Survey 2016-2018

Dive Log and Data regarding the survey done on the presence of seahorses on the coast of Stratoni in Halkidiki

Date

Divers

Entry Time

Exit Time

Temp.

Location

Description / Observations

23/09/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

10:40

11:36

23,8c

The route from the northern mooring buoy at a depth of -11m, until about 30m, after the last hut, swimming parallel to the coastline.

 

Map Νο1

Seahorse search at other neighboring areas, besides Stratoni beach.

From the cliff at -5m, a large meadow of posidonia was observed with many white seabreams and other fishes. Midway debris brought from land was detected, decomposed leaves, wood, etc. Following the course the posidonia meadows continued. We came across a large number of octopuses mainly of half to one kilo. A large number of sea urchins and Pinna were also observed.

Photographs and videos were taken.

The aim of the dive was to investigate the coastal zone right after the loading Tower of the mining facilities.

NO SEAHORSE WAS DETECTED

23/09/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

Vlahopanagiotis

12:40

14:50

22c

The place we have chosen as a the main research & protection area

 

Photograph

First visit after the last dives and the construction of the meandrous with rope that had taken place during the period 15th to 28th of July 2016.

Right after the location of the meandrous one individual was holding on it with its tail. Then, two divers started burying synthetic aquarium plants, within the defined area of the meandrous.

 

The following individuals were then detected:

1.     Small sized seahorse, -7,7m depth, photos & I3S were taken

2.     Large sized seahorse, -11,3m depth , greenish, male10cm length, photos & I3S

3.     Small sized seahorse, -8m depth, holding on to the meandrous, photos & I3S

4.     Large sized seahorse, -9,6m depth, photos  & I3S

5.     Large sized seahorse, -11,4m depth , female, photos & I3S

6.     Large sized seahorse, -10,8m depth , female, photos & I3S

7.     Large sized seahorse, -10,8m depth, male, holding on to the old rope of an abandoned octopus trap, photos & I3S

8.     Large sized seahorse, -10,6m depth , female, photos & I3S

9.     Large sized seahorse, -10,7m depth, male , holding on to the old rope of an abandoned octopus trap, photos & I3S

 

In total 10 individuals were detected.

23/09/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

Vlahopanagiotis

18:00

18:30

22c

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area.

 

Photograph

Completion of the plantation of the synthetic aquarium plants.

The following individuals were then detected:

10.  Normal sized seahorse, -8m depth, 7cm length, attached on the meandrous with its tail, photo & I3S

11.  Normal sized seahorse, -8,3m depth, 9,8cm length, was detected near the meandrous which then entered the meandrous, investigated the artificial garden with the synthetic aquarium plants and then attached itself on a fake plant with its tail, photos & I3S.

24/09/2016

Agathos

Vlahopanagiotis

13:00

15:00

 

Population Density survey

 Immersion of the marking buoys for the creation of routes based on the drawing of Mr. Ntouna (drawing) started at 8:30. Τhe marking buoys were placed with the help of topographers and a Total station. For the determination of the mileage e.g. for point Α1 to point Α1,1, a 100m measuring tape was developed underwater. For every route e.g. Α1-Α1,1, corresponds an underwater video with the matching name.

Routes:

Α1 – Α1,1 = 1 individual detected in ΧΘ 07

Α2 – Α2,2

Α3 –Α3,3 = 1 individual detected

Β1 – Β1,1 = octopuses were observed

Β2 –Β2,2 = octopuses were observed

Β3 – Β3,3

24/09/2016

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

17:00

18:20

 

Population Density survey

Routes:

C1 – C1,1 = many starfishes

C2 – C2,2= over 10 individuals were detected (one especially small, whereas the rest young individuals, smaller than the normal size)

C3 – C3,3 = 2 individuals were detected (malefemale)

24/09/2016

Katsioulis

Vitsas

16:45

17:30

 

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area.

 

Photograph

Introductive dive at the main area (new divers in the team),

About 14 individuals were observed. Photos & video were taken.

25/09/2016

Katsioulis

Vitsas

12:30

14:30

 

Continuation of the Population Density survey

Routes:

D1 – D1,1

D2 – D2,2= 5 individuals were detected, -8m depth, towards the deep, (4 normal sized και 1 smaller)

D3 – D3,3 = 1 octopus and  1 individual attached onto the measuring tape

Ε1 – Ε1,1

Ε2 – Ε2,2

Ε3 – Ε3,3 = 1 large sized individual

25/09/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

17:00

18:00

 

Survey in area E

Objective: Survey in area Ε, in the evening, with the use of a scooter (DPV). Beginning of course from the western end of the beach towards the southern-eastern one. At -8m, towards route Ε2, 2 individuals were detected. Photos & video were taken.

26/09/2016

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

     

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area

Underwater filming in zone Β2, where 8 individuals were counted.

