2011 Research Programmes of the HCMR - Hellenic Centre for ...

77 HELLENIC CENTRE FOR MARINE
RESEARCH
Research Programs
2011
DEPARTMENT OF PROGRAMS
AND EVALUATION OF RESEARCH
December 2011

HELLENIC CENTRE FOR MARINE RESEARCH
DEPARTMENT OF PROGRAMS & EVALUATION OF RESEARCH
PROGRAMS OF H.C.M.R
2011
Author:
Rosa Psyllidou-Giouranovits
Maria Chatziioannou
Editorial Care:
Maria Chatziioannou
December 2011

NOTIFICATION: Programs that are highlighted in red, have been completed in 2011
INDEX
1. INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY .............................................................................................. 3
1.1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS ........................................................................................................ 3
1.1.1. New Research Programs ................................................................................................... 3
Mediterranean Sea Acidification under changing climate (MedSeA/ 854) ................................... 3
Complex Research of Earthquake’s Forecasting Possibilities, Seismicity and Climate Change
Correlations (BlackSEaHazNet/ 856) ............................................................................................ 3
ETC- ICM 2011/ 859 ..................................................................................................................... 4
Rapid Response Support Server (RARE/ 860) .............................................................................. 5
Towards a joint European Research Infrastructure Network for coastal observatories
(JERICO/ 864) ............................................................................................................................... 6
Offshore and nearshore geological-geomorphological cable route survey for the installation of
the submarine F/O cable of OTE SA along the branches at Nisyros -Tilos- Simi and Limnos -
Samothraki islands, 2011 (ΜΕΛΕΤΗ ΝΙΣΥΡΟΣ- ΤΗΛΟΣ- ΣΥΜΗ/ 865) ................................... 7
Monitoring of the ecological quality of the marine environment at two docking jetties Kanava
and Abourdehtaki, at Adamantas Bay, Milos Isl. (Α∆ΑΜΑΝΤΑΣ MONITORING/ 868)........... 7
Red Sea 2011 (CAUST/ 872) ........................................................................................................ 8
SARonikos dumpinG sitE – B΄ Stage (SARGE-B΄/ 873) .............................................................. 8
Chios Coasts (ΑΚΤΕΣ ΧΙΟΥ/ 874) ............................................................................................... 9
Marine Geoarchaeological survey of the Iraklion - Dia area, Northern Cretan shelf area
(KNOSSOS 2011/ 878) .................................................................................................................. 9
Gliders for Research, Ocean Observation and Management (GROOM/ 882) .............................. 9
Hazard, seismogenic dynamics, and seismic/aseismic coupling of an active fault system in
the western Rift of Corinth, Greece (SISCOR/ 884) ................................................................... 10
Study of inner Saronikos ecosystem, under the influence of Psittalia sewage treatment plant
(PHASE E) (ΕΣΩΤΕΡΙΚΟΣ ΣΑΡΩΝΙΚΟΣ – ΚΕΛΨ - Ε’ Περίοδος/ 885) ................................. 10
Strengthening International Dimension of Euro-Argo Research Infrastructure (SIDERI/ 887) .. 11
Investigation of Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) for preventing pollution and
eutrophication of the coastal sea (SGD BLACK SEA/ 893) ....................................................... 12
Microalgae resting cysts in recent marine sediments and their role in the establishment of HABs
in three eutrophicated bays in Greece and Turkey (ΕΛΛΑ∆Α-ΤΟΥΡΚΙΑ PHYTO/ 890) ......... 13
Impact of ocean acidification οn pelagic food web in a coastal area of Eastern
Mediterranean Sea (ΕΛΛΑ∆Α- ΤΟΥΡΚΙΑ ACIDIFICATION/ 891) ......................................... 13
Supercomputer with grid logic for ecological, biological and medical data and algorithms
(EVAGORAS/ 3021102) ............................................................................................................. 14
Towards a joint European research infrastructure network for coastal observatories
(JERICO Κρήτης/ 3021101) ........................................................................................................ 15
Study of marine ecosystem in Naxos Island in relation to the operation of the Sewage
Treatment Plant (NAXOS) .......................................................................................................... 15
1.1.2. Continuing Research Programs...................................................................................... 16
Study of the environmental impact of dumping metalliferous waste in N. Evvoikos
gulf (ΛΑΡΚΟ/ 126) ..................................................................................................................... 16
Operational use, maintenance and co-operation of the POSEIDON system
(ΕΠΙΧΕΙΡΗΣΙΑΚΗ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ- ΣΥΝΤΗΡΗΣΗ ΣΥΣΤΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΠΟΣΕΙ∆ΩΝ/ 419) ......... 16

Monitoring Program for the evaluation of the quality of Messiniakos Gulf and the western coast
of Messinia during 2006-2010
(ΠΑΡΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΗΣΗ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΚΟΥ ΚΟΛΠΟΥ/ 596) ...................................................... 17
Southern European Seas: Assessing and Modeling Environmental Changes
(SESAME/ 639) ........................................................................................................................... 17
Development of a Framework for Data Harmonisation and Service Integration
(HUMBOLDT/ 652) .................................................................................................................... 19
Geological, geophysical and geochemical investigation of the red mud deposits of the Antikyra
Gulf, Science and Policy Integration for Coastal Systems Assessment (SPICOSA/ 665) .......... 20
Climate Change and Impact Research: The Mediterranean Environment- CIRCE
(CIRCE/ 676) ............................................................................................................................... 21
Study of short- and mid-term effects of the pollution cased from the accident of the ship “SEA
DIAMOND” (SEA DIAMOND ΡΥΠΑΝΣΗ/ 678) ..................................................................... 21
European Seas Observatory Network (ESONET-NoE/ 691) ...................................................... 22
European Multi-seafloor Observatories (EMSO/ 751) ................................................................ 23
Marine Ecosystem Evolution in a Changing Environment (MEECE/ 756) ................................ 24
Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man’s Impact On European Seas
(HERMIONE-IO ATHENS/ 765) ................................................................................................ 25
Development and pre-operational validation of upgraded GMES Marine Core Services and
capabilities. (MyOcean/ 766) ....................................................................................................... 26
Assessment of the interactions between corals, fish and fisheries, in order to develop monitoring
and predictive modelling tools for ecosystem based management in the deep waters of Europe
and beyond (CoralFISH/ 769) ...................................................................................................... 27
Monemvasia Artificial Reef. Final study for the implementation plan regarding artificial reefs in
Lakonia Prefecture (Monemvasia Artificial Reef)
(ΤΕΧΝΗΤΟΣ ΥΦΑΛΟΣ ΜΟΝΕΜΒΑΣΙΑΣ/ 771) ..................................................................... 28
An integrated paleoceanographic-sedimentological study of the Cretan Sea, South Aegean Sea
(Paleo Cretan Basin/ 775) ............................................................................................................ 28
POSEIDON-III: A monitoring and forecasting system for the Eastern Mediterranean Sea with
emphasis on climate change and protection of the marine ecosystem
(ΠΟΣΕΙ∆ΩΝ ΙΙΙ/ 776) .................................................................................................................. 29
Decadal scale Variability of the Mediterranean Ecosystem (MedEcos/ 779) ............................. 29
Study of the foaming in the seawater close to the Power Industry in Lavrio
(ΑΗΣ ΛΑΥΡΙΟΥ/ 784) ................................................................................................................ 30
Towards an alliance of European Research Fleets (EUROFLEETS/ 793) ................................. 30
Inter-basin exchange in the changing Mediterranean sea: impact on the ecosystem in the vicinity
of the straits connecting the Mediterranean sea with the adjacent basins (MEDEX/ 796) ......... 31
Study of inner Saronikos ecosystem, under the influence of Psittalia sewage treatment plant
(PHASE D) (ΕΣΩΤΕΡΙΚΟΣ ΣΑΡΩΝΙΚΟΣ – ∆΄ ΠΕΡΙΟ∆ΟΣ/ 802) .......................................... 32
Towards an Integrated Marine and Maritime Science Community (MARCOM/ 807) ............... 33
SARonikos dumpinG sitE (SARGE/ 817) ................................................................................... 33
Quaternary tsunami events in the eastern Ionian Sea- reconstructing and modelling extreme
events based on interdisciplinary geo-scientific investigations
(EAST IONIAN SEA TSUNAMIS/ 819) .................................................................................... 34
Unferwater archaeological, oceanographic and paleomorphological study of Pavlopetri,
Laconia (ΠΑΥΛΟΠΕΤΡΙ/ 820) ................................................................................................... 35

Brown algal biodiversity and ecology in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (TOTAL/ 825) .......... 35
Climate Change Impacts on the Marine Environment: Research Results And Public Perception
(CLAMER/ 826) .......................................................................................................................... 36
Monitoring the quality of marine environment in the vicinity of the sewage outfalls of Thriassio
sewage treatment plant in Elefsis Gulf (ΚΕΛ ΘΡΙΑΣΙΟΥ/ 828)................................................. 37
Monitoring of benthic communities in the Antikyra Bay, with emphasis on thermophilc species
(ΒΕΝΘΟΣ ΑΝΤΙΚΥΡΑΣ/ 830) ................................................................................................... 37
Study of water quality in Mylaki, Aliveri (ΜΥΛΑΚΙ ΑΛΙΒΕΡΙΟΥ/ 836) ................................. 38
Monitoring of the ecological quality of the marine environment at Voudia Bay and at Tsigrado,
Milos isl. (ΜΗΛΟΣ MONITORING/ 845) ................................................................................. 38
Offshore and nearshore geological-geomorphological cable route survey for the installation of
the submarine F/O cable along the branche at Rhodes- Simi
(ΚΑΛΩ∆ΙΟ ΡΟ∆ΟΣ- ΣΥΜΗ/ 846) ............................................................................................. 38
Study of seawater quality in the coastal zone of Interchem industry. ......................................... 39
Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man’s Impact On European Seas
(HERMIONE-IO CRETE/ 3020903) ........................................................................................... 39
Regional Drivers of Ecosystem Change and its Influence on Deep-Sea Populations in the
Mediterranean (ReDEco/ 3021001). ............................................................................................ 40
Network of leading MESOcosm facilities to advance the studies of future AQUAtic ecosystems
from the Arctic to the Mediterranean (MESOAQUA/ 3020902) ................................................ 41
Study of the annual and biological cycles of plankton in a coastal area
(PLANKTON IN COASTAL AREA) ......................................................................................... 42
Nutrient tunnelling” and other alternative pathways for mineral nutrients through the microbial
food web to copepods (NUTRITUNNEL/ 3020901) .................................................................. 43
1.2. STUDIES ................................................................................................................................... 43
1.2.1. New Studies....................................................................................................................... 43
The hydrodynamic structure of the Evia Jet near Kimi and its importance as an area of
ichthioplankton abundance and a source of biological/fish resources
(ΠΑΡΑΚΤΙΟ ΡΕΥΜΑ ΚΥΜΗΣ/ 851) ........................................................................................ 43
AHS Aliveriou/ 871 ..................................................................................................................... 44
Kalamas Prodelta (KAPRO/ 875) ................................................................................................ 44
Heavy metal monitoring on the north-eastern coasts of Elefsis bay (Xalivourgiki)
(HALMETAL /876) ..................................................................................................................... 44
Sediment quality of the Aliveri Bay (SALARY/ 888) ................................................................. 45
Examination of seawater quality in Kea Island for the operation of a thalassotherapy center.... 45
1.2.2 Continuing Studies ............................................................................................................ 46
Ouranoupolis Port (ΛΙΜΕΝΑΣ ΟΥΡΑΝΟΥΠΟΛΗΣ/ 827) ........................................................ 46
Erosion study and stabilization of the coastline around the Piros River mouth
(∆ΙΑΒΡΩΣΗ ΕΚΒΟΛΩΝ ΠΕΙΡΟΥ/ 829) ................................................................................... 46
Baseline study and monitoring of the ecological quality on the north-eastern coasts of Elefsis
bay (ΠΕΡΙΒΑΛΛΟΝΤΙΚΗ ΠΑΡΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΗΣΗ ΧΑΛΥΒΟΥΡΓΙΚΗΣ/ 831) ........................ 46
Study of environmental parameters in Aliveri Bay in relation to the operation of the desalination
Plant (ΑΛΙΒΕΡΙ ΑΦΑΛΑΤΩΣΗ/ 840) ........................................................................................ 47
Basic environmental study for the docking jetty at Itea Fokidas (ΙΤΕΑ – ΣΚΑΛΑ/ 844) .......... 47

1.3 PROGRAMS FOR OFFERING SERVICES .......................................................................... 48
1.3.1. New Program for Offering Sercices ............................................................................... 48
Identification and finding of an instrument of the Greek Navy
(ΕΝΤΟΠΙΣΜΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΝΕΛΚΥΣΗ ΕΦΑΡΤΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΓΕΝ/ 855) .......................................... 48
Searching for a diver in the Kaldera of Santorini (ΣΑΝΤΟΡΙΝΗ ∆ΥΤΗΣ/ 867) ....................... 48
SGS-Chemical analysis of bauxite ores by X-Ray Fluorescence methods
(SCG SGREECE/ 883) ................................................................................................................ 48
1.3.2. Continuing Programs for Offering Services ................................................................. 49
Biogeochemical Laboratory (ΕΣΟ∆Α ΒΓΧ ΕΡΓΑΣΤΗΡΙΟΥ/ 355) ........................................... 49
Poseidon System Models (ΠΩΛΗΣΗ ΜΟΝΤΕΛΩΝ ΣΥΣΤΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΠΟΣΕΙ∆ΩΝ/ 391) ....... 49
Income from the analysis and modelling of data included in the “Wind and Wave Atlas of the
Hellenic Seas”/ 705 ...................................................................................................................... 49
ELMIN-Training in bauxite analysis with X-Ray Fluorescence methods (ΕΛΜΙΝ 2008/ 723) . 49
Forecasting Products for the Hellenic Seas (ΜΕΤΕΩΡΟΛΟΓΙΚΕΣ ΠΡΟΒΛΕΨΕΙΣ/ 752)........ 50
Cost of salvage efforts for the crashed F-16 aircrafts into the sea south of the Crete Island
(ΕΝΤΟΠΙΣΜΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΝΕΛΚΥΣΗ F16/ 834) .......................................................................... 50
HELCYP/ 7070301 ...................................................................................................................... 51
1.4 NETWORKS - DATABASES .................................................................................................. 51
1.4.1. New Networks - Databases .............................................................................................. 51
European Gliding Observatories Network (EGO) ....................................................................... 51
Pan-European infrastructure for ocean and marine data management (SeaDataNet II/ 881) ...... 52
1.4.2. Continuing Networks - Databases .................................................................................. 53
A Pan-European infrastructure for Ocean and Marine Data Management
(SEADATANET/ 610) ................................................................................................................ 53
Caspian Sea environmental and industrial data & information service
(CASPINFO/ 760)........................................................................................................................ 55
UP-GRADE BLACK SEA SCIENTIFIC NETWORK (UP-GRADE BSS/ 791) ....................... 55
Preparatory actions for European Marine Observation and data network/ LOT NO: 3-
CHEMICAL DATA. (EMODNET/ 792) .................................................................................... 57
Preparatory Action For European Marine Observation and Data Network
(EMODNET SEABED MAPPING/ 833) .................................................................................... 58
Seagrass Productivity: from genes to ecosystem management .................................................... 58
2. INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ......................................................... 61
2.1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS ...................................................................................................... 61
2.1.1. New Research Programs ................................................................................................. 61
Coordinating research in support to application of EAF (Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries) and
management advice in the Mediterranean and Black Seas (CREAM/ 862) ................................ 61
Mediterranean hAlieutic Resources Evaluation and Advice –HORIZONTAL SERVICES
(MAREA/ 869) ............................................................................................................................ 61
Architecture and roadmap to manage multiple pressures on lagoons (ARCH/ 877) ................... 62
Estimation of maximum net length of trammel nets, gillnets and combined bottom set nets by
using the volume or the mass of the net (ARCHIMEDES/ 889) ................................................. 63
Mediterranean Sensitive Habitats (MEDISEH/ 2071101) ........................................................... 63

Management plan for the demersal trawl fisheries in the Greek seas
(TRAWLPLAN/ 2071102) .......................................................................................................... 64
2.1.2. Continuing Research Programs...................................................................................... 64
Mitigating adverse ecological impacts of open ocean fisheries (MADE/ 2020801) ................... 64
The Future of European Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (JAKFISH/ 2020802) ................ 64
Assessment of the interactions between corals, fish and fisheries, in order to develop monitoring
and predictive modelling tools for ecosystem based management in the deep waters of Europe
and beyond (CoralFISH/ 2020804) .............................................................................................. 65
Marine Ecosystem Evolution in a Changing Environment (MEECE/ 2020803) ........................ 66
Evaluation of the state of benthic communities subjected to impact of trawling and marine
debris as a tool for the ecosystem management (COMSOM/ 768) ............................................. 67
Management and Monitoring of Deep-sea Fisheries and Stocks (DEEPFISHMAN/ 780) ......... 67
Monitoring and Evaluation of Spatially Managed Areas (MESMA/ 785) .................................. 68
Bycatch and Discards: Management indicators, trends and location (BADMINTON/ 797) ...... 69
Developing fisheries management indicators and targets
(DEFINEIT MARIFISH-ATHENS/ 811) .................................................................................... 69
People for Ecosystem Based Governance in Assessing Sustainable Development of Ocean and
Coast (PEGASO/ 813) ................................................................................................................. 70
Harmonisation of the acoustic data in the Mediterranean 2002-2006
(ACOUSMED/ 2021002) ............................................................................................................ 71
The identification and mapping of Essential Fish Habitats using Geographic Information
Systems (EFH-GIS/ 2020904). .................................................................................................... 71
Options for Delivering Ecosystem-based marine management (ODEMM/ 2021001) ................ 71
Developing fisheries management indicators and targets
(DEFINEIT MARIFISH-CRETE/ 2020907) ............................................................................... 72
Assessing the causes and developing measures to prevent the escape of fish from sea-cage
aquaculture (PREVENT ESCAPE/ 2020903) ............................................................................. 73
Concrete Conservation Actions for the Mediterranean Shag and Audouin’s Gull in Greece,
including the Inventory of Relevant Marine IBAs (ConShagAudMIBAGR/ 4020901) ............. 74
(REPROdUCE/ 2020906) ............................................................................................................ 74
2.2. STUDIES ................................................................................................................................... 75
2.2.1. New Studies....................................................................................................................... 75
Contribution in the elaboration of the Strategic Study of Environmental Impact of aquaculture
within the frame of the National Cadastral Design and Sustainable Development plan for
aquaculture (SMPE/ 858)............................................................................................................. 75
2.3. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS .............................................................................................. 75
2.3.1. New Educational Program .............................................................................................. 75
Planning a network of marine protected areas for the Mediterranean Sea (NETMED) .............. 75
2.4. OFFERING SERVICES .......................................................................................................... 76
2.4.1. Continuing Offering Services ......................................................................................... 76
Surfacing System for Ship Recovery (SuSY/ 2020905). ............................................................. 76
Collection of environmental, ecological, oceanographic and fishert data for the
Argolikos gulf. (ΚΟΥΠΟΝΙΑ/ 841) ............................................................................................ 77

