Scientific monitoring
Why Monitoring of the Karaburun Sazan MPA Matters:
Effective monitoring is a cornerstone in the management of a marine protected area like Karaburun-Sazan. By systematically assessing habitats and species, we gain vital insights into the health of the ecosystem, identify potential threats, and make informed conservation decisions. Monitoring is an ongoing commitment that ensures the MPA’s ecological balance and resilience are safeguarded for generations to come.
Available Monitoring Protocols for the MPA
Within the framework of the “Marine and Coastal Protected Areas Phase II” project, eight monitoring protocols have been meticulously designed. These protocols address a spectrum of vital aspects, including sea water quality, marine benthos, photophilic algae, marine phanerogams, fish stocks, monk seals, marine turtles, and dolphins & whales. Each protocol provides a focused lens to assess specific ecological indicators, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the MPA’s dynamics.
Furthermore, the MPA, in collaboration with their partners, has integrated established protocols from Regional Projects such as IMAP and FISHMPABlue2 into their ongoing monitoring endeavors. This integration extends to various monitoring activities, encompassing even the assessment of Indicator 16 of IMAP and the Monitoring of catches at landings involving photo sampling both within and beyond the MPA.
Ongoing Monitoring
The Regional Administration of Protected Areas Vlore takes the lead in implementing ongoing monitoring in collaboration with research institutions and donors. With the support of these partners, we are actively engaged in monitoring key species and parameters within the MPA. Our commitment extends to:
Monitoring of Posidonia oceanica: Tracking the health of this seagrass species, a key indicator of ecosystem vitality. Results indicate stable populations and overall good health.
Monitoring of Cystoseira: Assessing the state of these habitats that serve as sanctuaries for marine organisms. Recent findings highlight healthy and thriving communities.
Marine Turtles: Sustaining the conservation efforts for these fascinating creatures. Consistent monitoring reveals a positive trend in the presence and nesting activities mainly of the species Caretta Caretta .
Monk Seal: Continuously monitoring the presence and activities of this charismatic species. Recent sightings indicate their continued use of the MPA for essential activities.
Sharks & Ray & Invasive Species: Evaluating the interactions and dynamics of these vital marine populations. Preliminary data suggests a diverse and well-balanced ecosystem.
Monitoring of Indicator 16 of IMAP: Assessing alterations in coastal zones stemming from human activities. Preliminary findings suggest minimal human-induced impact, a rarity along the Mediterranean coastline.
Marine Litter: Monitoring and mitigating the influence of marine debris on our ecosystem, which poses a significant threat to the MPA’s ecological balance.
Water Quality: Analyzing physical and chemical parameters for a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment. Consistent monitoring ensures water quality standards are maintained.
Tourism in the MPA: Observing the dynamics and repercussions of tourism operations within the MPA. Results guide the formulation of sustainable tourism strategies that reduce ecological disruption. The assessment specifically gauges the frequency of park visits, indicating an escalating tourism pressure. This increased pressure underscores the need for proactive management measures to address the situation effectively.
Climate Change Impacts: Developing protocols to assess the effects of climate change on the MPA’s ecosystem. Initial data provides insights into temperature variations and their potential impacts.
This ongoing monitoring initiative reflects our commitment to evidence-based conservation and sustainable management. By collaborating with esteemed partners, we ensure that the Karaburun-Sazan Marine Protected Area continues to thrive, providing a safe haven for biodiversity and serving as a model for effective marine conservation.