 

1.     Length 8cm, -9m depth, on the meandrous, photos Ι3S, female

2.     Length 8.4cm, -10,9m depth, on the rope, photos Ι3S, female

3.     Length 11cm, -10,9m depth, on the rope, photos Ι3S, female

4.     Length 11cm, -11,1m depth, on the rope, photos Ι3S, female, πρασινωπό

5.     Length 6.5cm, -11,5m depth , on the rope, photos Ι3S, female

6.     Length 6.5cm, -11,5m depth, on the rope, photos Ι3S, female

7.     Length 7cm, -11,5m depth, on the rope, photos Ι3S, female

8.     Length 6.5cm, -11,5m depth, on the rope, photos Ι3S, male (possibly pregnant)

26/09/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

Vlahopanagiotis

20:30

21:50

 

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area

Night dive.

Where 3 individuals were detected on the artificial aquarium plants and 2 individuals on the rope of the meandrous.

Cuttlefishes were also observed, a large nudibranch, a fish that shoved itself into the sand with it hinds – thin and long, many octopuses, flying fish and in general rich marine life. Thousands of crustaceans were running everywhere on the sand. Photos & video were taken.

27/09/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

Vlahopanagiotis

12:00

13:50

 

Complementary research in area C

The first dive couplepair, dived to take measurements of the individuals in zone C2. 6 individuals were detected, 5 were measured.

1.     Length 6.5cm, -9m depth , photos Ι3S, female

2.     Length 7cm, -7,5m depthphotos Ι3S, female

3.     Length 6cm, -8.5m depth , on the meandrous, photos Ι3S, female

4.      Length 7cm, -8,5m depth, on the meandrous, photos Ι3S, male (possibly pregnant)

5.     Length 7cm, -6,5m depth, female

The second dive couplepair, followed an investigation route from the shallows to the deep, in order to obtain information about the maximum depth theyse can be encountered. Starting from -6m, following a south-east course, vertically to zone Β, untilluntil -27m. Visibility at –12m was significantly reduced, while reaching -27m it was almost zero. The seafloor changed composition to a silty form full of holes, octopuses and sea anemones were encountered. Finally, the temperature fealls significantly mainly after -25m.

On the way back 4 individuals were detected, at -6m, (3 female και 1 male).

28/09/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

Vlahopanagiotis

06:30

07:30

 

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area

Dawn dive. Objective: observation of the seahorses in the early hours of the day and the installation of the grid-nest for the seahorses.

Initially we placed the grid-nest Νο1 (Meandrous photomosaic), inside the meandrous, at a depth of -9m and then we observed the behaviour  of seahorses, coming to the following conclusions:

a) in the artificial aquarium garden, 2 couples of male-female were observed, of which one couple was in an erotic mood.

b) they hid, rested inside the leaves of the artificial plantstrees

c) when it was dark, the light from the video camera did not drive them away, though once it was dawn their usual shy behavior returnedns.

28/09/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

Vlahopanagiotis

20:30

22:00

 

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area

Night dive. Installation of grid-nest Νο2 (Meandrous photomosaic), with green and brown ropes within the meandrous. The 2 couples were detected again in the artificial garden. 1 individual more on the grid and nest Νο1 and one barely almost visible individual, very small, 1,5cm length, attached on the rope of the meandrous with its tail.

The greenish seahorse was firmly attached on the rope of the abandoned octopus trap at the same location. Western of this 1 more individual 11cm length was detected.

Rich marine life, cuttlefish, octopuses, squids etc. were also observed. Photos & video were taken.

29/09/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

Vlahopanagiotis

15:00

17:00

 

The place we have chosen as a reaseaarch & protection area

We delimited the seahorse area in the meandrous, 50 by 50 meters, deployingsinking blocks for the marking buoys and for the creation of a permanent anchorage for the mooring of the diving boat.

Large rocks were also sunk on one side of the meandrous for the creation of habitats (Meandrous photomosaic). 3 individuals were detected again in the artificial garden, 1 individual inside nest Νο1, none in Νο2, the tiny seahorse in the exact same spot and the greenish one again in the same spot. A rough conclusion is thatn seahorses do not change territory.

30/09/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

10:00

11:37

 

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area

Installation of nests Νο4 and Νο5 within the meandrous.

Following the observation of the meandrous and the wider area, 2 individuals were detected west of the meandrous, very close to one another, giving the impression they were a “couple”. They were male – female. The male, possibly pregnant, with the brood pouch bloated, both of 7,5cm length, at -6m depth. Continuing our course, 1 individual male at -7m depth , 8cm length was observed and 1 individual small sized, 5cm length, at -6,5m depth.

East of the meandrous 1 individual very small sized, 3 cm length, at -6m depth  and 1 large individual, 9,5cm length, at -6m depth.

In total, 6 individuals were observed.

30/09/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

17:30

18:50

 

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area

Installation, setting and tryouts of 4 area marking buoys

Almost after 24hours it was observed that the 4 anchorage blocks of the marking buoys, had already been inhabited and modified by octopuses.

01/10/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

10:00

11:00

 

The place we have chosen as a researce & protection area

Installment of information boards, underwater marking of the nest and the lines of the meandrous, final adjustments of the marking buoys.

01/10/2016

13 divers

&

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

12:00

13:00

 

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area

First visit from recreational divers from the NGUE diving center  which from Thessaloniki. Near the anchorage of marking buoy B, the second species of seahorse was observed (Hippocampus guttulatus) which was last seen in 2010.