2.5. NETWORKS ............................................................................................................................ 77
2.5.1. New Networks .................................................................................................................. 77
Mediterranean Network of sustainable small-scale fishing communities
(FISHINMED/ 2021101) ............................................................................................................. 77
3. INSTITUTE OF AQUACULTURE ............................................................................................... 81
3.1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS ...................................................................................................... 81
3.1.1. New Research Programs ................................................................................................. 81
Development of methods for reproduction and rearing of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) as a
means for the enhancement of the competitiveness of aquaculture, with the introduction of new
species (KRANIOS/ 6031102)..................................................................................................... 81
Network for the development of phage therapy in aquaculture (AQUAPHAGE/ 6021101) ...... 82
Biotechnology for the exploitation of microalgae (BIOEXPLORE/ 6031101) ........................... 82
Reproduction of blufin tuna (Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus) in culture conditions and
production of juveniles for growout (ΘΥΝΝΟΣ/ 6071101) ........................................................ 83
Development of an efficient environmentally-friendly Algae Control System, based on
ultrasound technology, designed for use in bigger ponds and lakes
(ClearWaterPMPC/ 6021103) ...................................................................................................... 83
COPEWELL/ 6021102 ................................................................................................................ 84
Alternative preventive and therapeutic methods in Greek aquaculture
(ΕΝΑΛΛΑΚΤΙΚΕΣ ΘΕΡΑΠΕΙΕΣ/ 857) ..................................................................................... 84
Research for the production of fish of high biological and dietary value for human
consumption (ΙΧΘΥΑΣΙΣ/ 861) .................................................................................................. 85
Improvement of the production of European eel (Anguilla Anguilla) under intensive rearing
(ΧΕΛΙ ΝΕΤ/ 870) ........................................................................................................................ 85
3.1.2. Continuing Research Programs...................................................................................... 86
Enabling European SMEs to Remediate wastes, Reduce GHG Emissions and Produce
Biofuels via Microalgae Cultivation (BioalgaeSorb/ 6021001). ................................................. 86
Aquaculture Infrastructures for excellence in European Fish Research
(AQUAEXCEL/ 6021002) .......................................................................................................... 86
An International Research Consortium for promoting and developing Integrated Multi-Trophic
Aquaculture (IRC-IMTA) (MARIE CURIE IRSES/ 806) ........................................................... 87
T-MAR VACCINE SAFETY TRIAL (T-MAR VACCINE/ 808) .............................................. 87
AQUAVAC VIBRIO ORAL TRIALS (AQUAVAC/ 809) ......................................................... 88
Developing a strategy for aquaculture research in the Mediterranean (AQUAMED/ 838) ........ 88
Improvement of feeds and feeding efficiency for seabass in cage farms in the Mediterranean
(e-Fishent/ 849) ............................................................................................................................ 88
3.2. STUDIES ................................................................................................................................... 89
3.2.1. New Studies....................................................................................................................... 89
Development of a procedure to measure amino acid flow from digesta into the plasma of fish
and to determine the impact of dietary supplements of free synthetic amino acids, protein bound
amino acids and synthetic amino acids bound to sugars on this flow (DEVENISH/ 852) .......... 89
Effect of various dietary yeast products on the immune system of sea bass
(2011 - ΙΝ VIVO YEAST/ 866) ................................................................................................... 89

Effect of various dietary yeast products on the immune system of sea bass
(2011 B - ΙΝ VIVO YEAST) ....................................................................................................... 89
Evaluation of the pathogenicity of a bacterial pathogen member of the fish microflora in sea
bass (BASS/ 897) ......................................................................................................................... 90
3.2.2. Continuing Studies ........................................................................................................... 90
Collaboration for the rearing of juveniles with “Ελληνικά Ψάρια ΑΕΒΕ”
(ΦΟΡΚΥΣ/ 6070803) ................................................................................................................... 90
3.3. PROGRAMS FOR OFFERING SERVICES ......................................................................... 91
3.3.1. New Programs for Offering Services ............................................................................. 91
COOPER I/ 6071102.................................................................................................................... 91
ROBIAN (IMPLANTS/ 6070101) ............................................................................................... 91
3.3.2. Continuing Programs for Offering Services ................................................................. 91
IMPLANTS/ 60.70101 ................................................................................................................. 91
ΠΑΡΑΓΩΓΗ/ 6370000 ................................................................................................................ 91
Provision of consulting services for broodstock management for a private aquaculture company
(IRIDA A.E. – IMPLANTS 6070101) ......................................................................................... 92
3.4. SELF FINANCED PROGRAM .............................................................................................. 92
3.4.1. Continuing Sefl Financed Program................................................................................ 92
(EQUASE 2002). ........................................................................................................................ 92
4. INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGY AND GENETICS........................................................... 95
4.1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS ...................................................................................................... 95
4.1.1. New Research Programs ................................................................................................. 95
Ε∆ΓΕ/ 4031101 ............................................................................................................................ 95
Isolation and characterization of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Atlantic bluefin
tuna (Thunnus thynnus) (ABFT SNP/ 4021103) ......................................................................... 95
A new integrative framework for the study of fish welfare based on the concepts of allostasis,
appraisal and coping styles (COPEWELL ΙΘΑΒΙΓ/ 4021105) ................................................... 96
Management of Port Areas in the Mediterranean Sea Basin (MAPMED/ 4021104) .................. 97
Vectors of Change in Oceans and Seas Marine Life, Impact on Economic Sectors
(VECTORS/ 4021102) ................................................................................................................. 97
European Marine Biological Resource Centre preparatory phase (EMBRC/ 4021101) ............. 98
Supercomputer with grid logic for ecological, biological and medical data and algorithms
(EVAGORAS/ 3021102) ............................................................................................................. 98
Genetic characterization and the influence of aquaculture on native European seabass
population sin Cyprus (ΑΕΙΦΟΡΙΑ/ΦΥΣΗ 06/09 (ΒΕ)/ 4021106) ............................................. 99
4.1.2. Continuing Research Programs.................................................................................... 100
Supporting research potential for MARine BIodiversity and GENomics in the Eastern
Mediterranean (MARBIGEN/ 4021002) ................................................................................... 100
Virtual Biodiversity Research and Access Network for Taxonomy (ViBRANT/ 4021003) .... 101
Development and Implementation of a pan-European Marine Biodiversity Obserbvatory
System (EMBOS) ...................................................................................................................... 101
REPROduction protocols and molecular tools for mass spawning and communal rearing based
SELective breeding schemes applied to multiple-spawning marine fish
(REPROSEL/ 4021001) ............................................................................................................. 102

Evolution and adaptation of marine populations in a temporally and spatially variable
environment (EVAMAP/ 4031002). .......................................................................................... 102
Ecologie Chimique Marine: Indicateur de Biodiversite et Valorisation (ECIMAR/ 4070701) 103
A Pan-European Species-directories Infrastructure (PESI/ 4020802) ....................................... 103
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) ........................................................................... 104
Contaminant-specific isotope analyses as sharp environmental-forensics tools for site
characterisation, monitoring and source apportionment of pollutants in soil
(ISO-Soil/ 4020803) ................................................................................................................... 104
Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man’s Impact On European Seas
(HERMIONE- IMBG/ 4020903) ............................................................................................... 105
Metagenome analysis of a hydrothermal vent field at Kolumbo volcano ................................. 106
Developing fisheries management indicators and targets
(DEFINEIT MARIFISH – IMBG/ 4020907) ............................................................................. 107
Concrete Conservation Actions for the Mediterranean Shag and Audouin’s Gull in Greece,
including the Inventory of Relevant Marine IBAs (ConShagAudMIBAGR/ 4020901). .......... 107
4.2. STUDIES ................................................................................................................................. 108
4.2.1. New Study ....................................................................................................................... 108
Baseline study of the coastal ecosystem around the exit of the underwater outfall of the
Sewage Treatment Station in Heraklion Bay (∆ΕΥΑ ΗΡΑΚΛΕΙΟΥ/ 4071101) ...................... 108
Environmental impact assessment due to discharge of cooling water and processed industrial
wastes in the marine area along the coasts of the Power Plant Station in Atherinolakkos, SE
Crete (ΑΘΕΡΙΝΟΛΑΚΚΟΣ-∆ΕΗ/ 4071201). ........................................................................... 108
4.2.2. Continuing Study ........................................................................................................... 109
Baseline study of the coastal ecosystem around the exit of the underwater outfalls of the
Sewage Treatment Stations in the north coasts of Thira Island (ΘΗΡΑ/ 4071001) .................. 109
4.3. PROGRAM FOR OFFERING SERVICES ......................................................................... 110
4.3.1. Continuing Program for Offering Services ................................................................. 110
Biogeochemical analyzes (ΕΡΓΑΣΤΗΡΙΟ ΠΕΡΙΒΑΛΛΟΝΤΙΚΗΣ ΧΗΜΕΙΑΣ ΚΑΙ
ΜΙΚΡΟΒΙΟΛΟΓΙΑΣ/1170500) ................................................................................................. 110
Supply of Genetic Services (GENETIC SERVICES/ 4070201) ............................................... 110
5. INSTITUTE OF INLAND WATERS........................................................................................... 113
5.1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS .................................................................................................... 113
5.1.1. New Research Programs ............................................................................................... 113
Μonitoring of ecological water quality of Koumoundourou Lake and designing management,
restoration and developmental actions (ΕΛ.ΠΕ/ 850) ............................................................... 113
Specialized Consultancy Services for the Assessment of Fish Assemblages in Cyprus Rivers –
Implementation of the Directive 2000/60/EC (ΠΟΤΑΜΟΙ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ/ 853) ............................ 113
5.1.2. Continuing Research Programs.................................................................................... 114
Monitoring of the state and abundance of Ladigesocypris ghigii (Pisces, Cyprinidae) population
in Gadouras stream (Rhodes Island), during the construction of the
Gadouras dam (ΓΚΙΖΑΝΙ ΓΑ∆ΟΥΡΑΣ/ 402) ........................................................................... 114
Advancing understanding of carbon cycling and coloured dissolved organic matter dynamics in
European wetlands & coastal ecosystems through integration of observations and novel
modelling approaches (ECODOM/ 724) ................................................................................... 115

Joint assimilation of satellite aerosol, cloud, and precipitation observations in numerical models
to support climate and hydrologic applications (JOINT-ASSIMILATION/ 731) ..................... 115
Mediterranean Intermittent River ManAGEment (MIRAGE/ 767) .......................................... 116
Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Rainfall (ACOUSTIC RAINFALL/ 795) ............................... 116
Cooperation for the study and conservation of wetland biodiversity in Attika: Hellenic
Ornithological Society – HCMR” – Biodiversity of Attika Wetlands
(ΒΙΟΠΟΙΚΙΛΟΤΗΤΑ ΥΓΡΟΤΟΠΩΝ ΑΤΤΙΚΗΣ/ 814) ........................................................... 117
Three year period of monitoring for the quality and estimation of the ecological status of the
Messinian Rivers: Pamisos, Aris, Despoti, Mourtia, Lygdou, Epis, Karia, Tzanes-Polilimnio,
Mavrozoumena, Arkadikos, Neda and Velika (ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΚΑ ΠΟΤΑΜΙΑ/ 847) ................. 118
Inventory, mapping and evaluation of riparian woodlands and their associated ichthyofauna . 118
5.2. STUDIES ................................................................................................................................. 119
5.2.1. New Studies..................................................................................................................... 119
Fieldwork to collect speciments to barcode freshwater fishes, mollusks and mayflies of Greece
(FREDIE GREECE/ 879) .......................................................................................................... 119
5.3. DATABASES .......................................................................................................................... 120
5.3.1. New Databases ................................................................................................................ 120
Greek Georeferenced Distribution Data for Freshwater Fish (GGDDFF/886) ......................... 120
6. CRETAQUARIUM ........................................................................................................................ 123
6.1. RESEARCH PROGRAM ...................................................................................................... 123
6.1.1. New Research Programs ............................................................................................... 123
Illumination with Led Lighting, an Updating in Museums for Interior and Non residential Areas
in Towns for Exterior (ILLUMINATE)..................................................................................... 123
Conservation Physiology of Marine Fishes - Action FA 1004 .................................................. 124

INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY
1

1. INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY
1.1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS
1.1.1. New Research Programs
Mediterranean Sea Acidification under changing climate (MedSeA/ 854)
Contract Number: Grant agreement 265103
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr E. Krasakopoulou
EU & GSRT
Duration: 36 months (01/02/11-31/01/14)
Total Budget: 381.204€
Study Area:
Aegean Sea
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr P. Pitta, Dr A. Giannakourou, Dr K. Pagou, Dr S. Psarra, Dr A.
Pancucci, Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr S. Zervoudaki, Dr A. Gogou, Dr E. Souvermezoglou, Dr A.
Pavlidou, Dr E. Apostolaki, Dr M. Salomidi, Dr I. Varkitzi, Dr K. Frangoulis, Dr G.
Assimakopoulou, Rousselaki H, Zachioti P, Androni A, Georgakakis J, Charalambous K,
Konstantinopoulou A, Zoulias Th, Arvanitakis G, Tsagaraki T, Voutsina E, Pagonis P
Other Participants: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona-Spain, Université de Perpignan -France,
Bar Ilan University-Israel, Centro Euro-Mediterraneo per i Cambiamenti Climatici -Italy,
Laboratoire d'Océanographie Villefranche-France, Plymouth Marine Laboratory-UK, Instituto
Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados-Spain, University of Plymouth-UK, Alfred Wegener Institute,
Bremerhaven-Germany, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare-Italy,
Institut National de Recherche Halieutique -Morocco, National Institute of Oceanography and
Fisheries-Egypt, University of Sfax-Tunisia, Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica
Sperimentale-Italy, Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l'Environnement-France
Brief Description of the Program: The MedSeA project will assess uncertainties, risks and
thresholds related to Mediterranean acidification at organismal, ecosystem and economical scales.
MedSea will identify where the impacts of acidification on Mediterranean waters will be more
significant, taking into account the sequence of causes and effects, from ocean chemistry through
marine biology to socio-economic costs.
Complex Research of Earthquake’s Forecasting Possibilities, Seismicity and Climate Change
Correlations (BlackSEaHazNet/ 856)
Contract Number: 246874
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Dr Ch. Tsabaris
EU & GSRT
24 months
Total Budget: 57.960 €
Study Area:
Natural Disaster
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Ch. Tsabaris, Dr A. Prospathopoulos, Dr D. Patiris, Dr H. Kaberi, S.
Alexakis
Other Participants: Eleftheriou George, Androulakaki Efrosini and Papageorgiou Dhmhtra
3

Brief Description of the Program: The purpose of project BlackSeaHazNet is a development of
long-term research cooperation through coordinated joint program for exchange of data, know-how
and scientists. The partnership in experimental and theoretical aspects of geophysics will be
focused on a creation of fundamentals of a Complex Program for investigation the possibilities to
forecast earthquake’s time, hypocentre, magnitude and intensity using reliable precursors. For this
aim a monitoring of the following parameters is envisaged:
geophysical and seismological variability over the South-East Europe;
water sources and their Radon, Helium, and other gases concentrations;
crust temperature;
electromagnetic field variations under, on and above Earth surface;
satellite monitoring of meteorological parameters, including earthquake clouds ;
electrical charge distributions and variations in ionospheric parameters;
near-space monitoring, aimed to detect and exclude the external influences (i.e., those of Sun
and Interplanetary medium variations, Cosmic rays) from the meaningful signal of the solid
Earth;
biological precursors;
The complex monitoring of the broad variety of parameters defines the output of the Program
including: i.) estimations of different time scales for more clear understanding of the Earth system
natural variability, ii.) risk assessment of appearance of hazardous for the society events related to
earthquakes, climatic changes, etc., iii.) people’s response to an abrupt changes in the monitored
parameters.
Proposed regional network can be considered as a first step in creation of a wide interdisciplinary
scientific consortium capable of formulation of more adequate paradigm of Climate variability and
Climatic change (distinguishing the difference between them), Earth seismic processes and the
actual problem of their forecast. If the hypothesis for Georeactors (238U and 232Th type) net, as
possible reason for Climate change will be confirmed, the surprising new knowledge for Climate
variations and its connection with Earth’s seismicity can be obtained. Conformation of the
hypothesis for existence of new type self-regulated nuclear reactors will enhance the physical
understanding of different time scales of Climate - Climate and Climate - Weather transitions and
Climate- Seismicity correlations.
ETC- ICM 2011/ 859
Contract Number:
Specific Agreement 3332/B2011/EEA54394 for 2011 subvention
under Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) EEA/NSV/10/002
ETC-ICM 2011-13
Scientific Coordinator: Dr N. Streftaris (till 25/07/11), Dr K. Pagou (from 25/07/11)
Main Coordinator:
Funding:
CENIA
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Total Budget:
Study Area:
100% by European Environment Agency (EEA) through CENIA
(Czech Environmental Information Agency) coordinating the
European Topic Centre on Ιnland, Coastal and Marine waters 2011-
2013
3 years
For 2011: 25.200 € EEA (+ 2.800 € co financing HCMR)
European Ιnland, Coastal and Marine waters
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr K. Pagou, Dr N. Streftaris, Dr E. Papathanasiou, Dr P. Panayotidis,
Dr K. Nitis, Dr N. Simboura, Dr S. Katsanevakis, Dr A. Zenetos, Dr C. Smith, V. Valavanis, S.
Kavadas, K.N. Papadopoulou, Ch. Arvanitidis, Dr E. Cotou, Dr J. Negas
4

Other participants: CENIA (coordinator), BGR, Deltares, DHI, ICES, INDRA, Ecologic,
IFREMER, INGV, IWRS, NERC-CEH, NIVA, NTUA, SAHFOS, SYKE, UBA, VITUKI.
Brief Description of the Program: HCMR participates in new EEA Topic Centre ETC- ICM
2011-13 (European Topic Centre on Inland, Coastal and Marine waters) that is coordinated by the
CENIA (Czech Environmental Information Agency). The new ETC constitutes a renewal (addition
of 5 new partners) of the previous Topic Centre for the Water (ETC-W 2007-2010) in which
HCMR did not participate. In new ETC-ICM, HCMR was called to participate in order to upgrade
the role consortium in the matters of Mediterranean and Black Sea.
The activities of the new ETC-ICM concern mainly the continuation of the actions of the ETC-W
2007-2010) with the addition of new activities:
Main activities in 2011 (cont from previous ETC):
continuing the regular update of the EEA transitional, coastal and marine waters priority data
flows and core set indicators including further information on biological elements derived from
the Water Framework Directive inputs on coastal waters, marine biodiversity and climate
change impacts;
detailed assessment of the state and pressure analysis of the transitional and coastal waters from the
2010 River Basin Management Plan for the EEA contribution to the report under Art.18WFD;
developing further the transitional and coastal water components of the existing WISE, and
finalise the implementation plan for WISE-Marine, as a structural and closely interlinked part of
the existing WISE, that ensures links to the EMODNET;
in support of the initial assessment of the Marine environment in Europe under the Marine
Framework Strategy Directive (based on descriptors adopted in 2010 for good environmental
status) and drawing on assessments provided by the regional sea conventions, help DGs ENV
and MARE by participating in the MSFD common implementation strategy and establishing
streamlined reporting on relevant elements of the MSFD and existing Eionet data flows;
further integrating GMES marine core service products and geoinformation sources on
oceanographic data into EEA data sources, making them usable for EEA marine/maritime
assessments and for dissemination via EEA web services and Eye on Earth; and
integrating issues relating to marine climate change adaptation and mitigation with freshwater
inputs in relation to eutrophication and pollution from hazardous substances (including
continued work on ocean acidification, global carbon programme, plastic debris in the oceans).
New activities in 2011:
test ecosystems accounting methodology to marine environment (see 2.2); and
in support of the post 2010 Biodiversity strategy focus on marine biodiversity, marine habitat
mapping and marine invasive species; this will include also work on overseas territories.
In the activities that continue from 2007-2010 work, HCMR will have complementary role since
they constitute ‘running' activities. In the ‘new’ activities of 2011 HCMR will have the main role
(task leader) on alien species and it will contribute in the rest focusing on Mediterranean and Black
Sea issues.
Rapid Response Support Server (RARE/ 860)
Contract Number: RARE_BV_2010-07-29_PO1 (purchase order)
Scientific Coordinator: Dr K. Nittis
Funding:
ESA (through Space Applications)
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
24 months
Total Budget HCMR: 8.750 €
Study Area:
European Regional Seas
5

