Thalassa

Title: Thalassa Campaign: Learn, Act, Protect/Awareness, Educational and Participation Campaign for Marine Mammals in Greece

Summary: The Greek Seas host 14 different threatened and critically endangered marine mammal species, all of which are included in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive. The most notable are: the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), the short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), the Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus). The long-term viability of these species is in imminent danger as a result of numerous human-related threats.

The most serious threats to the survival of marine mammals include: intentional killings; direct takes; accidental bycatch in fisheries; prey depletion; collisions with vessels; disturbance; acoustic pollution (noise); ingestion of solid debris; contamination by xenobiotic compounds; oil pollution; habitat loss because of coastal development; and ecosystem and climate change. All these factors stem directly, or are closely linked to, human behaviour. Although marine mammals have been admired since antiquity, at present Greek society is often unaware of their existence. Lack of knowledge of their critical status, loss of the link between people’s everyday life and the natural marine environment, irresponsible behaviour, lack of interest and the means to actively participate in conservation are just some of the key factors that need addressing.

The project’s objective is to mitigate the imminent danger, caused by human-related threats, to the long-term term viability of all rare, endangered and important marine mammals inhabiting Greek waters. In order to achieve this, the project aims to raise the awareness of selected target audiences about marine mammals in Greece, the importance of these species for marine ecosystems, the imminent threats they face, and the conservation actions necessary to ensure their long-term viability.

A second aim is to establish a more active and environmentally-friendly attitude and behaviour in the target audiences and key stakeholders that will directly promote and support the conservation of the Greek marine environment and marine mammals. The “Thalassa Campaign” will involve a diverse range of awareness-raising, educational and capacity-building means and tools.

These tools include:

• The mass media (TV and radio spots, documentary, press conferences and press releases);
• Interactive Internet media tools;
• Environmental education tools;
• Capacity-building (seminars and a conservation handbook);
• Dissemination events;
• Public opinion surveys;
• Quantitative evaluation methods and tools.

For more information, please visit EurOcean Knowledge Gate.