CLARIFICATION: From the beginning of this dive log all seahorses that were documented up until now were Hippocampus hippocampus.

After their departure, the team produced for us a photomosaic of the meandrous andas of all the installations placed in the research area.

 

Agathos

Papadakis

11:30

13:10

 

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area

Macro filming, of fishes, crustaceans and of all marine organisms observed.

The depth of the four anchorages were measured as well asand their GPS coordinates were acquired from the boat:

Α: -7,4m depth

Β: -7,8m depth

C: -9,8m depth

D: 9,9m depth

Installation of the new nest near Γ1 rope, a small cluster made out of zip ties, with approximate dimensions 10cm by 30cm, which was named Θ1.

It was observed that the female seahorses were absent from the area of the meandrous and only males individuals were detected 1 in nest 1 and 1 in nest 4. Moreover, in the wider area east until -6m, no individual was detected. Heading south towards the rope of the abandoned octopus trap, again no individuals were observed. Only the usual greenish one, on the rope of the abandoned trap. Finally, on line Γ4, near nest 2, 1 individual medium sized attached on the rope was observed.

03/10/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

9:30

10:30

 

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area

Very good weather, with the best visibility we have had up to now.

Objectives of today’s dive, was to collect two seahorses in order to send them as samples for DNA analysis, to the laboratory of HCMR in Crete. After searching the surrounding area 2 normal sized individuals were captured, 1 male and 1 female, at -10m depth.

During the search for the location of the 2 individuals, we came across the large nudibranchs which we had detected during the night dive, west of the end of the rope of the abandoned octopus trap, at -10m depth.

All in all it was probably the only day of this mission, that we detected such a small number of seahorse individuals. One hypothesis is that this may be due to the excellent visibility of the water column and the complete absence of underwater currents.

After the dives were completed, the captured seahorses were taken to the laboratory to be prepared and transported to Crete.

04/10/2016

Papadakis

12:30

13:45

 

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area

Dive for the observation of the area of the meandrous and the wider area regarding the population of the seahorses.

First course towards the east, encountering the end of the abandoned octopus trap, until –12m depth. A north-east course followed, detecting 1 individual at -6,9m depth, female, which was observed to be feeding from the seafloor with slow repetitive bends.

Returning to the meandrous area on line Γ1 1 individual  was observed, 1 individual near the rope of line Γ3 in the same position1 the tiny individual1 individual male, east of the meandrous at -7,8m depth and 1 more small sized individual, near the meandrous. All in all it was observed that the individuals which were detected had dull behaviour, tranquil, without urge to escape. Finally, in nest Νο1, 1 more individual male,  was observed just before the end of the dive, which approached and attached itself near the female.

05/10/2016

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

Vlahopanagiotis

16:30

18:00

 

Karvounoskala beach

 

Map Νο3

Search in a different area, for the detection of seahorse individuals. We approached this area after information of local fishermen, who had caught seahorses in their nets in the past.

The distance covered by 4 divers was quite long, with the use of underwater scooters (DPV). The divers moved individually one from another, in order to cover a larger field range to investigate. The courses ran parallel to the coastline at depths from -5m to -14m. Although the seabed is rich in marine life shells, crustaceans, starfishes and a kind of shrimp which hides in the sand, no seahorse individual was detected.

06/10/2016

 

15:30

17:00

 

Karvounoskala stream

Map Νο4

In continuation of the last search, southern, in front of the streams mouth, for the detection of seahorse individuals. Again we approached this area after information of local fishermen, who had caught seahorses in their nets in the past.

The distance covered by 4 divers was quite long, with the use of underwater scooters (DPV). The divers moved individually one from another, in order to cover a larger field range to investigate. The courses ran parallel to the coastline at depths from -5m to -14m. A lot of debris (leaves, branches, wood, etc), wasere observed which came from the mouth of the stream. The seabed is rich in marine life shells, crustaceans, starfishes and a kind of shrimp which hides in the sand, no seahorse individual was detected.

29/01/2017

Agathos

Mentogiannis

Katsioulis

12:00

13:30

13c

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area

Update of current situation dive:

Following harsh weather conditions, all the marking signstablets which were tied to the marking buoys were destroyed and 1 out of 4 buoys got cut.

All underwater installations were destroyed (nests, artificial plants, etc) while the meandrous ropes were detached. We assume that the rapid transportation of the sand from the sea bottom covered almost everything, even the octopuses’ habitats and the traps of the abandoned octopus trap at –11m.

The water temperature was rather low with intense swell, till -10m. No octopuses were observed, while 3 seahorses were detected after -12,4m.

Finally, samples of surface sediment were taken, from depths –2, -4, -6, -8 and -10 meters. The samples were transferred to the HCMR laboratories in Herakleion, Crete.

20/02/2017

Mentogiannis

Katsioulis

   

9c to 7c

 

Festive dive for the cutting of the celebratory New Year pie.