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr K. Nittis, L. Peribliotis, P. Antoniou
Brief Description of the Program: The main objective of the program is to develop a system for
rapid access to environmental remote sensing products especially during emergency situations. For
the development of such a system its necessary to take into account the user requirements and to
develop appropriate scenarios and examples. HCMR will contribute to these two activities for the
marine environment and especially on behalf of the MyOcean project and the Marine Core Service
of GMES.
Towards a joint European Research Infrastructure Network for coastal observatories
(JERICO/ 864)
Contract Number: 262584
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr K. Nittis (Athens) & Dr G. Petihakis (Crete)
Funding: EC-DG Research (75%), GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 48 months (01/05/11-30/04/15)
Total Budget: 338.846,62 €
Study Area:
European Regional Seas
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Petihakis, Dr K. Nittis, Dr G. Korres, L. Perivoliotis, D. Kassis,
M. Ntoumas, P. Pagonis, A. Chondronasios
Other Participants: Ifremer, SYKE, IBW PAN, DMI, NIVA, IMR, DELTARES, OGS, CNR,
UOM, NERC, INGV, GKSS, MUMM, CEFAS, SMHI, CSIC, NIOZ, MI, BL, AZTI, INSU, IH, IO-
BAS, PUERTO, CMCC
Brief Description of the Program: The main objective of JERICO is to increase the coherence
and the sustainability of the dispersed infrastructures for coastal observations by addressing their
future within a shared pan-European framework. The project proposes a Pan European approach
for a coastal marine observatory network, integrating infrastructure and technologies such as
moorings, drifters, ferrybox and gliders. Networking activities will lead to the definitions of best
practices for design, implementation, maintenance and distribution of data of coastal observing
systems, as well as the definition of a quality standard. Harmonisation and strengthening coastal
observation systems within EuroGOOS regions will be sought. Unique twin Trans National Access
experiments will be carried out in order to reveal the potential of datasets used in synergy. Central
coastal infrastructure in Europe will be opened for international research. This will among other
benefits GMES and European contribution to climate change research. New joint research will be
conducted in order to identify new and strategic technologies to be implemented in the next
generation European coastal observatories. JERICO intends to contribute to the international and
global effort on climate change research (GEOSS), to provide coastal data inputs for operational
ocean observing and forecasting, and also to answer to some of the needs of the environmental
research and societal communities.
6

Offshore and nearshore geological-geomorphological cable route survey for the installation of
the submarine F/O cable of OTE SA along the branches at Nisyros -Tilos- Simi and Limnos
- Samothraki islands, 2011 (ΜΕΛΕΤΗ ΝΙΣΥΡΟΣ- ΤΗΛΟΣ- ΣΥΜΗ/ 865)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Dr. G. Rousakis
C. Liapakis-V. Balis Consultant Engineers SA
14 months
Total Budget HCMR: 221.400 €
Study Area:
Nisyros - Tilos - Simi Islands (SE Aegean), Limnos - Samothraki
Islands (NE Aegean)
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Rousakis, Dr D. Sakelariou, Dr V. Lykousis, P. Georgiou, S.
Alexandri(till 21/06/11), Dr J. Panagiotopoulos, P. Mantopoulos, J. Pampidis, S. Stavrakakis, V.
Papadopoulos, P. Renieris, Th. Fotopoulos, H. Kyriakidou
Brief Description of the Program: Scope of the survey work is to find the best route for the
installation of the submarine cable and to deliver a full study of the near-shore (0-30m only at the
branches Nisyros-Tilos-Simi) and offshore (depths >30m at the total of the branches) segments of
the cable routes, providing all necessary bathymetic-geological-geomorphological information for
the successful lay and burial of the cables. For the achievement of aim of program we will become
as below:
Swath bathymetry (offshore).
Sea bottom and sub bottom characteristics (3.5KHz, chirp - offshore study & boomer profilernearshore
study)
Geomorphology and nature of the sea bottom (Side scan sonar- nearshore study and deep tow
SS - offshore study)
Assessment of the geotechnical properties (shear strength) of the seabed with selected core
penetration samples at intervals that will be suitable according to the nature of sub bottom and
no less than a coring every 4 Km (16 cores in total).
Detection of metal objects (Magnetometer)
Sea Water physhical characteristics with CTD at representative sites.
Surface and subsurface and seabed current influences, including convection currents and shelf
edge anomalies caused by water temperature and salinity variations (ADCP at representative sites).
Monitoring of the ecological quality of the marine environment at two docking jetties Kanava
and Abourdehtaki, at Adamantas Bay, Milos Isl. (Α∆ΑΜΑΝΤΑΣ MONITORING/ 868)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr Ch. Zeri
S & B Industrial Minerals S.A.
Duration: 4 years (01/06/11-31/05/15)
Budget: 49.200 €
Study area:
Gulf of Adamantas, Milos isl.
Scientific Team (HCMR): Dr Ch. Zeri, Dr M. Salomidi, Dr I. Issaris, C. Tsiamis, Dr N.
Simpoura, Dr I. Hatjianestis, Ch. Pirgaki, E. Plakidi, Dr A. Karageorgis, Dr E. Kaberi, A.
Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarhi (till 30/9/11), S. Iliakis, G. Pappas
Brief Description of the Program: Field work in each area will be repeated each ytear, 2011 to
2014 and will include: (a) Optical recording and assessment of phtyobenthos and zoobenthos
communities (b) Surface sediment sampling for analyses of organic contaminants (c) Surface
sediment sampling for analyses of heavy metals
7

Red Sea 2011 (CAUST/ 872)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Dr E. Papathanassiou
SETE Co.
111 days
Total Budget: 949.900 €
Study Area:
Red Sea.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr E. Papathanassiou, Dr C. Smith, Dr Ch. Anagnostou, Dr Ch.
Kontoyannis, Dr V. Papadopoulos, Dr G. Petyhakis, E. Doumas, Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr I.
Panagiotopoulos, Dr St. Kalogirou, H. Kyriakidou, Dr A. Pancucci, Dr N. Belou, Dr M. Salomidi,
Dr N. Streftaris, P. Vavilis, V. Stasinos, K. Katsaros, Th. Fotopoulos, L. Manousakis, M. Kallergis.
SARonikos dumpinG sitE – B΄ Stage (SARGE-B΄/ 873)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr V. Kapsimalis
TERNA ENERGIAKI S.A.
Duration: 18 months (01/06/11- 30/11/12)
Total Budget: 116.604 €
Study Area:
Saronikos Gulf
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Kapsimalis, Dr A. Karageorgis, Dr G. Roussakis, Dr Th.
Kanallopoulos, Dr I. Panagiotopoulos, P. Georgiou, J. Pambidis, P. Mantopoulos, A. Papageorgiou,
M. Taxiarchi (till 30/9/11), S. Maroulakis, P. Drakopoulou, H. Kyriakidou, P. Antoniou, Dr A.
Pavlidou, Dr E. Krassakopoulou, Dr J. Hatzianestis, Dr E. Tsagari, Dr E. Strogyloudi, S. Eliakis, G.
Pappas, H. Rousselaki, M. Anthoulas, E. Plakidi, Ch. Pyrgaki, Dr P. Panagiotidis, Dr V.A. Katsiki,
Dr K. Pagou, Dr N. Sympoura, S. Zervoudaki, Th. Zoulias, G. Arvanitakis, A. Konstantinopoulou,
J. Vakirtzi, N. Katsiaras
Brief Description of the Program: The present project aims to investigate various
physicochemical parameters associated with the sea-water column, sedimentary sea-bottom and
marine fauna and flora, which can reveal the short- and long-term influence of the dredging
materials on the marine environment.
Initially, as it concerns the short-term effects, the degree of reduction of sea-water transparency in
connection with the extent and duration of disposal activity will be studied. Further, an
investigation will be carried out regarding the impacts of the diminished sea-water transparency
and dredging material clay fraction on phytoplankton populations and diversity.
Also the current project intends to study the impact of the released by the dredged matter
hydrocarbons, organic carbon and nutrients on the marine bio-societies. More specifically, the
benthic communities due to their stable character imprint accurately environmental changes of
low/high intensity and duration. Considerable disruptions in the marine environment may affect the
sea-bed bio-communities causing primarily a negative effect on the distribution and structure of
macrobenthos and meiobenthos. For the evaluation of the spatial and temporal status of the benthic
communities, worldwide valid indexes are used in order to reveal the environmental state of the
various ecosystems. The estimation of these indexes, before and after the disposal activity, is going
to manifest the level of the disturbance in the marine ecosystem and the associated biological
changes as well.
In particular, the study of the aforementioned physico-chemical and biological parameters will be
managed through sampling activities before, during and after the dumping operations of the
dredged matter.
8

Chios Coasts (ΑΚΤΕΣ ΧΙΟΥ/ 874)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr V. Kapsimalis
Regional Unit of Chios
Duration: 11 months (01/07/11-31/05/12)
Total Budget: 30.000 €
Study Area:
Agia Fotini and Komi beaches of Chios Island
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Kapsimalis, Dr Ch. Anagnostou, Dr Ch. Kontogiannis, Dr A.
Prospathopoulos, Dr Th. Kanallopoulos, P. Renieris, M. Hatzinaki, Dr I. Panagiotopoulos, A.
Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarchi (till 30/9/11), P. Drakopoulou, H. Kyriakidou, P. Antoniou, G. Pappas,
N. Sympoura, N. Katsiaras
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of this study is to identify the coastal processes
(erosion, deposition, shoreline retreat) on the Komi and St. Fotini beaches (Chios Island), which in
summer are main tourist destinations. It will specify the exact causes of damage and changes,
detected every year in these shores, but also to propose concrete solutions to reduce these
phenomena.
Marine Geoarchaeological survey of the Iraklion - Dia area, Northern Cretan shelf area
(KNOSSOS 2011/ 878)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr D. Sakellariou
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Duration: 12 months (01/09/11-31/08/12)
Total Budget: 67.000 €
Study Area:
Iraklion – Dia area, Northern Crete
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr D. Sakellariou, Dr G Rousakis, Dr V Lykousis, Dr V. Kapsimalis, P.
Georgiou, I. Pampidis, P. Mantopoulos, S. Kalogirou, Dr I. Panagiotopoulos, H. Kyriakidou, I.
Morfis, Dr C. Smith, V. Drakopoulou
Other participants: Crete Dept. of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, Dr Th. Theodoulou,
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Dr B. Foley
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of the project is (1) to survey the marine area off the
the Minoan cultural centre of Knossos for the location of potential archaeological remains on the
seafloor and (2) to map and reconstruct the submerged prehistoric landscape of the Northern Cretan
shelf in the area between Iraklion – Dia island. The area will be surveyed with high resolution
swath bathymetry sustem, subbottom profiler, missions of AUVs (REMUS 100) equipped with side
scan sonar and camera, and sediment samplers / corers. The survey works will be carried out from
R/V ALKYON.
Gliders for Research, Ocean Observation and Management (GROOM/ 882)
Scientific Coordinator: Dr K. Nittis
Funding:
EU/FP7 & GSRT
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
36 months
Total Budget: 84.309 €
Study Area:
European Seas
9

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr K.Nittis, L. Perivoliotis, D. Kassis, T. Chondronasios
Other Participants: UPMC, OC-UCY, IFM, HZG, AWI, UT, FMI, CNRS, IFREMER, NURC,
OGS, UIB, NERSC, CSIC, PLOCAN, SAMS, UEA, NERC
Brief Description of the Program: The objective of the GROOM project is the design of a new
European research infrastructure to use underwater gliders for the benefit of European citizens,
researcher, and industry. GROOM will define the scientific, technological and organizational/legal
levels, of a European glider capacity for research and sustained observations of the oceans, in line
with the other European and international initiatives for marine in-situ observations. The proposal
for this new infrastructure strongly relies on EuroARGO and JERICO infrastructures which are
emerging and also considers the relevant international coordinating bodies such as GOOS. The
proposed technological infrastructures will be based on several dedicated 'gliderports' to maintain
and operate a European fleet of gliders in coordination with US, Canadian, Australian and other
similar infrastructures. This new infrastructure would be beneficial for both academic
oceanographic research and operational oceanography systems on which a large number of marine
activities and societal applications now rely.
Hazard, seismogenic dynamics, and seismic/aseismic coupling of an active fault system in the
western Rift of Corinth, Greece (SISCOR/ 884)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr D. Sakellariou
IPGP / Universite de Chambery France
Duration: 12 months (01/10/11-30/09/12)
Total Budget: 32.000 €
Study Area:
West Corinth Gulf
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr. D. Sakellariou, Dr E. Tripsanas, Dr. G Rousakis, Dr. V Lykousis, P.
Georgiou, I. Pampidis, P. Mantopoulos, S. Kalogirou, G. Hatiris, Dr I. Panagiotopoulos, H.
Kyriakidou, I. Morfis
Other participants: Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, IPGP, CNRS/IRD/University of Nice
Sophia Antipolis, CRPG, LGCA/LGIT Universite de Chambery, Ecole Normale Supérieure, IRSN
(Institute of Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety
Brief Description of the Program: We will focus on offshore paleoseismic data acquisition and
their tectonic interpretation through analysis of sedimentary accumulations. The data acquisition
tools are: high resolution seismic-reflexion imaging, coring, and laboratory analyses (dating and
characterization of co-seismic layers or disturbances). We will apply specific analyses (textural
properties on cores, acoustic facies) for co-seismic assessment of sedimentary features.
Study of inner Saronikos ecosystem, under the influence of Psittalia sewage treatment plant
(PHASE E) (ΕΣΩΤΕΡΙΚΟΣ ΣΑΡΩΝΙΚΟΣ – ΚΕΛΨ - Ε’ Περίοδος/ 885)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr S. Zervoudaki (deputy coordinator)
Company of water supply and sewerage (EYDAP)
Duration: 18 months (01/11/11-30/04/13)
Total Budget: 123.136,53 €
Study Area:
Inner Saronikos Gulf.
10

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr H. Kontogiannis, Th. Morfis, P. Renieris, Dr A. Pavlidou, R.
Psillidou, P. Zachioti, Dr A. Karageorgis, A. Papageorgiou, Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr K. Pagou, Dr
G. Assimakopoulou, Dr S. Zervoudaki, Th. Zoulias, Dr P. Panagiotidis, Dr M. Salomidi, Dr N.
Simboura, Dr N. Streftaris, Dr M.A. Pancucci, G. Arvanitakis
Other participants: Company of water supply and sewerage (EYDAP)
Brief Description of the Program: Objectives:
To monitor the ecological status of inner Saronikos Gulf (including Elefsis and Keratsini bays)
under the influence of Psittalia sewage treatment plant, during a 12 month period (11/09-10/10)
To study the ecosystem evolution of inner Saronikos Gulf and Elefsis Bay from 1987 until now.
Works:
Study of water column parameters:
a) physical: temperature, salinity, turbidity.
b) chemical: oxygen and dissolved inorganic nutrients.
c) biological: phytoplanktonic biomass (Chl-a)
Study of benthic communities (phyto- and zoobenthos)
Study of organic carbon and heavy metal content of sediments.
Strengthening International Dimension of Euro-Argo Research Infrastructure (SIDERI/ 887)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr G. Korres
EU
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
24 months
Total Budget: 80.505 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean – European Seas –Global Ocean
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Korres, D. Kassis, A. Chondronasios
Brief Description of the Program: SIDERI is a two year project (2012-2014) which goal is to
strengthen the links and integration of the Euro-Argo European research infrastructure into the
Argo International strategy of global ocean observations, and to seek participation by, and to
develop cooperation with, potential participants in the European neighboring areas which have a
maritime interest. The following activities are planned:
Work on the evolution of the Argo core mission together with international partners (O2, biogeochemical
sensors, deep floats, extension to polar and marginal seas),
Work on the evolution of the Argo data centers (Delayed Mode Quality Control of the North
Atlantic ARC and Southern Ocean Argo Regional Center) and role of the European
components,
Refine the float deployment strategy in Europe and international seas and links with
international partners,
making the interfaces with JCOMMOPS and Argo information center (AIC),
working on legal aspects and policy issues (law of the sea),
Organize scientific and thematic (regional) workshops open to international partners
In most of these activities HCMR’s scientific team will contribute in order to:
advocate enhanced float coverage over the regional seas and especially over the Eastern
Mediterranean Sea,
Seek a larger degree of cooperation between the maritime countries of our neighborhood,
collect and merge the information of possible options for float deployments in the
Mediterranean Area using available networks of agencies and propose simple methods of float
tracking and recovery,
consult experts upon law of the sea issues in the Eastern Mediterranean region and try to clarify
the status between these countries.
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This project will be carried by the Euro-Argo preparatory phase project partners that will form the
future partners of the Euro-Argo ERIC in which we are participating.
Investigation of Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD) for preventing pollution and
eutrophication of the coastal sea (SGD BLACK SEA/ 893)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr Ch. Tsabaris
EU via GSRT (FP7)
Duration: 18 months (01/11/11-31/05/13)
Total Budget: 36.160 €
Study Area:
Climate and Environment (Water pollution prevention options for
coastal zones and tourist areas)
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Ch. Tsabaris, Dr A. Prospathopoulos, Dr D. Patiris, Dr H. Kaberi, Dr
A. Karageorgis, S. Alexakis
Other Participants: Eleftheriou George, Androulakaki Efrosini
Brief Description of the Program: The proposed project “SGD BlackSea” in the frame of Black
Sea ERA.NET aims to perform a complete study for the affection of submarine groundwater
discharges on the eutrophication in the Black Sea. The research filed of this cooperation concerns
field work, radiotracer measurements and nutrients in two specific areas in the Black Sea where
intense SGDs appear.
The sustainable protection and management of the coastal ocean generally require a comprehensive
understanding of the processes related to solute and particulate material transport from the
terrestrial to the marine environment. Whereas river and sewage discharge into the sea are bound to
distinct locations, thus allowing straightforward quantification of discharge rates and material
budgets, the investigation of material transport via submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is
more complicated. Adding to the general difficulties in locating submarine water sources and
investigating SGD related processes is the spatial and temporal variability that is typical for SGD.
The scientific aim of the proposed project is the application of a multi-tracer approach for SGD
research at two exemplary sites on the Black Sea coast. It is planned to combine a variety of
appropriate tracer methods and support the findings by a land-side DEM based modelling approach.
The two suggested study sites have been chosen in order to (i) show strong exposure to a high level
of anthropogenic pressure including touristic activities and (ii) to represent two different
geographical settings, one located on the mountainous eastern coast and the other on the flat
western coast of the Black Sea. The results of the project will be of relevance for the local and
regional water resource and coastal sea management. In addition, the established research network
will allow the development of new and modified methods particularly suitable for SGD related
research in the Black Sea region. Inter-institutional synergies will result from combining
experiences, approaches and methodologies from four European research institutions.
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Microalgae resting cysts in recent marine sediments and their role in the establishment of
HABs in three eutrophicated bays in Greece and Turkey (ΕΛΛΑ∆Α-ΤΟΥΡΚΙΑ PHYTO/
890)
Contract Number: 10 TUR/1-30-2/ ΕΥ∆Ε-ΕΤΑΚ 1438
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr A. Giannakourou
GSRT
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
24 months
Total Budget: 15.000€
Study Area:
Saronikos Gulf and Maliakos Gulf.
Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr A. Giannakourou, Dr K. Pagou, Dr I. Vakirtzi
Other Participants: Dr Neslihan Balkis, Istanbul University, Faculty of Sciences, Department of
Biology, Section of Hydrobiology.
Brief Description of the Program: Microalgae in marine waters regularly form blooms and
possibly cause harmful effects, referred as “Harmful Algal Blooms” (HAB). Toxin-producing
species (toxic blooms) can contaminate seafood and cause sickness in humans eating the seafood,
or sickness and death in the shellfish and finfish themselves. Aquaculture, represented by the
shellfish industry and fish farming, in many countries has suffered large economic losses during the
last decades, due to the occurrence of toxic/harmful phytoplankton blooms.
In coastal waters, many planktonic organisms produce resting cysts and these cysts can rest at the
sediments for decades, being a reservoir of potential biodiversity. The accumulation of harmful
algae cysts in the sediments, could explain the frequent outbreaks of HABs. The aim of the project
is to compare the similarities and differences of phytoplankton populations in three eutrophicated
coastal ecosystems in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Marmara Sea (Saronikos Gulf-Elefsis Bay
and Maliakos Gulf /Aegean Sea, Gulf of Gemlik/Marmara Sea) which are characterized by
different physico-chemical features. We will test the ‘seed population’ hypothesis and study the
sediment cyst bank at the proposed sites, that probably derive from bloom processes and contain
cysts able to refuel new blooms.
Impact of ocean acidification οn pelagic food web in a coastal area of Eastern Mediterranean
Sea (ΕΛΛΑ∆Α- ΤΟΥΡΚΙΑ ACIDIFICATION/ 891)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
GSRT 10 ΤUR/1-24-2
Dr S. Zervoudaki
Management Service and Enforcement Actions of the Ministry of
Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs in the areas of
Research, Technological Development and Innovation
24 months
Total Budget: 15.000 €
Study Area:
Saronikos Gulf
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G.Assimakopoulou, Dr C. Frangoulis, Dr E. Krasakopoulou
Other Participants: Dr. Stamatina Isari, Biologist-Zooplankton, Percentage of time 10%
Brief Description of the Program: Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentration is
causing global warming and ocean acidification (OA), which increasingly are recognized as
important drivers of change in biological systems. Recent work indicates that the oceanic uptake of
anthropogenic CO 2 and the concomitant changes in seawater chemistry have adverse consequences
for many calcifying organisms and most research has focused on tropical coral reefs and planktonic
13

