fascicularis CLASS: GASTROPODA Aporrhais pes-pelecani Astraea rugosa Buccinulum corneum Calliostoma zizyphinum Cassidaria echinophora Charonia tritonis variegata Columbella rustica Conus mediterraneus Fasciolaria ligniaria Gibbula spratti Haliotis lamellosa Haliotis tuberculata Littorina neritoides Luria lurida Mitra zonata Monodonta turbinata Murex (Bolinus) brandaris Nassarius gibbosulus Nassarius mutabilis Nucella lapilus Ocenebra erinaceus Patella caerulea Patella rustica Pisania striata Semicassis undulata Thais haemastoma Tonna galea Trunculariopsis trunculus Vermetus arenarius Aplysia depilans Aplysia fasciata Tylodina perversa Umbraculum mediterraneum Caloria elegans Cratena peregrina Flabellina affinis Godiva banyulensis Hypselodoris elegans Hypselodoris tricolor Hypselodoris villafranca Peltodoris atromaculata Trapania maculata CLASS: BIVALVIA (PELECYPODA, LAMELLIBRANCHIA) Acanthocardia tuberculata Anomia ephippium Arca noae Arca tetragona Atrina pectinata Barbatia barbata Callista chione Cerastoderma glaucum Chamelea gallina gallina Chlamys multistriata Chlamys pesfelis Chlamys varia Donacilla cornea Donax semstratus Donax trunculus Dosina exoleta Ensis ensis Glycymeris glycymeris Laevicardium norvegicum Laevicardium oblongum Lima hians Lima lima Lithophaga lithophaga Mactra glauca Modiolus barbatus Mytilus galloprovincialis Ostrea edulis Pecten jacobaeus Pharus legumen Pholas dactylus Pinna nobilis (squamosa) Psammobia depressa Pteria hirundo Solecurtus scopula Solecurtus strigillatus Solen marginatus Spondylus gaederopus Tellina donacina Tellina incarnata Tellina nitrida Tellina planata Thracia pubescens Venerupis lucens Venus verrucosa CLASS: CEPHALOPODA Octopus vulgaris Sepia officinalis PHYLUM: BRYOZOA (ECTOPROCTA) Caberea boryi Calpensia nobilis Chartella sp. Electra posidoniae Myriapora truncata Pentapora fascialis Schizomavella mamillata Sertella septentrionalis Turbicellepora magnicostata PHYLUM: ECHINODERMATA CLASS: CRINOIDEA Antedon mediterranea CLASS: ASTEROIDEA Asterias rubens Astropecten sp. Echinaster sepositus Hacelia attenuata Marthasterias glacialis Ophidiaster ophidianus CLASS: OPHIUROIDEA Ophioderma longicauda Ophiothrix fragilis CLASS: ECHINOIDEA Arbacia lixula Brissus unicolor Centrostephanus longispinus Echinocardium cordatum Paracentrotus lividus Spatangus purpureus Sphaerechinus granularis CLASS: HOLOTHURIOIDEA Holothuria sanctori Holothuria tubulosa PHYLUM: CHORDATA SUBPHYLUM: TUNICATA (UROCHORDATA) Aplidium sp. Botrylloides leachi Ciona intestinalis Clavelina sp. Diplosoma spongiforme Halocynthia papillosa Microcosmus sp. Phallusia mamillata SUBPHYLUM: VERTEBRATA CLASS: CHONDRICHTHYES Dasyatis sp. Raja sp. Torpedo marmorata CLASS: OSTEICHTHYES Anthias anthias Apogon imberbis Atherina sp. Belone belone Bothus sp. Chromis chromis Conger conger Coris julis Diplodus annularis Diplodus cervinus Diplodus puntazzo Diplodus sargus Diplodus vulgaris Echiichthys vipera Engraulis encrasicolus Epinephelus alexandrinus Epinephelus caninus Epinephelus guaza Gobius sp. Hippocampus hippocampus Hippocampus ramulosus Labrus bergylta Labrus bimaculatus Labrus merula Lipophrys nigriceps Lithognathus mormyrus Lophius sp. Mugil cephalus Mullus barbatus Mullus surmuletus Muraena helena Oblada melanura Parablennius gattorugine Parablennius rouxi Parablennius tentacularis Sardina pilchardus Sarpa salpa Sciaena umbra Scorpaena porcus Scorpaena scrofa Serranus cabrilla Serranus hepatus Serranus scriba Sparisoma (Euscarus) cretense Spicara flexuosa Spicara maena Spondyliosoma cantharus Symphodus cinereus Symphodus doderleini Symphodus mediterraneus Symphodus melanocercus Symphodus ocellatus Symphodus rostratus Symphodus tinca Synodus saurus Thalassoma pavo Trachinus araneus Trachinus draco Tripterygion delaisi Umbrina cirrosa Uranoscopus scaber Xyrichthys novacula Zeus faber CLASS: REPTILIA Caretta caretta CLASS: AVES Falco eleonorae Larus audouinii Pandion haliaetus Phalacrocorax aristotelis CLASS: MAMMALIA Monachus monachus Tursiops truncatus