Two divers continued the dive, in order to observe the area of interest. After quite some time, only one seahorse individual was detected, at -13m. It was suggested that perhaps it was disturbed by the cold, since it was found motionless and coiled. Another octopus was detected on the seabed/sand, weighing approximately 1.5kg. Even after intensely disturbing its surrounding sediment, it did not move. The same type of disturbance was applied to a sting ray that was standing motionless even after intensely nudging it.

An important observation was that at approximately 6m, hundreds of small crustaceans were encountered, moving on the seabed. It is possible that they are a food source for seahorses, explaining their presence in this specific area.

26/05/2017

Agathos

Mentogiannis

       

Receiving of the decompression chamber, construction of diving center, diving infrastructure.

Cleaning – organizing – preparation

Boat launching.

27/05/2017

Agathos

Mentogiannis

(on board help from divers of NGUE)

13:32

14:47

11c

The place we have chosen as a research & protection area

Detection of the lost anchorages, lifting three of them while the fourth was lost.

In the area the meandrous is nearly totally destroyed, though few ropes have remained, nest 5 and the rock with the zip tie. With certainty it can be said that large damages have been made by fishing tools.

No individual was observed.

The anchorages were transported to the machine shop for repairs.

28/05/2017

Katsioulis

Vitsas

11:00

13:00

 

Eleftherides

Investigative dive at “Eleftherides” for the evaluation and detection of diving spots, for recreational diving and seahorse research.

28/05/2017

Agathos

Mentogiannis

14:30

17:30

20c

Second stream, near “Parati”

Measurement, alignment, of the new research area which was chosen to be delimited almost in front of the stream near “Parati” beach bar.

The largest number of seahorse individuals (higher density) was detected in that area, from transects we had done in 2016, as at that area we have detected a small posidonia meadow.

The park would consist of a rope parallel to the coast at a depth of -12 meters, (secured with pegs, at a small distance from the seafloor) and four squares (5m by 5m) made out of rope (rough drawing ). Inside the square which was finally named “Π2”, the posidonia meadow would be enclosed, whereas at square “Π4, the artificial plants would be placed. The construction rope was of yellow colour, with positive buoyancy. Circumferentially it would be marked with four buoys, similar to the ones used in the first park.

The depths of the park are listed in the figure of the note, where “Π1” and ΑΒΓΔ, are the depths of every corner of square “Π1”. At the end of the note are the depths of the marking buoys.

All squares and anchorages have underwater signboards.

29/05/2017

         

Presentation of the Seahorse at the Diving Center, forat the kindergarten of Stratoni.

Other operations on the boat and the infrastructure. Preparation of the anchorages.

29/05/2017

Agathos

Mentogiannis

15:30

18:00

 

Second stream, near “Parati”

Immersion of new marking buoys, securing shackles and delineation of Area “Π2” which encloses the Cymodocea nodosa meadow.

30/05/2017

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

15:30

18:00

 

Second stream, near “Parati”

Delineation of Areas “Π1, Π3, Π4, installation of area signboards, experimental planting of artificial plants and synthetic rods.

01/06/2017

Agathos

Papadakis

10:30

12:30

 

Second stream, near “Parati”

Anchorage construction in the new research area, correction of marking buoys, concluding in the final dimensions of the area, 57 by 57 meters.

Completion of 1st phase of the experimental planting of artificial plants and synthetic rods.

 

Measurements:

Buoy Α, depth =7m , Buoy Β, depth = 8,8m,

Buoy Γ, depth = 11,8m , Buoy Δ, depth = 11,2m

Areas depth (4 corners):

Π1= -8,6m, -8,8m, -9,1m, -8,9m

Π2= -9,2m, -9,0m, -9,2m, -9,6m

Π3= -9,8m, -10,2m, -10,1m, -9,9m

Π4= -9,8m, -9,4m, -9,8m, -9,5m

02/06/2017

Agathos

Papadakis

1st Dive

10:17

10:53

21c

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Diving from the old anchorage. At –8 meters in nest “Φ5, an individual Hippocampus guttulatus was detected, a species we had not encountered since the devastating storm that had affected all the coast of Stratoni in 2010. Its length was about 12cm, male and possibly pregnant. Temperature 21c.

Next, we headed towards the deep, until -15 meters, with temperature falling to 17c. From -10m to -15m, we observed the crowd development of spiral tube worms (ring worms). This is a working hypothesis, since the skeleton of the spiral tube was only visible to us. At -12,5m, one more Hippocampus hippocampus  individual was detected, attached on the tube of a possible spiral tube, temperature 19c.

At -12,6m depth, again on a tube, a male individual Hippocampus hippocampus, which was pregnant temperature 18c.

At -10,4m, on the old rope of the abandoned octopus trap, 2 individuals Hippocampus hippocampus, malefemale, pregnant, temperature 20c.

In total 5 individuals were detected

02/06/2017

Agathos

Papadakis

2nd Dive

11:26

12:02

 

Second stream, near “Parati”

(New research area)

At -12,6m a little deeper from area “Π4, at the meadow of the possible spiral tube worms 3 individuals Hippocampus guttulatus, were detected. One female, temperature 19c, at -12,8m, one pregnant male, temperature 19c, at -13,1m and one more pregnant male, temperature 18c, all over 12cm length.