coccolithophores. However, little information is available for other important taxa, for processes
other than calcification, or for potential ecosystem-level consequences emerging from the oceanic
pCO 2 levels that are predicted to occur over the next 100 years. Although, the Mediterranean basin
is a potential hotspot for environmental change, due to various anthropogenic stressors combined
with climate change-induced temperature increase and changes in seawater chemistry, there is little
information about present and future impacts of OA on marine organisms and ecosystems. Thus,
within the frame of this Hellenic-Turkish cooperation, our goal is to quantify the effects of
increased CO 2 concentrations on the feeding and the secondary production of a keystone
Mediterranean copepod species in relation to the phytoplankton and microzooplankton changes in
order to better understand the response of zooplankton to ocean acidification. Also, we attempt to
establish carbon flux budgets in a coastal area of the Mediterranean Sea and quantify the possible
changes due to increased CO 2 concentrations.
Supercomputer with grid logic for ecological, biological and medical data and algorithms
(EVAGORAS/ 3021102)
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr G. Petihakis (IO) Dr G. Kotoulas (IMBG)
Funding: Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Greece - Cyprus 2007-2013
(INTERREG)
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 24 months (01/07/11-30/06/13)
Total Budget: 102,500 €
Study Area:
Crete - Cyprus
Scientific team (ΗCMR): IO: G. Petihakis, G. Triantafyllou, K. Tsiaras, A. Pollani, IMBG: G.
Kotoulas, J. Langlel, A. Magoulas, Admin.: P. Vavilis, D. Sidirokastritis, S. Marinakis
Other participants: Polytechnic of Crete, University of Cyprus
Brief Description of the Program: The main purpose of the project is to create a supercomputer
for medical, biological and ecological data based on grid logic (FPGAs) which will provide
services in research groups. Medicine, Biology and Ecology are rapidly developing sciences with a
wide field of research. Scientists have to address, inter alia, important issues concerning the
management of huge volume of data generated daily in the laboratory. Large processing times
required for the extraction of the final-relevant information. The modern approach to the solution
of the problem is the use of supercomputers. Another approach is the proposed system. It consists
of two general purpose computers and a range of cards (boards) with grid logic which can be
implemented quickly in any application designed. The general purpose computers will have the role
to interface with the Internet and manage the supercomputer users as well as interface with the
cards of grid logic.
The cards will be interconnected with either the general purpose computer via a fast connection or
be interconnected. The project envisages the creation of appropriate standards for interconnection
(interfaces) to create libraries to implement common tasks such as access to external memory,
internal caches, etc. After creating the libraries specific applications of bioinformatics and
ecological models will be introduced. Most important applications will be selected (eg, NCBI
BLAST) to make the supercomputer particularly useful for most end users as possible. Each user
will have access to the account from which will be able to access the various databases stored
locally. The applications created will be controlled by end users for the accuracy of the results of a
series of experiments. The expected result is to reduce the runtime of the experiments on average
20 times per application per card of grid logic. Operation with 16 cards thus will be equivalent to
320 computers.
14

The proposed supercomputer would be an important research tool for end users and help them
become highly competitive in their research field. The laboratories which will design and
implement the supercomputer will have a very strong platform on which they can develop new
applications and to conduct research projects. Moreover the maintenance cost is significantly lower
than the corresponding general purpose computers while energy consumption is about 20 times
lower with a significant impact on the environment.
Towards a joint European research infrastructure network for coastal observatories
(JERICO Κρήτης/ 3021101)
Contract Number: 262584
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr G. Petihakis (Crete), Dr K. Nittis (Athens)
Funding: EC – DG Research (75%), GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 48 months (01/05/11-30/04/15)
Total Budget: 373.181,64 €
Study Area:
European Regional Seas
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Petihakis, Dr K. Nittis, Dr G. Korres, L. Perivoliotis, D. Kassis, M.
Ntoumas, P. Pagonis, A. Chondronasios
Other Participants: Ifremer, SYKE, IBW PAN, DMI, NIVA, IMR, DELTARES, OGS, CNR,
UOM, NERC, INGV, GKSS, MUMM, CEFAS, SMHI, CSIC, NIOZ, MI, BL, AZTI, INSU, IH, IO-
BAS, PUERTO, CMCC
Brief Description of the Program: The main objective of JERICO is to increase the coherence
and the sustainability of the dispersed infrastructures for coastal observations by addressing their
future within a shared pan-European framework. The project proposes a Pan European approach
for a coastal marine observatory network, integrating infrastructure and technologies such as
moorings, drifters, ferrybox and gliders. Networking activities will lead to the definitions of best
practices for design, implementation, maintenance and distribution of data of coastal observing
systems, as well as the definition of a quality standard. Harmonisation and strengthening coastal
observation systems within EuroGOOS regions will be sought. Unique twin Trans National Access
experiments will be carried out in order to reveal the potential of datasets used in synergy. Central
coastal infrastructure in Europe will be opened for international research. This will among other
benefits GMES and European contribution to climate change research. New joint research will be
conducted in order to identify new and strategic technologies to be implemented in the next
generation European coastal observatories. JERICO intends to contribute to the international and
global effort on climate change research (GEOSS), to provide coastal data inputs for operational
ocean observing and forecasting, and also to answer to some of the needs of the environmental
research and societal communities.
Study of marine ecosystem in Naxos Island in relation to the operation of the Sewage
Treatment Plant (NAXOS)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Dr A. Pavlidou
Naxos Municipality
12 months
Total Budget: 19.980 €
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Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Α. Pavlidou, Dr Ι. Hatzianestis, Dr Α. Karageorgisς, Dr Ν.
Sympoura, Dr Α. Pankouci, Dr S. Reizopoulou, Dr Th. Kannelopoulos, E. Rouselaki, Α. Androni,
P. Zachioti, Χ. Pyrgaki, I. Georgakakis, Α. Papageorgiou, G. Kampouri, G Arvanitakis, G. Pappas
Brief Description of the Program: This is a program for the continuous evaluation of the quality
of the marine environment in Naxos Island, in relation to the operation of the Sewage Treatment
Plant.
1.1.2. Continuing Research Programs
Study of the environmental impact of dumping metalliferous waste in N. Evvoikos gulf.
(ΛΑΡΚΟ/ 126)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2004
Duration:
Dr N. Simboura
LARCO SA.
Total Budget (2010-12): 39.000€
Study Area:
8,5 years (102 µήνες)
12 months (30/01/04-31/12/04) - 24 months (01/01/05-31/12/06) -
12 months (01/001/07-31/12/07), 12 months (01/01/08-31/12/08) -
24 months (01/01/09-31/12/10) - 18 months (01/01/11-30/06/12)
N. Evvoikos Gulf.
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr N. Simboura, Dr V.A. Catsiki, Dr M.A. Pancucci, Dr K. Tsagari, N.
Kouerinis, G. Arvanitakis, G. Pappas
Brief Description of the Program: Study of the effects of dumping metalliferous waste on the
benthic communities of the dumping area and also monitoring the levels of heavy metals
accumulated in the tissues of benthopelagic organisms and fish produced from local fish cultures.
Operational use, maintenance and co-operation of the POSEIDON system
(ΕΠΙΧΕΙΡΗΣΙΑΚΗ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ- ΣΥΝΤΗΡΗΣΗ ΣΥΣΤΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΠΟΣΕΙ∆ΩΝ/ 419)
Contract Number: ΣΑΜ 013 από Π∆Ε. 2—2 ΣΜ 0130 0000
Scientific Coordinators: L. Perivoliotis (from 26/07/11), Dr D. Georgopoulos (13/04/09-
25/07/11) & Prof. G.Th. Chronis (till 13/04/09)
Funding:
GSRT
Starting Year: 2002
Duration: continuing (01/01/02-01/01/12)
Study Area:
Aegean Sea.
Scientific Team (HCMR): Dr D. Georgopoulos, Dr Κ. Νittis, Dr A. Papadopoulos, Dr A.
Prospathopoulos, Dr Τ. Soukissian, Dr E. Tragou, Dr V. Zervakis, D. Ballas, S. Barbetseas (till
08/06/07), Chr. Diamanti, E. Papageorgiou (till 30/04/09), L. Perivoliotis, A. Mallios (till
11/12/07), A. Niotaki (till 15/07/09)
16

Other participants: Aegean University, Greek National Meteorological Office.
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of the project is to insure the appropriate functioning
of the buoys network of the Poseidon System. This network covers the Aegean Sea. The
POSEIDON buoys network cover the Aegean Sea providing real time data to the HCMR data
center. The continuous flux of real time data from the network to the user is of the main target of
this project.
Monitoring Program for the evaluation of the quality of Messiniakos Gulf and the western
coast of Messinia during 2006-2010 (ΠΑΡΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΗΣΗ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΚΟΥ ΚΟΛΠΟΥ/
596)
Scientific Coordinator: Dr A. Pavlidou, Dr I. Chatzianestis (18/09/06-13/10/08)
Funding:
Starting Year: 2006
Prefectorial Administration of Messinia County (37,5%); Local
Union of boroughs and of Messinia County (37,5%) and Kalamata
Borough (25%)
Duration: 60 months (02/03/06-01/03/11)
Total Budget: 200.000 €
Study Area:
Messiniakos Gulf.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): IO: Dr A. Pavlidou, Dr I. Chatzianestis, Dr O. Gotsi (till 15/10/11), Dr
A. Karageorgis, Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr P. Panagiotidis, Dr A. Zenetos, Dr N. Sympoura, Dr
M.A. Pancucci-Papadopoulou, Dr K. Pagou, Dr V. Papadopoulos, Dr M. Salomidi, N. Streftaris, P.
Drakopoulou, S. Kioroglou, R. Psyllidou-Giouranovits, G. Assimakopoulou, Dr N. Bellou, E.
Tsougiopoulou P. Renieris, P. Zachioti, M. Anthula, G. Pappas, S. Iliakis, A. Konstantinopoulou,
Th. Zoulias, A. Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarchi (till 30/9/11), Ch. Pyrgaki, A. Androni, G. Arvanitakis,
P. Kouraklis, A. Zambelis (till 4/11/11), IA: M. Giagnisi (till 29/9/11)
Brief Description of the Program: This is a monitoring program for the evaluation of the quality
of Messiniakos Gulf and the western coasts of Messinia County, which aims to record the
environmental status of the study area in relation to the activities and the environmental problems
in the area. Additionally, the European Water Frame Directive (WFD) will be implemented for the
first time in the study area.
Southern European Seas: Assessing and Modeling Environmental Changes (SESAME/ 639)
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr E. Papathanassiou
Funding: EU (66,21%) & GSRT (33,79%)
Starting Year: 2006
Duration: 54 months (01/11/06-30/04/11)
Total Budget: 2.789.271 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean and Black Sea.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr E. Papathanassiou, Dr H. Kaberi, Prof. G.Th. Chronis (till 13/04/09),
Dr N. Streftaris, Dr Ch. Tziavos (till 31/08/07), Dr D. Georgopoulos, Dr I. Siokou (till 17/10/11),
Dr S. Psarra, Dr G. Triantafyllou, C. Sarantakos, A. Iona, Dr I. Akoumianaki, Dr Ch. Anagnostou,
G. Asimakopoulou, Dr A. Banks, Dr A. Giannakourou, Dr L. Giannoudi, Dr O. Gotsis (till
15/10/11), Dr B. Zannou, A. Mavriki, S. Fragou, A. Zambelis (till 04/11/11), Dr Ch. Zeri, Dr T.
Zervoudaki, A. Theoharis (till 16/9/08), Dr A. Karageorgis, S. Kioroglou, Dr V. Kourafalou (till
2/5/07), Dr H. Kontogiannis, Dr G. Korres, Dr E. Krassakopoulou, Dr P. Mihalopoulos, Dr P.
Pagou, Dr A. Pancucci, Dr A. Pavlidou, Dr G. Petihakis, Dr V. Pitta, A. Pollani, Dr K.
17

Souvermezoglou, S. Stavrakakis, C. Tsiaras, Dr C. Fragoulis, Dr E. Christou, A.
Konstantinopoulou, S. Iliakis, G. Pappas, P. Renieris, A. Morfis, G. Zachioti, M. Anthoula, M.
Taxiarhi (till 30/09/11), A. Papageorgiou, Th. Zoulias, A. Androni, G. Kabouri IMBR: Dr A.
Zenetos Admin.: E. Papadopoulos (till 12/04/11)
Other Participants: (1) Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CNRS (LOV, CEFREM,
LOB, LMGEM, LOBB, LA, Paris), FRANCE (2) P.P.Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian
Academy of Sciences, SIO-RAS, RUSSIA (3) ORTA DOGU TEKNIK UNIVERSITESI, Institute
of Marine Sciences, Middle East Technical University, IMS-METU, TURKEY (4) University of
Liege, MARE Interfacultary Research Centre, UNIVERSITE DE LIEGE, ULg, BELGIUM (5)
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, CSIC (IMEDEA, ICMAN, CEAB, ICM), SPAIN
(6) Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, CoNISMa (UniBo, DiSTeBA),
ITALY (7) Panepistimio Aigaiou, AEGEAN, GREECE (8) Institute of Oceanology, Bulgarian
Academy of Sciences, IO –BAS, BULGARIA (9) Israel Oceanographic & Limnological Research
Limited, IOLR, ISRAEL (10) Athens University of Economics and Business - Research Center,
AUEB-RC, GREECE (11) Bogazici Universitesi, ECON-BOUN, TURKEY (12) National Council
for Scientific Research, CNRSL-CNSM, LEBANON (13) Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche,
CNR (IBF, IAMC, ISAC, ISMAR, IRSA), ITALY (14) Sofiiski Universitet “Sveti Kliment
Ohridski”, Department of Meteorology and Geophysics, University of Sofia, DMG-SU,
BULGARIA (15) Ente per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e l'Ambiente, ENEA, ITALY (16)
Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei, FEEM, ITALY (17) INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE
CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU GEOLOGIE SI GEOECOLOGIE MARINA, National
Institute of Marine Geology and Geo-Ecology, GeoEcoMar, ROMANIA (18) Institut Francais de
Recherche pour l’Exploration de la Mer, IFREMER, FRANCE (19) A.O. KOVALEVSKIY
INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGY OF SOUTHERN SEAS - UKRANIAN NATIONAL ACADEMY OF
SCIENCES, IBSS, UKRAINE (20) Institut za Oceanografiju I ribarstvo Institute of Oceanography
and Fisheries, IOF, CROATIA (21) Istituto Centrale per la Ricerca Scientifica e Tecnologica
Applicata al Mare, ICRAM, ITALY (22) Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica
Sperimentale, OGS, ITALY (23) Fondazione IMC – Centro Marino Internazionale-ONLUS, IMC,
ITALY (24) Commission of the European Communities, Directorate General Joint Research
Centre, EC-DG-JRC, ITALY (25) Institut National des Sciences et Techniques de la mer, INSTM,
TUNISIA (26) Marine Hydrophysical Institute, Ukrainian National Academy of Science, MHI,
UKRAINE (27) National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”,
Institutul National de Cercetare – Dezvoltare Marina, NIMRD, ROMANIA (28) National Institute
of Biology, Marine Biology Station, Nacionalni Institutza Biologijo, NIB, SLOVENIA (29)
Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology,
Climate Dynamics, INGV, ITALY (30) The National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries,
NIOF, EGYPT (31) Panepistimio Kyprou, UCY, CYPRUS (32) Southern Scientific Centre of the
Russian Academy of Sciences, SSC-RAS, RUSSIA (33) Stazione Zoologica ‘Anton Dohrn’ SZN,
ITALY (34) Tbilisi State University, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, UNITIBLISI,
GEORGIA (35) Universitat de Barcelona, UB, SPAIN (36) Universidad de Huelva, UHU, SPAIN
(37) Universitaet Bremen, Uni-HB, GERMANY (38) University of Crete, UoC, GREECE (39)
Universita ta Malta, UoM, MALTA (40) Polytechnic University of Marche, Universita Politecnica
delle Marche, UNIVPM, ITALY (41) Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale, ULCO, France (42)
University of Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, Carl von
Ossietzky Universitaet Οldenburg, ICBM, GERMANY (43) University of Plymouth, UoP, U.K.
(44) Cyprus International Institute of Management, CIIM, CYPRUS (45) CLU srl, CLU, ITALY
(46) SOPAB BREST SA, OCEANOPOLIS,France.
Brief Description of the Program: The general scientific objectives of SESAME are to assess
and predict changes in the Mediterranean and Black Sea ecosystems as well as changes in the
ability of these ecosystems to provide goods and services. The Mediterranean and Black Sea will be
approached as a coupled climatic/ecosystem entity, with links and feedbacks to the world ocean.
The assessment of ecosystem changes will be based on the identification of the major regime shifts
in ecosystems that occurred during the last 50 years. Mathematical models, validated and upgraded
18