4. Conclusions The area is characterized by the extensive presence of habitat III.5. (1120). The Posidonia oceanica cover is mainly dense usually at a depth range of between 13 and 27m. On the fringes of this area moderate patchy cover occurs (10-13m and 27-30m) and finally sparse patchy cover is found near the rocky environments along the coastline and at shallow depths at different parts of the area. Thirty one Cave habitats (II.4.3. mediolittoral caves) were identified along the coastline of the MPA Milos area, but none fulfilled the requirements for seal breeding and resting. No maps of the bathymetry of the sea floor are presented in this report, as there are serious discrepancies with the depth contours presented by the Greek nautical charts (GR 415 and GR 162). Six months after this study, the hydrographic vessel of the Hellenic Navy was deployed to make a detailed study of the bathymetry of the northern part of Milos Island, including the MAP area. When the new data are published, a complete bathymetric map of the area will be incorporated into the GIS habitat map. Through our extensive public awareness activities, local knowledge and presence in Milos (since 1997), the Laboratory of Marine Sciences has gained the support of all local institutions (Local Government, NGO's, Fishermen Associations). This local support provides for an important advantage in implementing and materializing environmental conservation policies in the island of Milos in the near future, supplementing other efforts that are in action. In countries were no effective legal framework and/or with ineffective enforcement institutions even in instances where a legal framework does exist; the emphasis must be placed on local involvement and capacity building of interest groups. The above scientific evidence has been sent to the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change suggesting that the area could be included in the list of new areas proposed by Greece in accordance with EU action Plan “Halting the Loss of Biodiversity by 2010 – and Beyond {COM92006)216 final}’’. It is encouraging that the new Greek law on Biodiversity voted by the Greek Parliament on the 15th of March 2011, foresees close collaboration with research institutes which will provide scientific data on which policy and management decisions can be based. The new law also proposes a strict time table for the establishment of new protected areas and networks, in an attempt to fulfill requirements stemming from the Directive 2008/56/EC (Marine Strategy Framework Directive), as well as the Natural Habitats (92/43/EEC), Birds (79/409/EEC) Directives and Water Directive 2000/60/EC. The final report of the RAC/SPA project has also been submitted to the Fisheries Department of the Ministry for Maritime Affairs, Islands and Fisheries, suggesting that the scientific data can support the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006, concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean Sea.

5. Acknowledgements This research was funded by the UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (Memorandum of Understanding N° 100 RAC/SPA/2009). The staff of the Laboratory of Marine Sciences of the University of Piraeus provided logistics backup and help in sampling and analysis. The local professional fishermen and Mr. Nikos Lizardos provided the vessel from which all habitat and hydrographic data were collected.

6. References Abdulla A., Gomei M., Maison E. & Piante C. 2008. Status of Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean Sea. IUCN, Malaga and WWF, France. 152 pp. Bianchi, C.N. & Morri, C. 2000. Marine biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea: situation, problems and prospects for future research. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 40, 367–376. Blue Plan (2005) A Sustainable Future for the Mediterranean. The Blue Plan’s Environment and Development Outlook. Edited by Guillaume Benoit and Aline Comeau Earthscan. Dulvy N.K., Sadovy Y. & Reynolds J.D. 2003. Extinction vulnerability in marine populations Fish & Fisheries 4(1): 25-64 European Commission (2006) Guidelines for the establishment of the Natura 2000 network in the marine environment - Application of the Habitats and Birds Directives RAC/SPA. 2005. Information report on the status of the monk seal in the Mediterranean. SeventhMeeting of National Focal Points for SPAs, Seville, 31 May – 3 June 2005. UNEP/MAP,UNEP(DEC)/MED WG.268/Inf.3: 1-45. Rashid H., Scholes R. and Ash N. Eds., 2005. Ecosystems and human well-being: current state and trends: findings of the Condition and Trends Working Group. http://www.millenniumassessment.org/en/Global.aspx Tselentis B.S., 2010. Une aire marine protégée pilote sur l’ile de Milos en Grèce, MEDPAN Newsletter. UNEP/MAP/RAC/SPA, ACCOBAMS, IUCN, WWF MedPO, WWF MedPAN (2008). Supporting the development of a representative, effective network of MPAs in the Mediterranean Sea. 15th UNEP Conference of Parties to the Barcelona Convention Almería, 16 January 2008