02/06/2017

Agathos

Papadakis

3rd Dive

     

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

At -8 meters, in the old nest “Φ5, photography and video of a Hippocampus guttulatus individual.

18/7/2017

Mentogiannis

Agathos

Divesoft/Ales-Adam

14:00

15:30

 

Second stream, near “Parati”

(New research area)

Inspection of the existing constructions, placement of a new type of plants (photos). Small damages were observed atto the circumferential ropes (the pegs have to be reinforced) and some plants had been slightly dug up (photo). After a long course from -6m to -13,7m, no seahorse individual or marine life was observed.

19/07/2017

Mentogiannis

Agathos

Divesoft/Ales-Adam

14:30

16:00

 

Second stream, near “Parati”

(New research area)

Search for seahorse detection, no individual was observed.

20/7/2017

NGUE

11:30

12:30

 

Friska Reef

Diving in Friska Reef, at the beach of Kokkinolakka stream, with the shallowest depth at -3m and maximum depth at -30m. Relatively good visibility, very rich marine life. No seahorse individual was observed.

20/7/2017

Agathos

Divesoft/Ales-Adam

16:30

17:30

 

Friska Reef

Diving in Friska Reef, at the beach of Kokkinolakka stream, with the shallowest depth at -3m and maximum depth at -30m. Relatively good visibility, very rich marine life. No seahorse individual was observed.

21/7/2017

Mentogiannis

Agathos

Divesoft/Ales-Adam

12:30

14:00

 

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Visit to the formerly destroyed park. One individual and a baby were observed attached on a section of remaining rope, at a depth of -10 meters.

Seahorse search, after the above observations over 15 individuals of both types were detected, attached on spiral tube worms (ring worms), mainly at depths -11m to –12,5m.

One ascertainment is that they have HIGHLY improved their camouflage. Careful and close up observation of the seafloor is required.

21/7/2017

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

Divesoft/Ales-Adam

13:00

15:00

 

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Visit to the formerly destroyed park. One individual and a baby were observed attached on a section of remaining rope, at a depth of -10 meters.

Seahorse search, after the above observations over 20 individuals of both types were detected, attached on spiral tube worms, mainly at depths -11m to –13,5m.

Long course, no individual was observed at a depth lower than -10meters.

22/7/2017

NGUE/DIVESOFT

     

Stratoni

Presentation of “Rebreathers Freedom” from Divesoft and tryout by every diver.

22/7/2017

NGUE

     

Eleftherides

Recreational dive of foreign and Greek divers (10 people) at Eleftherides.

 

No seahorse individual was detected.

23/7/2017

Mentogiannis

Agathos

Divesoft/Ales-Adam

11:00

12:00

 

Eleftherides / Thasos reef

Exploration dive at Thasos reef, head from -16m to –55m. Impressive seabed, particularly rich marine life, relatively good visibility, no seahorses.

23/7/2017

Agathos

Papadakis

11:30

13:00

 

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Repairs to the initial infrastructure (nailing ropes, etc)

24/7/2017

Agathos

Papadakis

10:00

12:00

 

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Placement of ropes at depths from -10m to -11m, of 10m, 14m and 18m lengths, nailed down with more pegs, as an experiment for the creation of a seahorse habitat (photographs).

25/7/2017

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

10:30

12:00

 

Second stream, near “Parati” beach bar

(New research area)

Deposition of the area marking buoys of the 2nd park.

CONCLUSION: The initial area has proven to be richer in marine life from the second one which is in front of “Parati”.

Although at the second a small meadow of marine plants can be found, at the first area the seabed is inhabited by millions of small crustaceans, cuttlefish, rays, octopuses, fishes, squids, nudibranchs, big starfishes and always seahorses!!! It is certain that there are underwater fresh water springs.

25/7/2017

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

20:50

22:00

 

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Night dive, particularly rich marine life, little fishes, cuttlefish, squids, small craywfishes which hid in the sand, scorpion fishes, bandtooth conger (Ariosoma balearicum) and others. The seahorses were detected on the same spots and depths.

From the 26/7 until the 30/7

Agathos

Papadakis

Mentogiannis

     

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Daily, double and almost 2hour dives were carried out, for observation, macro photography and video. At the last days it was obvious that the seahorses were fed up of our constant disturbance, the bright lights and filming.

All in all, we concluded that the experiment with the artificial plants wasere successful, whilst at both areas seahorse individuals were detected in the plants and it is confirmed that ropes are the best way to accommodate seahorses. After yesterday’s installation of the rope, the very next day, seahorses were detected attached on it.

Testimony: A Stratoni resident, informed us that while he was cooking a weeverfish, he found in its stomach a seahorse (an interview was given)

30/7/2017

Vitsas

Mentogiannis

Paschalis

19:30

20:30

 

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Diving from shore with adverse weather conditions, wind direction south-east. Large wave height, big swell at the seabed. Almost zero visibility, the swirling from the waves reached up to -14,5 meters!!!

Seahorses were encountered, which were fighting to hold on. The rope constructions (the recent ones), were a success, as in one line 4 individuals were observed to be holding on.