using existing and new observations, will be used to predict ecosystem responses to changes in
climate and anthropogenic forcings during the next five decades. The new data will be gathered
during multidisciplinary, multiship oceanographic cruises in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
These will provide an overall picture of the Mediterranean and Black Sea that does not yet exist as
well as essential datasets for model validation. SESAME will also study the effect of the ecosystem
variability on key goods and services with high societal importance like tourism, fisheries,
ecosystem stability through conservation of biodiversity and mitigation of climate change through
carbon sequestration in water and sediments. The innovative character of SESAME is reflected in
the close merging of economic and natural sciences to study the changes in the western and eastern
Mediterranean and the Black Sea within the period from 50 years in the past to 50 years in the
future. SESAME will create a platform for disseminating the research results to all levels of
society. It will stimulate and strengthen international cooperation in the Mediterranean and Black
Sea regions through the participation of research organizations from Member States, Associated
States, Associated Candidate countries, non-EU Mediterranean and NIS countries as well as
international organizations.
Development of a Framework for Data Harmonisation and Service Integration
(HUMBOLDT/ 652)
Contract Number: 030962
Scientific Coordinator:
Main Coordinator:
Dr E. Balopoulos (till 16/09/09) & A. Lykiardopoulos
Daniel Holweg (Framehofer Institute for Computer graphics)
Funding: EU (46,11 %) & GSRT (53,89 %)
Starting Year: 2006
Duration: 54 months (01/10/06-31/03/11)
Total Budget: 194.500 €
Study Area:
Continental Europe and seas surrounding European Countries.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Ε. Balopoulos, Α. Iona, Α. Lykiardopoulos, P. Gotsis (till 15/10/07),
B. Lakes, P. Karagevrekis
Other participants: (1) Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.,
Germany FHG-IGD, (2) ETRA, Spain ETRA, (3) Help Service Remote Sensing, Czech Republic
HSRS, (4) LogicaCMG UK, United Kingdom LOGCMG, (5) Institut Geographique National,
France IGN, (6) Intergraph CR spol. s r.o., Czech Republic INGR, (7) Swiss Federal Instutite of
Technology Zürich, Switzerland ETHZ, (8) Delft University of Technology , Netherlands TUD, (9)
University of Rome “La Sapienza”, Italy ULSoR, (10) Institute of Geodesy, Cartography and
Remote Sensing, Hungary FOMI, (11) Marine Information Service 'MARIS' BV, Netherlands
MARIS, (12) Kaunas University of Technology Regional, Lithuania KTC, (13) The Foundation
“INI-GraphicsNet Stiftung”, Germany IGS, (14) Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation
de la Mer, France IFREMER, (15) National Environment Research Council, United Kingdom
NERC/BODC, (16) Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Greece HCMR, (17) Swedish
Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Sweden SMHI, (18) University of the West of England,
Bristol, United Kingdom UWE, (19) Telespazio, Italy TSP, (20) Geographical Information Systems
International Group, Italy GISIG, (21) Round Table Geographic Information Systems, Germany
RT-GIS, (22) CNR IREA, Italy IREA, (23) Ustav Pro Hospodarskou Upravu Lesu Brnadys Nad
Labem (Forest Management Institute), Czech Republic FMI, (24) Instituto Geografico Portuges,
Portugal IGP, (25) Collecte Localisation Satellites, France CLS, (26) University of Gävle, Sweden
UoG, (27) Promitheas Business Innovation Centre, Cyprus PRO
19

Brief Description of the Program: HUMBOLDT will contribute to the implementation of an
European Spatial Data Infrastructure (ESDI) that integrates all the diversity of spatial data available
from the multitude of European organizations, it is the aim of this project to manage and advance
the implementation process of this ESDI. To achieve this objective and to maximize the benefits
gained from this integration, the requirements of INSPIRE, of GMES, of the environmental
agencies and of other related activities in the EU will be met.
HUMBOLDT will start with an analysis to facilitate the re-use of existing concepts, processes,
implementations and experiences. This also includes the analyses of harmonization processes in
other application areas. Following HUMBOLDT will extend the existing by the needs of users and
administrators especially in the area of GMES. As a cornerstone for future businesses, citizen
security, risk management and many more opportunities, the ESDI has to be a lasting development,
prepared for the steps that will inevitably follow with the continuing progression of globalization.
To enable this, the HUMBOLDT project suggests an optimized, community-centered
implementation process. New knowledge will then be gained and new processes will be developed
from the possible combination of data that already exists but is currently highly scattered and
heterogeneous.
Besides a technological-focussed framework which will be developed in HUMBOLDT, the project
also will set up a number of scenarios which will use the developed framework components in realworld
conditions and which will be used as promoters for the target users of the project. Several
user groups like industry, public authorities and research will be targeted and therefore
dissemination and training instruments are used as early as possible within the project to achieve a
high coherence with the INSPIRE time plan and also to achieve high dissemination and feedback
for the project results.
Geological, geophysical and geochemical investigation of the red mud deposits of the
Antikyra Gulf, Science and Policy Integration for Coastal Systems Assessment (SPICOSA/
665)
Contract Number: 036992
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr Ch. Anagnostou
Funding: EU (50%) & GSRT (50%)
Starting Year: 2007
Duration: 48 months (01/02/07-31/01/11)
Total Budget: 181.500 €
Study Area:
NW Aegean Sea- Thermaikos Gulf.
Scientific team (HCMR): IO: Dr Ch. Anagnostou, Prof. G.Th. Cronis, Dr D. Georgopoulos, Dr
A. Karageorgis, Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr V. Lykousis, Dr P. Pagou, Dr P. Panayotidis, Dr E.
Papathanasiou, Dr P. Pavlakis, Dr B. Zanou IMBR: Dr K. Papaconstantinou, Dr A. Conides
Brief Description of the Program: Aim: The overall objective of SPICOSA is develop a selfevolving,
holistic research approach and support tools for the assessment of policy options for
sustainable management, through a balanced considereation of the ecological, social and economic
sectors of Coastal Zone (CZ) Systems.
Objective: Achieving this objective will require a restructuring of the science and methodology
needed to understand and to quantify the response of the coastal ecosystems, together with their
consequences to their social and economic services, when these ecosystems are subjected to
changing environmental and anthropogenic conditions from local to global. These efforts translate
into six major objectives.
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(1) Create an operational Systems approach Framework (SAF) for assessments of policy
alternatives in Coastal Zone Systems. (2) Overcome two critical challenges facing multidisciplinary
science, that of creating a working science-policy interface and that of qualifying and quantifying
complex systems. (3) Implement and test the SAF over eighteen diverse Study Site Applications
throughout the European region. (4) Generate SAF Portofolio consisting of generic assessmentmethodologies,
decision-support tools, models and new knowledge useful for ICZM. (5) Improve
the Communication and Integration among the main actors and infrastructures of CZ Systems. (6)
Generate new opportunities for academic and professional Training in ICZM.
Climate Change and Impact Research: The Mediterranean Environment- CIRCE (CIRCE/
676)
Contract Number: 036961
Scientific Coordinator: A. Theocharis (till 16/09/08), A. Iona (from 17/09/08)
Funding: EU (50%) & GSRT (50%)
Starting Year: 2007
Duration: 51 months (01/04/07-30/06/11)
Total Budget: 68.100 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean Sea.
Scientific team (HCMR): A. Theocharis (till 16/9/08), A. Iona
Brief Description of the Program: CIRCE aims to increase understanding of how the climate
Mediterranean area will change in the near future. The Project shall investigate how global and
Mediterranean climates interact, how the radiative properties of the atmosphere and the radiative
fluxes vary, the interaction between cloudiness and aerosol, and modifications in the water cycle.
Recently observed modifications in the climate variables and detected trends shall also be
compared and analysed.
The objectives of the Project are: (1) To predict and to quantify physical impacts of climate change
in the Mediterranean area; (2) To evaluate the consequences of climate change for the society and
the economy of the populations located in the Mediterranean area; (3) To develop an integrated
approach to understand combined effects of climate change; and (4) To identify adaptation and
mitigation strategies in collaboration with regional stakeholders.
Study of short- and mid-term effects of the pollution cased from the accident of the ship
“SEA DIAMOND” (SEA DIAMOND ΡΥΠΑΝΣΗ/ 678)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2007
Dr I. Hatzianestis
Ministry of Mercantile Marine
Duration: 65 months (01/05/07-30/09/12)
Total Budget: 470.000 € (40.000+110.000+110.000+70.000+70.000)
Study Area:
Caldera area in Santorini.
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr I. Chatzianestis, Dr N. Symboura, Dr A. Zenetos, Dr S. Reizopoulou,
Dr M.A. Pancucci-Papadopoulou, Dr N. Streftaris, Dr Ch. Kontoyannis, Dr V. Papadopoulos, L.
Perivoliotis, Dr M. Korres, A. Morfis, P. Renieris, Dr O. Gotsi-Skreta (till 15/10/11), Dr S.
Zervoudaki, G. Assimakopoulou, A. Konstantinopoulou, Ch. Pyrgaki, E. Plakidi, N. Kouerinis, Dr
P. Panagiotidis, Dr M. Salomidi, G. Arvanitakis, P. Zahioti, M. Anthoula
21

Brief Description of the Study: The aim of the study is the study of the effects of the accident of
“SEA DIAMOND” in Caldera of Santorini and the leakage of petroleum and other pollutants in the
marine environment.
European Seas Observatory Network (ESONET-NoE/ 691)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
GOCE-036851
Dr V. Lykoussis
Funding: EU (50%) & GSRT (50%)
Starting Year: 2007
Duration: 48 months (01/03/07-28/02/11)
Total Budget:
Study Area:
200.000 € (which 30.000 € will go to Univ. of Pireus)
Mediterranean, Black, North, NE Atlantic and Nordic seas.
Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Lykoussis, Prof. G.Th. Chronis (till 13/04/09), Dr K. Nittis, Dr I.
Papoulia, Dr D. Sakellariou, N. Lambadariou, Dr S. Alexandri (till 21/06/11)
Other Participants: IFREMER (Coordinator) and 42 European partners.
Brief Description of the Program: Observatories networked at seafloor level will offer Earth and
ocean scientists new opportunities to study multiple, interrelated processes over time scales ranging
from seconds to decades. These include: a) episodic processes; b) processes with periods from
months to several years; c) global and long-term processes. Episodic processes include, fro
instance, eruptions at mid-ocen ridges and volcanic seamounts, deep-ocean convection at high
latitudes, earthquakes, and biologiclak, chemical and physical impacts of storm events. Category
“b” includes processes like hydrothermal activity and biomass variability in vent communities. The
establishment of an observatory network will be essential to investigate global processes, such as
the dynamics of the oceanic lithosphere and the thermohaline circulation in the Ocean.
Knowledge of deep water circulation close to the seafloor (i.e. Water currents at the Benthic
Boundary Layer) is a fundamental objective of ESONET. More generally, understanding the
interactions between ocean, biosphere and geosphere (lithosphere, and solid earth below), leading
to natural hazards (e.g. tsunami, seismicity, submarine landslides) or environmental changes (e.g.,
sea-level, ecosystem changes, greenhouse gas budget) is one of the main scientific challenges for
the next few decades.
ESONET will facilitate the introduction and adoption of standards in the realm of scientific
investigations to enable interoperability on the system and component level. Furthermore the
project will enhance capacity building in the context of long term operation of observatory systems.
This will result in an improved efficiency regarding scientific cooperation on the European level
for instance in shared use of instrument and sensors on different platform-types.
The integration of leading European companies and SMEs into the anticipated Network of
Excellence will be beneficial to both the industrial and the academic side. The scientific user will
be able to adjust the requirement on the observatory system with respect to a technical and develop
new innovative methods for the prospective ocean observatory system. In this way, ESONET will
stay abreast of future changes in the technological field.
22

European Multi-seafloor Observatories (EMSO/ 751)
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr V. Lykousis
Funding: EU (69%) & GSRT (31%)
Starting Year: 2008
Duration: 48 months (01/04/08-31/03/12)
Total Budget: 431.710 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean, Black sea, North and NE Atlandic and Nordic seas.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Lykousis, Dr K. Nittis, Dr I. Papoulia, Dr D. Ballas, Dr C.
Tsabaris, P. Pagonis, C. Chrιstodoulou, A. Mallios (till 11/12/07), M. Anagnostou, Dr D.
Sakellariou
Other participants: INGV (Overall project coordinator) + 12 countries partners, Institute of
Oceanography/HCMR., GGET
Brief Description of the Program: The European Multidisciplinary Seafloor Observation
(EMSO) infrastructure is based on a European-scale network of seafloor observatories and
platforms with the basic scientific objective of long-term monitoring mainly in real-time of
environmental processes related to the interaction between the geosphere, biosphere, and
hydrosphere.
Different from most of the other ESFRI infrastructures, EMSO is geographically distributed.
EMSO deep-seafloor observatories will be deployed on specific sites around European waters,
reaching from the Arctic to the Mediterranean Sea, thus forming a widely distributed pan-European
infrastructure. EMSO will be integrated from several regional infrastructures each based on sub-sea
observatory sites (RLEs-Regional Legal Entities) all having a single coordination entity (CLE-Core
Legal Entity), which will take part in the international endeavour in seafloor observatories. A list of
already identified key sites as potential RLE candidates.
The main objective of the EMSO-PP (4-year project) will be to establish the legal and governance
framework for the infrastructure serving scientists and other stakeholders in Europe and outside
Europe for long-term deep water observation and investigation. This framework will enable the
deployment of the infrastructure and its long-term management.
Moreover, it will promote the catalytic process and synergic effort at EC and national levels,
coordinating and harmonising all available resources. A pan-European Core Legal Entity (CLE)
and several Regional Legal Entities (RLEs) will be defined and founded. The responsibilities of
CLE and RLEs, with respect to their internal decision-making processes, as well as their external
relations (to stakeholders, users, etc.) will be established.
The Preparatory Phase will solve critical issues that have not been only addressed by other projects:
Diversity of regional sites in terms of available legal frameworks;
Harmonisation of funding (national, European, international, industrial) with respect to scope,
objectives, and timing;
Logistic constraints regarding available resources, and environmental caution;
Possible technical bottle necks for which currently no off-the-shelf solution is available will be
investigated and specific prototypes will be realised and tested (reliable longterm deployment of
instrumentation, junction boxes).
In order to solve the above-mentioned issues, specific activities within the preparatory phase will
be undertaken:
For the CLE and for each RLE, the governance (WP2), the legal form (WP3) will be defined
upon agreement;
A funding plan including contributions from national, European, and international funding
resources will be established (WP4). In addition, a business plan covering both the investment
and the operational expenditures for the first decade of service will be set up (WP5);
The principles of operation will be defined with regard to deployed instrumentation, logistic
intervention, maintenance (WP6);
23

A long-term strategy will be defined and sites will be chosen as an EMSO-PP deliverable
(WP7);
Engineering specifications will be established for each chosen site. These specifications will
describe all engineering aspects required for consistent cost estimation and the launching of the
realisation phase. Specific technical bottlenecks that may jeopardise the long-term reliability of
the infrastructure sub-systems will be experimentally examined (WP8). Prototypes will be
deployed and tested;
A long-term commitment will be obtained from the involved funding agencies through the
activation of discussion tables where the largest possible political convergence will be reached
and formalised in specific agreement protocols and MoUs.
Marine Ecosystem Evolution in a Changing Environment (MEECE/ 756)
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr G. Triantafyllou
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2008
Duration: 48 months (01/09/08-31/08/12)
Total Budget: 183.854 €
Study Area:
Project: Europe wide sea areas plus Benguela system & HCMR:
Aegean
Scientific team (ΗCMR): IO: Dr G. Triantafyllou, Dr G. Petihakis IMBR: Dr C.J. Smith, K.
Papadopoulou
Other Participants: (1) Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), UK, (Coordinator) (2) UNIFOB AS
Norway (3) University Hamburg (UHH) Germany (4) Fundación AZTI - AZTI Fundazioa
(Technalia AZTI), Spain (5) Università di Bologna (UNIBO), Italy (6) Wageningen IMARES
B.V., Netherlands (7) Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), UK
(8) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), UK (9) Institut de Recherche pour le
Développement (IRD), France (10) Technical University of Denmark, Danish Institute for
Fisheries Research (DIFRES), Denmark (11) Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Norway (12)
Institute of Marine Sciences, Middle East Technical University (IMS-MET), Turkey (13) Centre
National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France (14) Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for
Ocean Science (SAHFOS), UK (15) Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPd), Italy (16) Klaipeda
University Corpi (KU Corpi), Lithuania (17) Bolding & Burchard Hydrodynamics (BBH),
Germany (18) Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Spain (19) Commissariat à l'énergie
atomique (CEA), France
Brief Description of the Program: The project aims to develop predictive management tools and
strategies to resolve dynamic ecosystem interactions. The overall concept addresses global change,
the result of natural and anthropogenically induced climate change impacts upon the structure and
function of marine ecosystems via a number of abiotic and biotic drivers. In particular, global
change will lead to large scale changes in climate patterns, ocean circulation and climate (i.e.
structure, temperature and light) while enhanced atmospheric CO2 levels will lead to acidification
of the oceans. These changes, will all impact on the overall trophodynamic structure and
functioning of marine ecosystems. Simultaneously, combinations of direct anthropogenic drivers
such as fishing, eutrophication and pollution influences the competitive ability and dominance of
key species and thus the structure of marine ecosystems. Finally the introduction of alien invasive
species has the potential to restructure marine ecosystems, a mechanism of change, which has the
potential to be intensified when key species are under stress due to the combined effects of abiotic
and biotic stressors.
24

The project will: (1) Review the impacts of the drivers on the marine ecosystem. (2) Develop a
coupled model system to predict ecosystem response from plankton to fish. (3) Scenario test the
impacts of drivers on the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. (4) Develop decision
support tools, which assess key vulnerabilities and risks of global change for the marine ecosystem.
(5) Develop indicators of ecosystem status.
Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man’s Impact On European Seas (HERMIONE-IO
ATHENS/ 765)
Contract Number:
Major Coordinator:
Scientific Coordinator:
226354 (FP7)
Prof P.Weaver
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2009
Dr V. Lykoussis (In collaboration with IO Crete and IMBG)
Duration: 42 months (01/04/09-30/09/12)
Total Budget: 210.759,5 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean, Black, North, NE Atlandic, Nordic seas, Arctic
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Lykousis, Dr N Lambadariou, Dr V. Ploymenakou, Dr E.
Mandalakis, Dr H. Kontogiannis, S. Stavrakakis, Dr H. Kaberi, Dr C. Zeri, Dr I. Chatzianestis, Dr
D. Sakellariou, Dr S. Alexandri (till 21/06/11), Dr A. Karageorgis, Dr G. Rousakis, P. Georgiou, Dr
E. Tripsanas, T. Polychronaki, V. Kalogeropoulou, S. Maroulakis, D. Podaras, P. Mandopoulos, I.
Pambidis, D. Balas, P. Renieris, G. Pappas, A. Morfis.
Other Participants: SOCS (Overall project coordinator) +38 partners (for further details see web
site)
Brief Description of the Program: The HERMIONE project sets out to investigate ecosystems at
critical sites on Europe’s deep ocean margin. Even these remote areas are being affected by man,
either through the indirect affects of climate change or directly through exploitation of deep-sea
resources. Urgent questions need to be addressed such as what will be the impact of climate change
on deep-sea ecosystems? What changes are expected in deep-sea ecosystem functioning? How do
species interconnect between isolated communities? What are the direct effects of man’s impact
and how can we adapt or mitigate these so as to use the oceans in a sustainable manner? Answering
these questions will require complex experiments combined with long-term monitoring of sensitive
environments.
This project addresses issues raised in the EC foresight document “The Deep-Sea Frontier -Science
challenges for a sustainable future” (Cochonat et al., 2007). HERMIONE builds on the success of
previous projects such as HERMES but tackles new areas, for example to provide essential
information on ecosystem dynamics at potential long-term observatory sites, and in Arctic areas
where climate change will be more pronounced. Other topics include cold water cascading in the
Mediterranean, driven by cold winter winds that may lose their impact as climate warms, leading to
reduced ventilation of deep Mediterranean waters (Canals et al., 2006). In addition, we will
investigate seamounts as potential areas of high biodiversity that are under threat from bottom
trawling and we will relate the cold seep communities to those living in hot vents on the Mid-
Atlantic Ridge.
HERMIONE has 4 key scientific objectives. These follow a logical progression fro investigating
the physical dimensions of ecosystems, to understanding how they function and interconnect, to
studying how they are impacted by man and how HERMIONE can contribute to conserving them.
The HERMIONE partnership has committed considerable non-EC resources, including a number of
cruises that are already approved (see Appendix II). The total effort committed to this project will
be several multiples of the EC contribution through the contribution of shiptime, major facilities
25

