In the systematic recording and monitoring of the dolphins of the Thermaikos Gulf, from 2021, scientists who now characterize the “frequent presence” of the species in the marine area are engaged.

As stated in an announcement by the environmental organization iSea, within the framework of the “Thermaikos Biodiversity Project” implemented with the Sani Resort of the Sani/Ikos Hotel Group in Halkidiki, the dolphin populations in Thermaikos are being systematically monitored for the first time.

Specifically, with the photo-identification method, in the last three years 71 bottlenose dolphins, 25 common dolphins and 9 bottlenose dolphins have been recorded while the investigation of the distribution of their populations in the area and the systematic study of the species that appear regularly or occasionally in the bay continues. At the same time, more than 700 young visitors have been informed about Greek marine biodiversity and its value through interactive games and educational workshops held every summer at the Sani Kid’s Club.

From this year, the program is strengthened both with the permanent presence of a marine biologist at Sani Resort and with the participation of visitors in the observation and recording of the local marine biodiversity, as well as with the effort to restore the population of a Critically Endangered species of salachi, the Trachyvatos.

In particular, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the area’s marine biodiversity and take a guided tour of it through the underwater trails created by the Sea World PADI 5-star diving center, at the Sani Resort of the Sani/Ikos Group. By participating in these trails and observing our nation’s marine wealth, visitors can then become Citizen Scientists by documenting local biodiversity on the world’s largest biodiversity monitoring network, iNaturalist.

At the same time, because the Northern Aegean is an important area for the Trachyvatos, an endemic species of salachi in the Mediterranean, iSea and Sani Resort are piloting the hatching of the species’ eggs with the aim of restoring its population in the area.

Many of the Trachyvata eggs accidentally caught in fishing gear end up being discarded, with no chance of survival, although under the right conditions, they would have had a chance to hatch.

For this reason, and for the first time for this species worldwide, suitable conditions are created for the hatching of eggs of the species in aquariums. The first eggs have already been collected and when their hatching is achieved, the small skates will be released into the marine environment, thus contributing directly to the restoration of the species in the area.