Important information that was obtained was the intense swirling of the seabed even at -14,5m; for the first time up until -14,5m the temperature of the water column was stable at 26c. A fact that could be due to the swell, thus having 26c from the 29c on the surface and 21c from the sea bottom.

Photographs & video were taken.

2/9/2017

3/9/2017

4/9/2017

Agathos

Mentogiannis

   

21c

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Exclusive dives ONLY for hyper close photography (macro). Video filming with macro lenses 100mm, 50mm with the use of an extension tele. These shots are particularly hard and require a lot of patience and time. The difficulty is at the focusing onf the seahorse; while it moves, the focus distance changes and the frame blurs. To achieve this we added weight to the cameras so they can be still, extra arms for the lighting to light the seahorse. Due to the very close proximity of the lens to the seahorse, this cast shadows to the subject. Different trials were undertakenrgone on long dives, over 120 min each dive. The results were particularly impressive, since we were able to film with high resolution quality (4k), seahorses at very close proximity, documenting details of them, but also of particles in the water column which we come across.  

10/12/2017

Agathos

Mentogiannis

     

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

We await the arrival of Miguel Correia, Marine Biologist, MSc Marine Resources Biology and Management, PhD Marine Ecology, Project Seahorse Research Associate, C.C.M.A.R., Fisheries Biology and Hydroecology, F.C.T – Ed 7, Lab. 1.19, of university “Universidade do Algarve Campus de Gambelas, from Portugal, with international recognition and specialization in seahorse research worldwide. Boat launching, equipment preparation, anchorages, etc.

11/12/2017

Agathos

Mentogiannis

10:00

11:00

17c

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Dive for cleaning of the anchorage from marine growth, mussels and more.

In the remaining structures of the meandrous, about 4 seahorses were casually observed.

12/12/2017

Agathos

Mentogiannis

Correia

11:00

13:00

17c

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

First dive with Miguel, initially at the meandrous area and then at the rope area which have been placed deeper and continued to -13m depth, where the seabed is inhabited by spiral tube worms. (ring worms).

About 12 individuals of both species were observed.

Photographs & video were taken.

13/12/2017

Mentogiannis

Agathos

Correia

20:00

21:00

17c

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Immersion of a remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V), for the observation of seahorses by night. We drove the robot to the area of the meandrous. We stopped in front of a rope where one seahorse was attached on and remained there for one hour. Soon it was observed that there was an abundance of food in the area. Food, a lot of food, said Miguel, perhaps giving an explanation for their presence there… Soon other species of marine life approached the area due to the lights of the robot and we then departed, as we were concerned that we would attract seahorse predators and have loses (relative article, Correia/Project Seahorse). Photographs & video were taken.

14/12/2017

Agathos

Correia

11:00

12:00

17c

After the loading tower, parallel to the beach, South to North direction.

Although we had explained and showed him the data from previous investigative dives in the area which is covered by posidonia and how peculiar it was that we had not detected any seahorse individual, Miguel politely asked to investigate forby himself.

With the use of underwater scooters (DPV), they covered a large area from -5m to -12m depth. The posidonia meadows were verified and other species were observed, though not one seahorse individual was detected! He was very surprised.

Photographs & video were taken.

15/12/2017

Mentogiannis

Agathos

Correia

11:30

13:00

17c

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

All three dived having said that every diver will be moving independently. Mentogiannis would do macro photography, Agathos filming and Miguel would roughly count density every 50 meters (transect).

Initially, Miguel opened a measuring tape from -8m to -10m depth where no individual was detected. Then he moved deeper where he opened his measuring tape from -10m to -12m depth and detected on that route and at 5 meters from each side of the route 12 seahorsee individuals.

In total about 20 individuals were detected on that day.

Photographs & video were taken.

16/12/2017

Mentogiannis

Agathos

Correia

       

Departure of Correia and preparations for the conservation of the equipment-boat.

29/4/2018

Mentogiannis

Katsioulis

Samara

Vitsas

11:00

13:00

17c

After the loading tower, parallel to the beach, South to North direction.

Salinity measurements of the water column were taken for the determination of the percentage of fresh water flowing into the sea from land. The instrument used was YSI Pro30.

So we have the following measurements:

Coordinates

Depth in  SWM

Temperature at the measuring

Αλατότητα (ppt*)

40,31.088Ν-023,50.176Ε

3.5

21.7c

30.2ppt

Same location

4.5

20.8c

31.2ppt

Same location

6.3

21.8c

30.8ppt

Same location

6.7

21.7c

15.0ppt

Same location

7.4

16.3c

32.5ppt

Same location

8.6

21.8c

28.0ppt

Same location

9.9

21.1c

30.8ppt

Same location

12.4

18.3c

30.9ppt

Same location

13.2

21.2c

30.8ppt

Same location

13.8

16.1c

32.4ppt

40,31.090Ν-023,50.170Ε

13.8

14.1c

33.3ppt

*Parts Per Thousand

All in all we have a gradual fall of temperature in the water column from the surface to the bottom, since we have salinity variations, and possibly also zones (thermocline). Based on the literature about salinity in the Mediterranean, it varies from 40ppt from South to North (beggingbeginning from underneath below Crete), until 37ppt (e.g. in Alexandropolis in northern Greece). So according to the measurements the salinity in the area is determined as “low”.