(e.g. Remotely Operated Vehicles) and staff effort (e.g. postdocs/PhD students) paid by each
nation. The scientists involved represent the best in Europe drawn from internationally recognised
laboratories and with access to state-of-the-art equipment. They have a proven track record of
delivery. They are also passionate about securing the vitality of the oceans for future generations
and will put considerable effort into working with stakeholders.
Objectives: 1. To investigate the dimensions, distribution and interconnection of deep-sea
ecosystems; 2. To understand changes in deep-sea ecosystems related to key factors including
climate; change, human impacts and the impact of large-scale episodic events; 3. To understand
the biological capacities and specific adaptations of deep-sea organisms; and investigate the
importance of biodiversity in the functioning of deep-water ecosystems; 4. To provide stakeholders
and policy-makers with scientific knowledge to support deep-sea governance aimed at the
sustainable management of resources and the conservation of ecosystems.
The scientific side of the work programme is complemented by an extensive public outreach
programme and dedicated training plan for project students, and underpinned by effective and
rigorous data management, including GIS support.
Development and pre-operational validation of upgraded GMES Marine Core Services and
capabilities. (MyOcean/ 766)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
FP7-SPA.2007.1.1.01
Dr G. Korres
EU
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 39 months (01/01/09-31/03/12)
Total Budget: 708.067 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean – European Seas –Global Ocean
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Korres, Dr K. Nittis, L. Perivoliotis, Dr G. Petihakis, G. Krokos,
D. Kassis, P. Vavilis, Dr A. Papadopoulos, Admin.: E. Papadopoulos (till 12/04/11)
Brief Description of the Program: MyOcean is a three year project (2009-2012) which goal is
the development and pre-operational validation of the GMES Marine Core Service for ocean
monitoring and forecasting. It’s a transition project that will conduct the European “operational
oceanography” community towards the operational phase of a GMES European service, which
demands more European integration, more operationality, and more service.
MyOcean's objective is to set up (definition, design, development and validation) an integrated pan-
European capability for ocean monitoring and forecasting, using nationally-available skills and
resources.
At the moment, each member state has developed its own capacities in oceanography, at global or
regional scale, but the organizations, procedures and operational levels vary widely from one state
to another. In Great Britain, operational oceanography is managed by a specific department of the
UK Met Office, with strong commitment and strict procedures, whereas in Italy the centre of
operational oceanography is part of the research institute for geophysics (INGV). For the Baltic
Sea, several bodies have redundant capacities, whereas in France they are shared and grouped
together within the same GIP (Mercator Ocean).
The challenges which «MyOcean» will have to take up will be to: (1) avoid resource duplication.
(2) ensure that all the European subsystems are interoperable. (3) define the same procedures
(quality standards) for development and operational qualification in every (sub)system and ensure
they are applied. (4) define an architecture which integrates all these capacities (skills and
resources) into an operational organization. (5) prove that this organization is reliable, robust,
sustainable and meets the service quality requirements imposed by Europe.
26

Assessment of the interactions between corals, fish and fisheries, in order to develop
monitoring and predictive modelling tools for ecosystem based management in the deep
waters of Europe and beyond (CoralFISH/ 769)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2008
Dr G. Roussakis (In collaboration with IMBR/Pr.2020804)
Duration: 48 months (01/06/08-31/05/12)
Total Budget: 30.200 €
Study Area:
Ionian Sea, Cephalonia-Zakynthos.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): IO: Dr G. Roussakis, Dr V. Lykousis, Dr D. Sakellariou, D. Ballas, D.
Georgiou, P. Mantopoulos, J. Pampidis, Dr S. Alexandri (till 21/06/11), Dr A. Pancucci, Dr M.
Salomidi, IMBR: Dr C.J. Smith, C. Mytilineou, Dr C-Y. Politou, Dr K. Kapiris, I. Dokos, K.
Papadopoulou, P. Mpekas, L. Manousakis, S. Maroulakis, M. Kallergis, V. Stasinos
Other Participants: (1) National University of Ireland Galway, NUIG, Ireland (2) Institute of
Marine Research, IMR, Norway (3) Marine Research Institute, MRI, Iceland (4) Institut Français
de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer, IFREMER, France (5) Instituto do Mar - Centro dos
Acores, IMAR, Azores, Portugal (6) Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del
Mare, CoNISMa, Italy (7) Nederlands Instituut voor Ecologie, NIOO, Netherlands (8) Zoological
Society of London, IOZ, UK (9) Tromso University, UIT, Norway (10) University of Aberdeen,
UNIABN, UK (11) The Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, NIOZ, Netherlands (12)
O'Malley Fisheries, OMALLEY-FISH, Ireland (13) Erlangen University, UNI-ERL, Germany
(14) National University of Ireland Cork, NUIC, Ireland (15) Bremen University, UNIBREMEN,
Germany.
Brief Description of the Program: The CoralFISH project aims to support the implementation of
an ecosystem-based management approach in the deep-sea by studying the interaction between
cold-water coral habitat, fish and fisheries. Within the CoralFish project, multidisciplinary research
cruises will be carried out in areas around Zakynthos and Cephalonia involving fisheries biologists,
marine biologists, geologists and oceanographers. The seabed will be mapped and surveyed with
high technology imaging tools including multibeam sonar, side scan sonar and remotely operated
vehicles, to locate areas of corals and to identify the key organisms and the conditions that they live
in. Further cruises will be carried out to investigate the fish communities and their behaviour
around the coral areas by ROV observation and long-line fishing studies. The project will last over
4 years and brings together 16 participating institutions from 11 European countries investigating
study sites from Northern Europe to the Azores and from Italy to Greece in the Mediterranean.
The information collected in Greece, along with data from the other sites, will be used by the
project participants to: (1) develop essential methodologies and indicators for baseline monitoring
of closed areas, (2) integrate fish into coral ecosystem models to understand coral fish-carrying
capacity, (3) evaluate the distribution of deepwater bottom fishing effort to identify areas of
potential interaction and impact upon coral habitat, (4) use genetic fingerprinting to assess the
potential erosion of genetic fitness of corals due to long-term exposure to fishing impacts, (5)
construct bio-economic models to assess management effects on corals and fisheries to provide
policy options, (6) produce as a key output, habitat suitability maps to identify areas likely to
contain vulnerable habitat.
27

Monemvasia Artificial Reef. Final study for the implementation plan regarding artificial
reefs in Lakonia Prefecture (Monemvasia Artificial Reef) (ΤΕΧΝΗΤΟΣ ΥΦΑΛΟΣ
ΜΟΝΕΜΒΑΣΙΑΣ/ 771)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2009
Dr A. Karageorgis
Lakonia Prefecture
Duration: 31 months (01/03/09-26/11/11)
Total Budget: 166.000 €
Study Area:
Monemvasia Lakonia Prefecture.
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr A. Karageorgis, Dr G. Rousakis, Dr M. Salomidi, Th.
Kanellopoulos, Dr A. Papadopoulos, Dr T. Soukissian, Dr A. Konides, and others
Other participants: ANEL. S.A.
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of the project is to materialize a comprehensive
framework of technical studies through which the construction work of an artificial reef in the area
of Monemvasia will become mature for funding during the period 2007-2013, under ESPA
financing framework.
The HCMR will undertake the responsibility for (a) an oceanographic study, (b) a fisheries study,
(c) a study of harbour works, and (d) an environmental impact study. The project will have as final
deliverables the document file including all technical specifications required for alternative
artificial reef options that could lead rapidly to the construction of the work.
An integrated paleoceanographic-sedimentological study of the Cretan Sea, South Aegean
Sea (Paleo Cretan Basin/ 775)
Contract Number: FP7-PEOPLE-IRG-2008, Proposal N° 239261
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2009
Dr A. Karageorgis
Duration: 36 months (25/05/09-24/05/12)
Total Budget: 74.800 €
Study Area:
EU – GSRT (the GSRT might contribute to the project the amount
of up to 40% of the EU funding)
Cretan Sea, Greece
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr A. Karageorgis
Brief Description of the Program: This project belongs to the category of Marie Curie
Reintegration Grants (IRG) of FP7, the goal of which is to support the repatriation of a young
scientist, who will have the opportunity to work at the HCMR. Dr Efthymios Tripsanas, who just
recently returned from the USA, will work under the supervision of Dr Aristomenis Karageorgis in
the integrated palaeontological – sedimentological study of a large set of sediment cores, ultrahigh-
and high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles from the Cretan Sea, South Aegean Sea.
Changes in the ocean circulation and climate have been brought to the focus of research mainly
during the last thirty years, due to their correlation to human activities. A dramatic hydrological
change occurred during the last twenty years in the Eastern Mediterranean, where there has been a
switch in the formation of new deep water from the Adriatic Sea to the Aegean Sea. This is
attributed to the increased salinity of the surface waters of the Mediterranean Sea due to river
damming and decreased precipitation. The impact of this phenomenon in the hydrology and
ecological system of the Eastern Mediterranean has puzzled the scientific community.
28

The limitation of detailed hydrological data for the past 50 years does not allow numerical
simulations to make any accurate long-term predictions, whereas conventional paleoceanographic
studies fail to capture similar short-lived events of the past due to their low time resolution (~0.2-
0.5 ky).
The integrated paleoceanographic-sedimentological study of a large set of sediment cores and ultrahigh-resolution
seismic-reflection profiles from the Cretan Basin, Aegean Sea, is proposed.
Petrographic, geochemical, paleontological, and δ18O isotope analysis in selected stratigraphic
cores will result in the development of: 1) a preliminary paleoceanographic record, and 2) a
detailed sediment/seismic stratigraphic scheme. Accurately dated sedimentary units in both, cores
and seismic-reflection profiles will then be identified and mapped, and the response of
sedimentological processes to climatic-hydrological changes will be determined. The depositional
time of some sedimentary beds (e.g. turbidites and bottom-current deposits) ranges from hours to
years. Thus, a reverse correlation of the identified sedimentary units to climatic-hydrological
changes will lead to the formation of an ultra-high-resolution (tens of years) paleoceanographic
record for the Cretan Sea, and by extrapolation for the entire Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
POSEIDON-III: A monitoring and forecasting system for the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
with emphasis on climate change and protection of the marine ecosystem (ΠΟΣΕΙ∆ΩΝ ΙΙΙ/
776)
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr K.Nittis
Funding: EEA/EFTA (50%) – Ministry of Economy & Finance (50%)
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 30 months (17/04/09-16/10/11)
Total Budget: 1.059.600
Study Area:
SE Ionian Sea
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Κ.Νittis, Dr V. Likousis, Dr G. Korres, Dr G. Petihakis, D. Ballas, P.
Pagonis, L. Perivoliotis, D. Kassis, P. Kousoulidis, A. Diapouli
Brief Description of the Program: The overall goal of the project is the operational monitoring
and study of physical and biochemical deep sea processes through the development of a deep
seafloor observatory in the SE Ionian Sea (Poseidon-Pylos station) and its integration with the E1-
M3A observatory of the Cretan Sea. The seafloor observatory will have the capability to operate in
depths greater than 2000m and to host a large number of sensors. Through hydroacoustic modems
it will be able to communicate with similar peripheral seafloor systems, thus having the capability
to generate a network of platforms in the future. Furthermore, the project will upgrade with new
sensors the water column component of the Poseidon-Pylos observatory that will thus become
compatible and interoperable with the respective system in the Cretan Sea in terms of biochemical
observations.
Decadal scale Variability of the Mediterranean Ecosystem (MedEcos/ 779)
Scientific Coordinator: Dr A. Gogou
Funding:
GSRT
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 36 months (01/05/09-30/04/12)
Total Budget: 148.050 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean Sea.
29

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr A. Gogou, Dr S. Psarra, Dr E. Krassakopoulou, Dr A. Pavlidou, Dr
V. Lykousis, Dr G. Roussakis, S. Stavrakakis, Dr G. Korres, Dr G. Petyhakis, Ch. Pyrgaki, E.
Plakidi
Brief Description of the Program: The project aims to lead to an improved understanding of the
evolution of the Mediterranean marine ecosystem in decadal time scales, in order to proceed to
more reliable predictions in the context of currently evolving anthropogenic climatic change.
Study of the foaming in the seawater close to the Power Industry in Lavrio (ΑΗΣ ΛΑΥΡΙΟΥ/
784)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr A. Pavlidou
DEI
Starting Year: 2010
Duration: 18 months (23/05/10-22/09/10 & 23/09/10-22/11/11)
Total Budget: 74.742,67 € (52.974 €+ 21.768,67€)
Study Area:
Lavrio, seawater close to DEI
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr A Pavlidou, Dr H. Kontoyiannis, Dr I. Hatzianestis, Dr K. Pagou, Dr
Ch. Zeri, Dr E. Krasakopoulou, P. Renieris, S. Iliakis, G. Pappas, E. Rouselaki, I. Georgakakis, P.
Zachioti, M. Anthoulas, A. Konstantinopoulou, Ch. Pyrgaki, E. Plakidi, A. Androni, K.
Charalabous
Brief Description of the Program: This is a program for the environmental study of the Agios
Nikolaos Bay close to Power Industry in Lavrio, in relation to the foaming problem at the seawater.
Towards an alliance of European Research Fleets (EUROFLEETS/ 793)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
228344/ FP7
Dr D. Georgopoulos
EU
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 48 µήνες (01/09/09-31/08/13)
Total Budget: ~175.000 €
Study Area:
WP9: Integrating Activities in all scientific and technological
fields.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr D. Georgopoulos, Dr A. Karageorgis, Dr G. Roussakis, K. Chandras
Other participants: 1) IFREMER, France. 2) AWI, Germany. 3) OGSItaly. 4) IEO, Spain. 5)
HCMR, Greece. 6) NERCU.K.7FCT, Portugal. 8) MPIMM, Germany. 9) CNR, Italy. 10) IMS-
METU, Turkey. 11) GeoEcoMar, Romania. 12) MI, Ireland. 13) Imares, Netherlands. 14) CSIC,
Spain. 15) RBINS-MUMM, Belgium. 16) IOPAS, Poland. 17) IPEV, France. 18) IO-BAS,
Bulgaria. 19) MARUM, Germany. 20) MARIS, Netherlands. 21) EurOcean, Portugal. 22) TUT,
Estonia. 23) VLIZ, Belgium. 24) IMR, Norway.
Brief Description of the Program: The quality of the infrastructures available for marine
research affects directly Europe research performance. So marine research infrastructures are
considered as key elements of the European Strategy for Marine Research under development.
A coherent pan-European approach with enhanced partnership in investment, development and
usage of fleets, will have a significant impact to better meet the diverse needs of European marine
research.
30

The EUROFLEETS process is based on the recommendations of a recent MB-ESF report. It aims at
bringing together the European research fleets owners to enhance their coordination and promote
the cost-effective use of their facilities. It will support research services for the monitoring and the
sustainable management of the Regional Seas and the Oceans, and will organise a common access
to all European scientists on sole condition of scientific excellence. This would enable the EU to
reach its ambitious goals about maintaining the ocean biodiversity or understanding climate
change.
EUROFLEETS aims at:
Working upon common procurement strategy, and build corresponding roadmap on prospective
sound bases,
Structuring and durably coordinating, through an e-platform, the way that the research vessels
are operated and their interoperability capacities,
Using more cost efficiently the existing European fleets and associated equipment in the frame
of the European research Area,
Promoting greener and sustainable research vessel and underwater vehicle operations and
design,
Providing all European researchers with access to 19 high performing research vessels from 15
different countries,
Fostering coordinated and joint development of European fleets, thanks to new interoperable
software and underwater vehicle payloads,
Developing training and education at sea,
Promoting innovative e-access,
Participating to the European efforts to stay at first rank in the international scientific arena.
Inter-basin exchange in the changing Mediterranean sea: impact on the ecosystem in the
vicinity of the straits connecting the Mediterranean sea with the adjacent basins (MEDEX/
796)
Scientific Coordinator: Dr I. Siokou (till 17/10/11), Dr S. Zervoudaki (from 18/10/11)
Funding:
GSRT
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 24 months (2009-2011)
Total Budget: 219.360 €
Study Area:
North east Aegean Sea
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr I. Siokou (till 17/10/11), Dr A. Giannakourou S. Zervoudaki, Dr Ch.
Zeri, Dr Th. Zoulias, Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr A. Pavlidou, Dr G. Petyhakis, Dr P. Pitta, Dr G.
Triantafyllou, Dr S. Psarra, A. Androni, P. Zahioti, S. Iliakis, P. Renieris. E. Rouselaki, K. Tsiaras,
K. Charalambous
Other participants: Mara Paraskevi (University of Crete)
Brief Description of the Program: The Mediterranean Sea geographic context and hydrological
balance make it especially vulnerable to ongoing climate change. Precipitation reduction across the
southern Europe and Northern Africa together with global warming are expected to have significant
impacts on the hydrology and circulation, and ultimately affect the Mediterranean Sea ecosystem to
an extent yet unpredictable. A growing number of international initiatives are created to assess and
predict changes at the scale of the Mediterranean (e.g., MEDCLIVAR, HyMEX, SESAME).
Among all the anticipated changes, the inter-basin exchange will certainly respond, affecting not
only the hydrology of the entire Mediterranean Sea, but also the ecosystems in the marginal and
communicating seas, like the Gulf of Cadiz and Alboran Sea on the west, and the North Aegean
Sea on the east.
31