Maps – photographs – videos are attached.

29/4/2018

Katsioulis

Vitsas

13:00

14:00

16c

After the loading tower, parallel to the beach, South to North direction.

Dive for population density measurements (transects). The methodology is the opening of a 50m measuring tape (route), recording of the coordinates via  GPS with a marking buoy of starting point “0” and recording the coordinates of ending point “50”. Investigation of the 50m route, by one diver on every side of the measuring tape. In that way, for example, the diver on the left of the measuring tape, records the existence of seahorse individuals up to 5meter distance from the tape. E.g. at position ΧΘ48 meters of the measuring tape and at a distance of 3 meters from it, one individual was detected.

Start coordinates of the measuring tape, 40,31.098Ν and 023,50.15OE.

End coordinates of the measuring tape, 40,31.097Ν και 023,50.182E.

The depths were from -6,8m to 11,9m.

No individual was detected.

30/4/2018

Mentogiannis

Samara

12:00

13:30

16c

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Dive for population density measurements (transects).

Start coordinates of the measuring tape, 40,30.807Ν και 023,49.842E.

End coordinates of the measuring tape, 40,30.795Ν και 023,49.876E.

The depths were from -7,5m to 10,5m.

1 individual at ΧΘ11 meters was detected and at a distance of  2 meters from the measuring tape, a male Hippocampus hippocampus, about 11cm length .

1 individual at ΧΘ18 meters was detected and at a distance of 2 meters from the measuring tape, a female Hippocampus hippocampus, about 9cm length.

Moreover, eggs were detected attached on the rope oft the anchorage possibly from molluscs, large starfishes and a peculiar arthropod, like a sea spider, rare species.

Maps and photographs are attached.

30/4/2018

Mentogiannis

Samara

14:30

16:00

14c

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Dive for population density measurements (transects).

Start coordinates of the measuring tape, 40,30.795Ν και 023,49.895E.

End coordinates of the measuring tape, 40,30.779Ν και 023,49.926E.

The depths were from -12,2m to 13,9m.

1 individual at ΧΘ00 meters was detected and at a distance of 4 meters from the measuring tape, a female Hippocampus hippocampus, 8cm length.

1 individual at ΧΘ00 meters was detected and at a distance of 3 meters from the measuring tape, a female Hippocampus hippocampus, about 11cm length.

1 individual at ΧΘ01 meters was detected and at a distance of 4 meters from the measuring tape, a female Hippocampus hippocampus, about 12cm length.

1 individual at ΧΘ16,40 meters was detected and at a distance of 5 meters from the measuring tape, a female Hippocampus hippocampus, about 15cm length.

In total 4 individuals were detected.

Large starfishes were also detected.

From the surface to -14m depth, a difference of 9 degrees was recorded! (22c to 13c).

A map and photographs are attached.

30/4/2018

Mentogiannis

Katsioulis

Samara

Vitsas

16:30

18:00

 

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Salinity measurements of the water column for the determination of the percentage of fresh water flowing into the sea from land. The instrument used was YSI Pro30.

So we have the following measurements:

Coordinates

Depth in SWM

Temperature at the measuring depth

λατότητα (ppt*)

40,30.785Ν-023,49.924Ε

1

22.2c

30.7ppt

Same location

5

15.9c

32.9ppt

Same location

13.1

22.2c

33.4ppt

Same location

14.1

13.5c

33.9ppt

*Parts Per Thousand

All in all we have a large temperature difference from the surface to the sea bottom. More precisely, 9 degrees difference (22c με 13c).

It is obvious that the measurement at depth -13,1m is wrong; as indicated by the divers’ measurements, it should be below 14c.

The salinity measurements in the area are larger from those of the poseidoniaposidonia area, but are still defined as ”low”.

Maps – photographs – videos are attached.

1/5/2018

Mentogiannis

Katsioulis

Samara

Vitsas

10:30

11:30

 

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Salinity measurements of the water column for the determination of the percentage of fresh water flowing into the sea from land. The instrument used was YSI Pro30.

So we have the following measurements:

Coordinates

Depth in SWM

Temperature at the measuring depth

Αλατότητα (ppt*)

40,30.783Ν-023,49.806Ε

5.8

17.3c

32.2ppt

Same location

6.2

16.8c

32.5ppt

Same location

8.4

15.1c

33.2ppt

Same location

10.1

14.5c

33.4ppt

Same location

10.5c

14.5c

33.5ppt

*Parts Per Thousand

Interesting was the fact that salinity measurements at the surface showed 30.8 ppt.

Maps – photographs – videos are attached.

1/5/2018

Mentogiannis

Katsioulis

Samara

Vitsas

11:30

14:00

 

Second stream, near “Parati”

 

(New research area)

Coastal Stratoni

Salinity measurements of the water column for the determination of the percentage of fresh water flowing into the sea from land. The instrument used was YSI Pro30.

So we have the following measurements:

Coordinates

Depth in SWM

Temperature at the measuring

Αλατότητα (ppt*)

40,30.836Ν-023,49.807Ε

4.3

18.5c

31.8ppt

40,30.740Ν-023,49.802Ε

6.7

16.9c

32.4ppt

40,30.512Ν-023,49.730Ε

8.4

16.2c

32.8ppt

40,30.617Ν-023,49.761Ε

7.1

16.1c

32.8ppt

40,30.676Ν-023,49.784Ε

7.2

16c

32.7ppt

40,30.497Ν-023,49.808Ε

13.9

13.5c

34ppt

*Parts Per Thousand

 

Interesting was the fact that salinity measurements at the surface showed 30.8ppt.

Maps – photographs – videos are attached.

11/7/2018

         

Preparation of equipment, boat launching, expecting a visit from news agency “Thomson Reuters.

12/7/2018

Mentogiannis

Katsioulis

11:00

12:30

19c

 

Exploration dive, checking and cleaning of anchorage. The meandrous area is particularly damaged; the most recent deeper constructions are preserved in good condition. Approximately 10 seahorses  individuals were detected.

14/7/2018

Mentogiannis

Katsioulis

Tsakiri

11:00

13:00

19c

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Dive with a “Reuters” representative. We visited all the infrastructures from -6m to -13m depth. Many individuals were observed, small and big, babies, but also many octopuses and marine life.

Photographs & video were taken.

15/7/2018

Mentogiannis  Katsioulis

Tsakiri

10:30

11:30

19c

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Dive with a “Reuters” representative. We only dived at the meandrous area, making a high resolution video (UHD 4k), with the use of macrophotography lenses.

Photographs & video were taken.

16/7/2018

Mentogiannis Katsioulis

       

Lifting of the boat, maintenance of the equipment.

30/8/2018

Mentogiannis Vasilis

Mentogiannis Dimitris

19:30

20:30

 

The place we had chosen as a research & protection area initially

Diving with my ten year old son, from the coast to observe the seahorses. The weather was bad, we went off course and never reached the meandrous area. We only detected one individual at -8m depth.

5/11/2018

Mentogiannis

Samara

Katsioulis

Ghost Fishing Team

ΙΝ.ΑΛ.Ε (Institute of Fishing Research)

       

Over one ton of ghost fish nets were retrieved from the seabed in Stratoni, Halkidiki, last week byfrom Ghost Fishing Greece and Healthy Seas, in collaboration with the Stratoni Local Community, and the participation of diving teams AquaTec and UFR Team and diving school NGUE (Northern Greece Underwater Explorers), implemented 3 dives at a reef near to one of the few seahorse colonies in Greece.

 

Complimentary Data:

1.   November 2007, the first detection of the seahorses; over 20 individuals were observed during a dive that was done for another reason.

2.   Next dive, in June 2008, over 20 individuals were once again observed, between -8m to -12 meters depth and fewer at -6 meters. When coming in contact with residents and fishermen of the area, we found out that seahorses appear in three, four places in Stratoni bay. They often get caught by mistake in nets with small mesh. In these nets, 4-5 seahorses almost always get caught, though there are days which up to 20 get caught. All the areas that fishermen encounter them are close to the coast and at a small depth. As one permanent resident of the area told us: “Stratoni is the seahorse country, from many years ago”.

3.   March 2009, we returned to Stratoni. We dived and again a large number of seahorses were there, at the same area. This time we did a night dive to observe their behaviour at night. What we observed was that they are probably sleeping. They lay softly on one of their two sides, leaning in down and sleeping.

4.    February 2010, Stratoni is affected by a devastating storm, with big floods and destructions. Coastal Stratoni is flooded with debris, which cover everything. All the clusters of molluscs that were observed last year, flora and fauna is washed away or covered. On our next dive, a few months later (we cannot remember the date), we barely detected just 3 seahorse individuals; the seabed had completely changed, debris, rubbish, trees and other objects brought in from land were laying all around the area.

5.     It is worth mentioning that from 2011 onwards, we meet only one species of seahorse (Hippocampus hippocampus), whereas the second species we had initially encountered (Hippocampus guttulatus), we are afraid that it disappeared from the area or very few exist.

6.     On the 28th of July 2012, we detected approximately 6 individuals, a similar situation to the one in 2011 (marine life, octopuses, starfishes, sea anemones and more were observed).

7.     On the 28th of July 2013, we detected approximately 10 individuals, a similar situation to the one in 2011 (marine life, octopuses, starfishes, sea anemones and more were observed).

8.     In June 2014, approximately 10 individuals were detected, a similar situation to the one in 2013 (marine life, octopuses, starfishes, sea anemones and more were observed).

9.     On the 4th of November 2015, we detected approximately 3 individuals, spending  about half an hour with each one of them. Probably if we continued our course, covering a larger area underwater, we could have detected more. On the 5th of November 2015, although we did a shorter dive, we detected 9 individuals.

10.   In June 2016, we detected approximately 10 individuals, a similar situation to the one in 2013 (marine life, octopuses, starfishes, sea anemones and more were observed).

It is important to mention that the dives we have carried out on the coast of Stratoni during years 2016-2018, are almost double from the ones mentioned above and but the ones recorded in the dive log are only the ones which had a systematic procedure of documentation.