MedEx will geographically "zoom" over theses areas and scientifically focus on the changing interbasin
exchange processes impacting the ecosystems. MedEX will complement existing knowledge
on local ecosystem dynamics, especially in what concerns the processes that are on direct
dependency on the exchange between the Mediterranean and adjacent seas (the north Atlantic and
the Black Sea). MedEX will bring together scientists from the two ends of the Mediterranean with
a large experience in the various aspects of the oceanography of the Gulf of Cadiz, Alboran and
North Aegean Seas. MedEX consortium will have a broad disciplinary scope to form a network
dedicated to the problem of inflow/outflow through the straits of Gibraltar and Dardanelles, and its
consequences on the local oceanography.
MedEX will concentrate on process-oriented studies both at the observational and modelling levels,
in order to assess in detail the relation between the large-scale forcing factors and the exchange
processes. It will estimate the main trends in the Inter-basin exchange in the last decades, and
predict future tendencies. MedEX will estimate how the local ecosystems will evolve with
changing inflow/outflow processes.
MedEX will consolidate existing knowledge about the local ecosystems in the form of regional
modelling systems as tools for research, description and prediction of local ecosystem changes.
Different models of increasing complexity will be adapted or tuned in each region, in order to
capture the essential of the strait physics as well as to describe the local pelagic ecosystems
structure and functioning. The model skill to reproduce recent (documented) exchange evolution
will be assessed by validation with high resolution strait exchange data.
MedEX will put the emphasis on higher frequency/smaller scale processes, and evaluate the
sensitivity of regional and ecological models to detail in the resolution of the strait physics. This
way MedEX will contribute to larger international initiatives aiming at the Mediterranean basin
scale, by assessing the skill and predictability issues of models not resolving shorter and higher
frequency processes.
MedEx will also provide a framework for exchange of knowledge and experience between
modelers and experimentalists from the two edges of the Mediterranean Sea. A number of new
collaborations will start in the frame of MedEX, like those envisioned for model coupling
(atmosphere-ocean-ecosystem), analysis of higher resolution strait processes (Dardenelles and
Gibraltar), data-model validation, among others. MedEX will contribute to student training, by
facilitating interchange of future scientists between the different partners and contributing to a
summer school.
Study of inner Saronikos ecosystem, under the influence of Psittalia sewage treatment plant
(PHASE D) (ΕΣΩΤΕΡΙΚΟΣ ΣΑΡΩΝΙΚΟΣ – ∆΄ ΠΕΡΙΟ∆ΟΣ/ 802)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2009
Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr S. Zervoudaki (deputy coordinator)
Company of water supply and sewerage (EYDAP)
Duration: 18 months (01/11/09-30/04/11)
Total Budget: 429.685 €
Study Area:
Inner Saronikos Gulf
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr S. Zervoudaki, Dr Ch. Kontoyiannis, Dr A.
Pavlidou, Dr A. Giannakourou, Dr Ch. Zeri, Dr E. Kaberi, Dr K. Pagou, Dr E. Christou, Dr I.
Siokou (till 17/10/11), Dr P. Panagiotidis, Dr A. Zenetou, Dr N. Symboura, Dr M.A. Pancoucci, Dr
N. Streftaris, Dr S. Psarra, Dr A. Banks, R. Psyllidou, Dr M. Salomidi, G. Asimakopoulou, E.
Rouselaki, Th. Morfis, P. Renieris, P. Zahioti, M. Anthoula, I. Georgakakis, K. Charalambous, A.
Androni, S. Iliakis, N. Kouerinis, A. Konstantinopoulou, Th. Zoulias, K. Tsiamis, G. Arvanitakis.
32

Other participants: Company of water supply and sewerage (EYDAP)
Brief Description of the Program: Objectives: (1) To monitor the ecological status of inner
Saronikos Gulf (including Elefsis and Keratsini bays) under the influence of Psittalia sewage
treatment plant, during a 12 month period (11/2009-10/2010). (2) To study the ecosystem
evolution of inner Saronikos Gulf and Elefsis Bay from 1987 until now.
Works: (1) Study of water column parameters: a) physical: temperature, salinity, turbidity. b)
chemical: oxygen, nutrients, particulate and dissolved phosphorus and nitrogen, POC, TOC. c)
biological: biomass and communities of phytoplankton, zooplankton and microzooplankton. (2)
Study of benthic communities (phyto- and zoobenthos) (3) Study of organic carbon and heavy
metal content of sediments. (4) Study of cysts and resting eggs (5) Study of benthic fluxes of
heavy metals and biogenic elements (6) Satellite imagery.
Towards an Integrated Marine and Maritime Science Community (MARCOM/ 807)
Contract Number: 244060
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr K. Nittis
EC/DG Research
Duration: 24 months (01/01/10-31/12/11)
Total Budget: 28.890 €
Study Area:
European Marine Research Policy
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr K. Nittis, D. Kassis, A. Diapouli
Other participants: ICES, EUCC, ECMAR, MB-ESF, CIESM, EATIP, EFARO, KNAW, CESA
Brief Description of the Program: For the needs of the Maritime Policy and based on the
Aberdeen declaration, the project aims to establish a sustainable and long-lasting partnership forum
(“European Marine and Maritime Forum”), based on shared interests and shared leadership, and to
test it on regional seas and pan-European basis. The process will contribute to developing
interactions between partners (the research community, industry, regional authorities, civil society
and other stakeholders) starting from regional scales to broader issues shared with EU-neighboring
countries. This, being in line with the European Strategy for Marine and Maritime Research, will
underpin the future integrated EU Maritime Policy. The action will be supported by the already
established key structures and will constitute a Forum which will be an operationally open
structure.
SARonikos dumpinG sitE (SARGE/ 817)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr V. Kapsimalis
EYDE/AELMP
Duration: 12 months (03/05/10-02/05/11)
Total Budget: 120.491,8 €
Study Area:
Saronikos Gulf
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Kapsimalis, Dr A. Karageorgis, Dr G. Roussakis, Dr Th.
Kanallopoulos, Dr I. Panagiotopoulos, P. Georgiou, J. Pambidis, P. Mantopoulos, A. Papageorgiou,
M. Taxiarchi (till 30/09/11), S. Maroulakis, P. Drakopoulou, H. Kyriakidou, P. Antoniou, Dr A.
Pavlidou, Dr E. Krassakopoulou, Dr J. Hatzianestis, Dr A. Tsagari. Dr E. Strogyloudi, S. Eliakis, G.
Pappas, H. Rousselaki, M. Anthoulas, E. Plakidi, Ch. Pyrgaki, Dr P. Panagiotidis, Dr V.A. Katsiki,
33

Dr K. Pagou, Dr N. Sympoura, Dr S. Zervoudaki, Th. Zoulias, G. Arvanitakis, A. onstantinopoulou,
Dr J. Vakirtzi
Brief Description of the Program: The present project aims to investigate various
physicochemical parameters associated with the sea-water column, sedimentary sea-bottom and
marine fauna and flora, which can reveal the short- and long-term influence of the dredging
materials on the marine environment.
Initially, as it concerns the short-term effects, the degree of reduction of sea-water transparency in
connection with the extent and duration of disposal activity will be studied. Further, an
investigation will be carried out regarding the impacts of the diminished sea-water transparency
and dredging material clay fraction on phytoplankton populations and diversity.
Also the current project intends to study the impact of the released by the dredged matter
hydrocarbons, organic carbon and nutrients on the marine bio-societies. More specifically, the
benthic communities due to their stable character imprint accurately environmental changes of
low/high intensity and duration. Considerable disruptions in the marine environment may affect the
sea-bed bio-communities causing primarily a negative effect on the distribution and structure of
macrobenthos and meiobenthos. For the evaluation of the spatial and temporal status of the benthic
communities, worldwide valid indexes are used in order to reveal the environmental state of the
various ecosystems. The estimation of these indexes, before and after the disposal activity, is going
to manifest the level of the disturbance in the marine ecosystem and the associated biological
changes as well.
In particular, the study of the aforementioned physico-chemical and biological parameters will be
managed through sampling activities before, during and after the dumping operations of the
dredged matter.
Quaternary tsunami events in the eastern Ionian Sea- reconstructing and modelling extreme
events based on interdisciplinary geo-scientific investigations (EAST IONIAN SEA
TSUNAMIS/ 819)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2009
Dr D. Sakellariou
Deutsche ForschungsGesellschaft (DFG) Germany
Duration: 36 months (01/01/09-31/12/11)
Total Budget: 26.000 €
Study Area:
East Ionian/ Western Greece coasts..
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr D. Sakellariou, Dr G. Roussakis, Dr V. Lykousis, Dr V. Kapsimalis,
P. Georgiou, I. Pampidis, P. Mantopoulos, S. Maroulakis, G. Pappas, V. Drakopoulou.
Other Participants: (1) Univ. Marburg, Prof. Helmut Bruckner (2) Univ. Koeln, Prof. Dr Georg
Bareth (3) Univ. Kiel, Prof. P.M. Grootes (4) Technical Univ. of Crete, Prof. C. Synolakis.
Brief Description of the Program: The scope of the project is to search the sediment basins with
seismic reflection of high analysis in the frames of the Aegean Energy’s Drilling Program in the
region of western basin of Prinos in the open waters of Kavala.
In order to achieve the objectives the project will: (a) Analyse sub-surface sediments with multi
channel 2D system of seismic reflection of high precision bathymetric imprinting of seabed with
multi beam (in the open waters) and with eco sounder (in the shallow waters with depth smaller
than 30 meters). (b) Determine of characteristics surface and sub-surface sediments of seabed with
tomographer 3.5KHz. (c) Determine surface and sub-surface currents as well as changes of water
masses caused by changes of temperature and salinity, with use CTD and ADCP in selected places.
(d) Sample of surface sediments for the determination biological and chemical parameters.
34

Unferwater archaeological, oceanographic and paleomorphological study of Pavlopetri,
Laconia (ΠΑΥΛΟΠΕΤΡΙ/ 820)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Duration:
Dr D. Sakellariou
University of Nottingham, UK
36 months
Total Budget: 10.975 €
Study Area:
Gulf of Neapolis, Elaphonissos Strait.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr D. Sakellariou, Dr G. Rousakis, Dr V. Lykousis, S. Maroulakis, P.
Georgiou, I. Pampidis, P. Mantopoulos, G. Hatiris
Other participants: (1) Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, Ministry of Culture (2) University of
Nottingham (3) British Archaeological School, Athens (4) Dr Nic Flemming (NOC Southampton)
Brief Description of the Program: Τhe Pavlopetri Underwater Archaeology Project aims to
establish when the site was occupied, what it was used for and, through a systematic study of the
geomorphology of the area, to reconstruct the paleo-morphology and the sea level at that time and
explain when and how the town and the Elaphonisos Strait became submerged.
Brown algal biodiversity and ecology in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (TOTAL/ 825)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr P. Panayotidis
TOTAL Foundation
Duration: 4 years (01/06/10-31/05/14)
Total Budget: 100.000 €
Study Area:
Eastern Mediterranean
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr P. Panayotidis, Dr M. Salomidi, K. Tsiamis
Other participants: (1) Christos Katsaros, University of Athens, Greece (C.K.) – Project Leader
(2) Sotiris Orfanidis, National Agricultural Research Foundation (NAGREF), Fisheries Research
Institute (FRI), Greece (S.O.) (3) Antonis Zambounis, University of Thessaly, Greece (A.Zam.) (4)
Frithjof C. Küpper, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scotland (F.C.K.) (5) Dieter G.
Müller, University of Konstanz, Germany (D.G.M.) (6) Hiroshi Kawai, University of Kobe, Japan
(H.K.) (7) Martina Strittmatter, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Scotland (Mar. S.) (8)
Ante Zuljevic, Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Croatia (A.Z.) (9) Boris Antolic, Institute
of Oceanography and Fisheries, Croatia (B.A.) (10) Vedran Nikolic, Institute of Oceanography and
Fisheries, Croatia (V.N.) (11) Ergun Taskin, Celal Bayar University (CBU), Turkey (E.T.) (12)
Michael H. Graham, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML), U.S.A. (M.G.) (13) Brian P.
Kinlan, Marine Science Institue (MSI), U.S.A (B.K.) (14) Sven Beer, Tel Aviv University (TAU),
Israel (S.B.) (15) Marina Argyrou, Marine Environment Division, Department of Fisheries and
Marine Research (DFMR), Cyprus (M.A.) (16) Mehmet Ozturk, Celal Bayar University (CBU),
Turkey (M.O.)
Brief Description of the Program: The fundamental objective of this project is to establish a
detailed inventory of the diversity of the brown seaweed flora of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Particular emphasis will be given to the genus Cystoseira, in order to elucidate existing gaps and
confusions. Several phycological expeditions are proposed at specific target areas of the Aegean,
Levantine and Adriatic Sea. Special attention will be given to remote and unexplored sites, hot-spot
areas of alien species as well as to ecosystems stressed by human activities. In addition, the poorly
known deep sea habitats of brown algae, such as those of the genus Laminaria, will be investigated
using a state-of-the-art research submersible and ROVs (remotely operated vehicles.
35

Climate Change Impacts on the Marine Environment: Research Results And Public
Perception (CLAMER/ 826)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding
FP7-ENV-2009-1-244132-CLAMER
Dr E. Papathanassiou
EU
Starting Year: 2010
Duration: 18 months (01/04/10-30/09/11)
Total Budget: 2.889 €
Study Area:
EU
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr E. Papathanassiou, Dr H. Kaberi, N. Streftaris
Other participants: (1) Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, NIOZ, The Netherlands, (2)
Marine Board – European Science Foundation, ESF-MB, France, (3) Centre for Environment,
Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, CEFAS, United Kingdom, (4) Flanders Marine Institute, VLIZ,
Belgium, (5) Danish Meteorological Institute, DMI, Denmark, (6) Plymouth Marine Laboratory,
PML, United Kingdom, (7) University of Brest, UBO-IUEM, France, (8) Università Politecnica
delle Marche, UNIVPM, Italy. (9) Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, HCMR, Greece, (10)
National University of Ireland – Galway, NUIG, Ireland, (11) Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts
and Sciences, NIOO-KNAW, The Netherlands, (12) Natural Environment Research Council,
NOCS-NERC, United Kingdom, (13) University of East Anglia, UEA, United Kingdom, (14)
Océanopolis, SOPAB, France, (15) Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science, SAHFOS,
United Kingdom, (16) Spanish Council for Scientific Research, CSIC, Spain, (17) University of
Tromsø, UoT, Norway
Brief Description of the Program: Although there is no certainty regarding the precise nature
and rate of future climte change, even the most moderate scenarios predict a continuing change of
the marine environment, with associated major environmental and social impacts. To prepare
society for the necessary mitigation and adaptation measures, the awareness of citizens to research
results, both certainties and uncertainties, in this specific area should be raised. During the last
years, much new information has been gathered in large EU- funded research, but to date this
information has not been synthesized nor has it become an important part of public knowledge.
The aim of this project is to make a synthesis of EU research results on the impacts of climate
change on the marine environment and to make this knowledge and its socio-economic
consequences better known to European citizens and society at large. Together with expert
representatives of major Networks of Excellence, large EU projects and research networks, we will
produce a state –of-the-art overview of European research results on the effects of climate change
on the marine environment. An up-to-date overview of public knowledge and perception of the
effects of climate change on marine environments and their socio-economic consequences will be
produced by means of polls and questionnaires. The results will be used to identify themain issues
to be addressed and the best practices to be used during the outreach activitiew. Enhancement of
public knowledge on climate change impacts on marine environment, including the socio-economic
consequences, will be achieved by means of challenging and innovative tools such as an interactive
Pan-European conference at the end of 2010 and a high-quality internet based portal within an e-
learning platform. These outreach activities will build upon rcent experience as has been gathered
within EU-funded research to communicate with European citizens on impacts of climate change
on marine ecosystems.
36

Monitoring the quality of marine environment in the vicinity of the sewage outfalls of
Thriassio sewage treatment plant in Elefsis Gulf (ΚΕΛ ΘΡΙΑΣΙΟΥ/ 828)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr S. Zervoudaki (deputy coordinator)
Consortium of ERGOTEM-KASTOR-ETETH
Duration: 10 months (01/06/10-31/03/11)
Total Budget: 21.060 €
Study Area:
Elefsis Gulf
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr H. Kontogiannis, Th. Morfis, P. Renieris, Dr A. Pavlidou, R.
Psillidou, P. Zachioti, M. Anthoulas, H. Rousselaki, J. Georgakakis, K. Charalambous, A. Androni,
Dr E. Krasakopoulou, S. Iliakis, Dr K. Pagou, G. Assimakopoulou, A. Konstantinopoulou, Dr E.
Christou, S. Zervoudaki, Th. Zoulias, Dr P. Panagiotidis, Dr M. Salomidi, Dr A. Zenetos, Dr N.
Simboura, Dr N. Streftaris, G. Arvanitakis
Brief Description of the Program: Objectives: (1) To monitor the ecological status of Elefsis
Gulf under the influence of the sewage outfalls of Thriassio sewage treatment plant during a 6
month period (06/2010-12/2010). (2) To identify possible changes of the Elefsis Gulf ecosystem
caused by the construction/operation of the Thriassio sewage treatment plant.
Works: (1) Study of water column parameters: (a) physical: temperature, salinity, turbidity. (b)
chemical: oxygen, nutrients, particulate and dissolved phosphorus and nitrogen, POC, TOC. (c)
biological: biomass and communities of phytoplankton, zooplankton and microzooplankton. (2)
Study of benthic communities (phyto- and zoobenthos) (3) Study of organic carbon and heavy
metal content of sediments.
Monitoring of benthic communities in the Antikyra Bay, with emphasis on thermophilc
species (ΒΕΝΘΟΣ ΑΝΤΙΚΥΡΑΣ/ 830)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr M.A. Pancucci-Papadopoulou
ALOUMINION AE.
Duration: 12 months (30/06/10-31/05/11)
Total Budget: 80.262,42 €
Study Area:
Antikyra Bay (Gulf of Corinth)
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr M.A. Pancucci-Papadopoulou, Dr N. Simboura, Dr S. Reizopoulou,
N. Streftaris, M. Naletaki, Dr P. Panayotides, Dr M. Salomidi, N. Kouerinis, G. Arvanitakis, K.
Katsaros, V. Babas
Brief Description of the Program: The project deals with the monitoring of benthic biocoenoses
in the Antikyra Bays after the beginning of hot water discharge from the installation sof the
ALUMINIUM OF GREECE Power Plant in the area.
Main objectives are: (1) To study benthic ecosystem (soft and hard bottom) both on its composition
and effects produced by human interventions in the coastal area under study. (2) To determine the
presence rare or protected species (3) To evaluate the presence of new settled alien/thermophilic
species, and likely impacts of their introductionon the native ecosystem.
37

Study of water quality in Mylaki, Aliveri (ΜΥΛΑΚΙ ΑΛΙΒΕΡΙΟΥ/ 836)
Contract Number: CMS7950, SAP 4600003922
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr A. Pavlidou
AGET HRAKLHS
Duration: 24 months (01/06/10-31/05/12)
Total Budget: 16.748,21 €
Study Area:
Aliveri Bay.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr A Pavlidou, Dr I. Hatzianestis, Dr Ch. Zeri, S. Iliakis, G. Pappas, E.
Rouselaki, E. Plakidi, Dr Th. Kannelopoulos, M. Giagnisi (till 29/9/11)
Other participants: University of Athens
Brief Description of the Program: Study of the seawater quality close to the cement industry
AGET HRAKLHS.
Monitoring of the ecological quality of the marine environment at Voudia Bay and at
Tsigrado, Milos isl. (ΜΗΛΟΣ MONITORING/ 845)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr Ch. Zeri
S & B Industrial Minerals S.A.
Duration: 4 years (01/11/10-31/10/14)
Budget: 62.730 €
Study Area:
Bay of Voudia and Tsigrado, Milos isl.
Scientific Team (HCMR): Dr Ch. Zeri, Dr M. Salomidi, C. Tsiamis, Dr N. Simboura, G.
Arvanitakis, N. Katsiaras, A. Konstadinopoulou, G. Pappas, IIW: Dr Ch. Chronis, IMBR: I. Issaris
Brief Description of the Program: Field work in each area will be repeated twice, in spring 2011
and in spring 2013. If considered necessary a third repetition will be conducted in spring 2014. The
proposed work will include: (Α) Optical recording and assessment of phtyobenthos communities
(Β) Surface sediment sampling for the assessment of the zoobenthos communities (C) Treatment
of satellite data and chlorophyll-a measurements. Satellite data will be collected for the whole
period of the contract duration.
Offshore and nearshore geological-geomorphological cable route survey for the installation of
the submarine F/O cable along the branche at Rhodes- Simi (ΚΑΛΩ∆ΙΟ ΡΟ∆ΟΣ- ΣΥΜΗ/
846)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr G. Rousakis
C. Liapakis- V. Balis Consultant Engineers
Duration: 8 months (01/12/10-31/07/11)
Total Budget: 88.535 €
Study Area:
Rhodes – Simi Islands (SE Aegean).
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Rousakis, Dr D. Sakellariou, Dr V. Lykousis, P. Georgiou, S.
Maroulakis, Dr J. Panagiotopoulos, Dr S. Alexandri (till 21/06/11), P. Mantopoulos, J. Pampidis, S.
Stavrakakis, Dr V. Papadopoulos, P. Renieris, Th. Fotopoulos, H. Kyriakidiou
38

Brief Description of the Program: Scope of the survey work is to find the best route for the
installation of the submarine cable and to deliver a full study of the near-shore and offshore
segments of the cable route, providing all necessary information for the successful lay and burial of
the cable. For the achievement of aim of program we will become as below:
Swath bathymetry (offshore).
Sea bottom and sub bottom characteristics (3.5KHz & boomer profiler)
Geomorphology and nature of the sea bottom (Side scan sonar and deep tow SS)
Assessment of the geotechnical properties (shear strength) of the seabed with selected core
penetration samples at intervals that will be suitable according to the nature of sub bottom and
no less than a coring every 4 Km (4 cores in total).
Detection of metal objects (magnetometer)
Sea Water phishical characteristics with CTD at representative sites.
Surface and subsurface and seabed current influences, including convection currents and shelf
edge anomalies caused by water temperature and salinity variations (ADCP at representative
sites).
Study of seawater quality in the coastal zone of Interchem industry.
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr I. Hatzianestis
Inerchem
Starting Year: 2010
Duration: 3 years (01/10/10-30/09/13)
Total Budget: 29.520 €
Study Area:
Coastal zone of Interchem industry in Avlida
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr I. Hatzianestis, Dr Ch. Zeri, E. Plakidi, G. Pappas, S. Iliakis
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of the program is the study of the seawater quality in
the coastal zone of Interchem industry.
Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man’s Impact On European Seas (HERMIONE-IO
CRETE/ 3020903)
Contract Number:
Major Coordinator:
Scientific Coordinator:
226354 (FP7)
Prof P.Weaver
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2009
Dr N. Lambadariou (In collaboration with IO Athens/Pr.765 &
IMBG)
Duration: 36 months (01/04/09-31/03/12)
Total Budget: 168.607,6 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean, Black, North, NE Atlandic, Nordic seas, Arctic
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Lykousis, Dr N Lambadariou, Dr V. Ploymenakou, Dr E.
Mandalakis, Dr H. Kontogiannis, S. Stavrakakis, , Dr H. Kaberi, Dr C. Zeri, Dr Dr I. Chatzianestis,
Dr D. Sakellariou, Dr S. Alexandri (till 21/06/11), Dr A. Karageorgis, Dr G. Rousakis, P. Georgiou,
Dr E. Tripsanas, T. Polychronaki, V. Kalogeropoulou, S. Maroulakis, D. Podaras, P.
Mandopoulos, I. Pambidis, D. Balas, P. Renieris, G. Pappas, A. Morfis.
Other participants: SOCS (Overall project coordinator) +38 partners (for further details see web
site)
39

Brief Description of the Program: The HERMIONE project sets out to investigate ecosystems at
critical sites on Europe’s deep ocean margin. Even these remote areas are being affected by man,
either through the indirect affects of climate change or directly through exploitation of deep-sea
resources. Urgent questions need to be addressed such as what will be the impact of climate change
on deep-sea ecosystems? What changes are expected in deep-sea ecosystem functioning? How do
species interconnect between isolated communities? What are the direct effects of man’s impact
and how can we adapt or mitigate these so as to use the oceans in a sustainable manner? Answering
these questions will require complex experiments combined with long-term monitoring of sensitive
environments.
This project addresses issues raised in the EC foresight document “The Deep-Sea Frontier -
Science challenges for a sustainable future” (Cochonat et al., 2007). HERMIONE builds on the
success of previous projects such as HERMES but tackles new areas, for example to provide
essential information on ecosystem dynamics at potential long-term observatory sites, and in Arctic
areas where climate change will be more pronounced. Other topics include cold water cascading in
the Mediterranean, driven by cold winter winds that may lose their impact as climate warms,
leading to reduced ventilation of deep Mediterranean waters (Canals et al., 2006). In addition, we
will investigate seamounts as potential areas of high biodiversity that are under threat from bottom
trawling and we will relate the cold seep communities to those living in hot vents on the Mid-
Atlantic Ridge.
HERMIONE has 4 key scientific objectives. These follow a logical progression fro investigating
the physical dimensions of ecosystems, to understanding how they function and interconnect, to
studying how they are impacted by man and how HERMIONE can contribute to conserving them.
The HERMIONE partnership has committed considerable non-EC resources, including a number of
cruises that are already approved (see Appendix II). The total effort committed to this project will
be several multiples of the EC contribution through the contribution of shiptime, major facilities
(e.g. Remotely Operated Vehicles) and staff effort (e.g. postdocs/PhD students) paid by each
nation. The scientists involved represent the best in Europe drawn from internationally recognised
laboratories and with access to state-of-the-art equipment. They have a proven track record of
delivery. They are also passionate about securing the vitality of the oceans for future generations
and will put considerable effort into working with stakeholders
Objectives: (1) To investigate the dimensions, distribution and interconnection of deep-sea
ecosystems; (2) To understand changes in deep-sea ecosystems related to key factors including
climate change, human impacts and the impact of large-scale episodic events; (3). To understand
the biological capacities and specific adaptations of deep-sea organisms, and investigate the
importance of biodiversity in the functioning of deep-water ecosystems; (4) To provide
stakeholders and policy-makers with scientific knowledge to support deep-sea governance aimed at
the sustainable management of resources and the conservation of ecosystems.
The scientific side of the work programme is complemented by an extensive public outreach
programme and dedicated training plan for project students, and underpinned by effective and
rigorous data management, including GIS support.
Regional Drivers of Ecosystem Change and its Influence on Deep-Sea Populations in the
Mediterranean (ReDEco/ 3021001).
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr N. Lampadariou
GSRT
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 36 months (01/05/09-30/04/12)
Total Budget: 378.000 €
Study Area:
Eastern Mediterranean
40

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr N. Lampadariou, B. Kalogeropoulou, D. Podaras, Dr V. Lykousis,
Sp. Stavrakakis, Dr H. Kontogiannis
Other participants: (1) Miquel Canals (Iniversitat de Barcelona/Facultat de Geologia) (2) Sergio
Stefanni (IMAR – Instituto do Mar) (3) Marina R. Cunha (Universidade de Aveiro, Centro de
estudos do Ambiente e do Mar) (4) Anastatios Tselepides (University of Piraeus, Department of
Maritime Studies) (5) Serge Heussner (CNRS - CEFREM)
Brief Description of the Program: A consortium of 6 partners from 4 European countries are
being funded under the EU FP6 ERA-NET Scheme to study the effects of ecosystem change on
deep-sea populations in the Mediterranean. The project – ReDEco (Regional Drivers of Ecosystem
Change and its Influence on Deep-Sea Populations in the Mediterranean) – will begin in early
2009. It will focus on key drivers of climate change such as temperature changes, shifts in surface
primary productivity, cold water cascading etc. and examine their impacts on deep-sea populations.
It will integrate knowledge with new data from a diverse array of study sites in the Mediterranean
to allow insights into long-term change in deep-sea ecosystems. This will enable a better
understanding and prediction of decadal-scale fluctuations and their impact on biological
communities and ecosystem functioning, which is essential for identifying vulnerable systems and
pursuing options to enhance resilience and human well-being.
The principal objectives of the research programme are: (1) To understand effects of climate
change on deep-sea ecosystems in relation to climate-driven regional key factors and events
including the impact of large-scale episodic events, dense shelf water cascading (DSWC) and also
anthropogenic impacts. (2) To examine the variation of total particle flux to the seabed and
understand how this variation may affect the micro- meio- macro- and megabenthic communities.
(3) To study benthic community responses to varying food supply. (4) To examine the effects of
climate induced changes on deep-sea communities over shorter and longer timescales (more than a
decade). (5) To investigate historical demography and biogeography of selected species with
distinctive dispersal capability and reproductive strategy. (6) To integrate available historical data,
time series measurements and new data acquired during the project in a conceptual model in order
to predict, under different plausible hypothetical scenarios, the impact of climate change on various
physicochemical and/or biological parameters.
Network of leading MESOcosm facilities to advance the studies of future AQUAtic
ecosystems from the Arctic to the Mediterranean (MESOAQUA/ 3020902)
Contract Number: 228224
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2009
Dr P. Pitta
EU & GSRT
Duration: 48 months (01/01/09-31/12/12)
Total Budget: 621.619 €
Study Area:
Aegean Sea, Crete
Scientific team (HCMR): IO: Dr P. Pitta, Dr S. Psarra, Dr Α. Giannakourou, Dr S. Zervoudaki,
Dr Κ. Frangoulis, Dr Μ. Τsapakis, Τ. Τsagaraki, Ι. Μagiopoulos, D. Podaras, IMBG: S. Zivanovic,
IA: Dr P. Divanach
Other Participants: (1) University of Bergen, Department of Biology, Norway, (2) Leibniz-
Institut für Meereswissenschaften an der Universität Kiel, Germany, (3) Centre National de la
Recherche Scientifique, Sete, France, (4) Umeå Marine Sciences Centre, Umeå University,
Sweden, (5) Kings Bay AS, Ny Alesund, Norway.
41

Brief Description of the Program: In marine ecology there is an urgent need to understand the
functioning of the lower part of the pelagic food web, its response to and effect on climate change,
its response to pollution and environmental toxins, and its role in producing food for commercially
important species at higher trophic level. This requires access for European scientists to tools
allowing experimental approaches to near-natural pelagic systems. To meet this need, we propose a
network (MESOAQUA) of European marine mesocosm facilities. MESOAQUA will: - Offer
European researchers access to a range of mesocosm facilities in contrasting environments. -
Develop and test new technologies that allow access to off-shore environments - Improve the
services of the facilities by exchange of technology and experience - Facilitate cross-disciplinary
fertilisation and a better coordination of mesocosm research - Promote the training of young
scientists in the use of experimental ecosystem research MESOAQUA is necessary because: -
System level experimentation is required to understand and predict the responses of the pelagic
ecosystem in changing ocean subject to increasing anthropogenic pressure. - There is no present
system for trans-national access to such experiemental facilities, particularly not to facilities
offering access to different water masses - There is no present technology allowing mesocosm
experiments in open waters.
Study of the annual and biological cycles of plankton in a coastal area (PLANKTON IN
COASTAL AREA)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr E.D. Christou
UNEP
Starting Year: 1989
Duration:
Study Area:
ongoing
Saronikos Gulf, Agios Kosmas.
Scientific Team (HCMR): Dr E.D. Christou, Dr K. Pagou, Th. Zoulias
Brief Description of the Program: A long-term study of plankton based on the interannual
variability. Through this project, which was initiated in 1988, there has been recorded on a
frequent basis (weekly or biweekly), the physicochemical and biological parameters at a coastal
station in the eastern Saronikos Gulf (near HCMR installations). The parameters examined are
temperature, salinity, chlorophyll, phytoplankton and zooplankton. The main objective of this study
is to identify, describe and attempt to explain the variability and succession of plankton on an
interannual basis at a coastal area of the NE Mediterranean (Saronikos Gulf).
Additional objectives of this study are: (1) To evaluate the biological cycle of the dominant species.
(2) To acquire long time-series which, through modelling, will contribute to the description and
evaluation of the ecological situation and the forecasting of the secondary production, which
constitutes the base of the fish production. (3) To study the long-term interannual variations and
evaluate the possible effects of “global changes” on the communities. (4) To serve as an important
means for the control of they general situation of the Saronikos Gulf. (5) This project has already
provided valuable results concerning the biological cycle and the physiology to zooplankton. The
funding of the project, which is very low, is supplied by other related projects produced in the
Saronikos Gulf (e.g. Recording of the biological parameters of the Saronikos Gulf) and by UNEP
(1995-1996).
42

Nutrient tunnelling” and other alternative pathways for mineral nutrients through the
microbial food web to copepods (NUTRITUNNEL/ 3020901)
Contract Number: 186369/V40
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2008
Dr P. Pitta
Norwegian Research Council
Duration: 36 months (01/03/08-28/02/11)
Total Budget: 52.850 €
Study Area:
Aegean Sea, Crete
Scientific team (ΗCMR): ΙΟ: Dr P. Pitta, Dr S. Psarra, Dr Α. Giannakourou, Dr S. Zervoudaki,
Dr Κ. Frangoulis, Dr Μ. Τsapakis, Τ. Τsagaraki, Ι. Μagiopoulos, D. Podaras IMBG: S. Zivanovic
Other Participants: University of Bergen, Department of Biology, Norway
Brief Description of the Program: In the project "Nutrient Tunnelling" we intend to follow-up
on initial observations (published in SCIENCE) in a series of controlled laboratory based studies,
and also a mesocosm study in the Eastern Mediterranean where the waters are ultra oligotrophid
and P-tunneling/bypass is likely to occur under natural conditions.
1.2. STUDIES
1.2.1. New Studies
The hydrodynamic structure of the Evia Jet near Kimi and its importance as an area of
ichthioplankton abundance and a source of biological/fish resources (ΠΑΡΑΚΤΙΟ ΡΕΥΜΑ
ΚΥΜΗΣ/ 851)
Scientific Co-ordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Dr H. Kntoyiannis
John S. Latsis Foundation
12 months
Total Budget: 11.700 €
Study Area:
East coast of Evia near Kimi
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr H. Kontoyiannis, Dr V. Papadopoulos, Dr A. Siapatis, Dr D.
Damalas, Dr E. Levkaditoy, P. Renieris, A. Morfis
Brief Description of the Study: We investigate the hydrodymamic structure of the Evia coastal
jet near Kimi in association with the abundance of ichthioplankton within the jet and in the near
outside vicinity. The field work will include three seasonal sampling trips following the fish
reproduction cycles. First in middle-late winter, second in late spring-early summer and third in
early fall. CTD hydrography along with current profiles in a dense grid of stations will be collected
and analyzed. The basic deliverable to the funding agency will be a technical report. Publications
will follow afterwards.
43

AHS Aliveriou/ 871
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Dr. Theodore Kanellopoulos
ΜΕΤΚΑ SA
4 months
Total Budget: 8.200€ (not included VAT 21%)
Study Area:
Aliveri Bay (S. Evvoikos Gulf)
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr. Th. Kanellopoulos, Dr. V.Kapsimalis, Dr. Panagiotopoulos, A.
Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarhi (till 30/9/11), P. Drakopoulou, H. Kyriakidou, Dr. I. Hatzianestis, Elb.
Plakidi, Ch. Pyrgaki
Brief Description of the Program: Study of the bottom (surface and sub-surficial) sediment
characteristics (physical, chemical and biological parameters) in subaqueous Aliveri coastal area,
and determination of the environmental impact on the adjacent marine ecosystem due to the
possible dumping of the dredged materials.
Kalamas Prodelta (KAPRO/ 875)
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr. V. Kapsimalis
Funding: LGP UMR 8591 του Université Paris 1 (1000€)
Starting Year: 2011
Geode-UMR 5602 CNRS-UT2 (9000€)
Duration: 12 months (1/7 – 31/9/2011)
Total Budget: 10,000 €
Study Area:
Corfu Straits
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Kapsimalis, Dr G. Roussakis, Dr I. Panagiotopoulos, P.
Georgiou, J. Pambidis, P. Mantopoulos, A. Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarchi (till 30/9/11), P.
Drakopoulou, H. Kyriakidou, G. Pappas
Brief description of the project: This investigation seeks to understand natural processes taken
place during the Holocene in the development and progradation of the Kalamas River delta and the
identification of paleoclimatic conditions in the region. We will conduct high-resolution seismic
survey and collection of surface sediments.
Heavy metal monitoring on the north-eastern coasts of Elefsis bay (Xalivourgiki)
(HALMETAL /876)
Scientific Co-ordinator:
Financed by:
Starting year: 2011
Dr V.A. Catsiki
Xalivourgiki SA
Duration: 12 months (01/06/11-31/05/12)
Total budget: 10.000 €
Study area:
North Eastern costs of Elefsis bay
Scientific Team (HCMR): Dr A.V. Katsiki, Dr Ch. Anagnostou, Dr N. Symboura, Dr P.
Panayotidis, Dr Ch. Zeri
Brief Description of the Study: Study of the coastal area near Xalivourgiki factory in order to
estimate heavy metal concentrations
44

Sediment quality of the Aliveri Bay (SALARY/ 888)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr. V. Kapsimalis
ΜΕΤΚΑ SA
Duration: 11 months (01/11/11-30/09/12)
Total Budget: 25.645,50 €
Study Area:
Aliveri Bay (S. Evvoikos Gulf)
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Kapsimalis, Dr J. Hatzianestis, Dr H. Kontogiannis, Dr N.
Sympoura, Dr E. Kaberi, Dr E. Tsagari, Dr Th. Kanallopoulos, P. Drakopoulou, P. Renieris, G.
Pappas, A. Papageorgiou, Ch. Pyrgaki, S. Eliakis, I. Panagiotopoulos, H. Kyriakidou, E. Plakidi, N.
Katsiaras
Brief Description of the Study:
•Assessment of sediment quality (physical, chemical aki biological characteristics) of the
Aliveri Bay seabed (Southern Evvoikos),
Investigation of the conditions imposed by United Nations quidelines for the management
of dredged materials in the Mediterranean (UNEP / MED POL, 2000) in identifying the
most suitable dumping site of the material that will be derived from the above project,
Determination of human activities at the proposed dumping site; and Προσδιορισµός των
ανθρωπογενών δραστηριοτήτων στον προτεινόµενο χώρου απόρριψης, και
Proposals, motions and manner of the dredged material disposal.
Examination of seawater quality in Kea Island for the operation of a thalassotherapy center
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Dr I. Hatzianestis
Company TWENTY FOUR SPECIAL PURPOSE SA MARKET
DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATING PROPERTY
1 month
Total Budget: 3.567 €
Study Area:
Kea island
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr I. Hatzianestis, Ch. Pyrgaki, Dr Ch. Tsambaris, I.Georgakakis, G.
Pappas, D. Patiris
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of the study is the examination of seawater specific
parameters in Kea area for the construction and operation of a thalassotherapy center
45

1.2.2 Continuing Studies
Ouranoupolis Port (ΛΙΜΕΝΑΣ ΟΥΡΑΝΟΥΠΟΛΗΣ/ 827)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr Th.D. Kanellopoulos
Joint Technical Company “ANAVROS S.A.”
Duration: 6 months (22/06/10-21/01/11)
Total Budget: 12.100 €
Study Area:
Siggitikos Gulf
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr T.D. Kanellopoulos, Dr I. Hatzianestis, Dr V. Kapsimalis, Dr I.
Panagiotopoulos, A. Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarhi (till 30/9/11), E. Plakidi, C. Pyrgaki
Brief Description of the Study: Study of the bottom (surface and sub-surficial) sediment
characteristics (physical and chemical parameters) in Ouranoupolis Port area, and determination of
the environmental impact on the adjacent marine ecosystem due to the possible dumping of the
dredged materials.
Erosion study and stabilization of the coastline around the Piros River mouth (∆ΙΑΒΡΩΣΗ
ΕΚΒΟΛΩΝ ΠΕΙΡΟΥ/ 829)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr V. Papadopoulos
Achaia Prefecture
Duration: 9 months (15/04/10-15/01/11)
Total Budget: 25.000€
Study Area:
Piros River mouth, Patraikos Gulf
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr V. Papadopoulos, Dr C. Anagnostou, Dr V. Kapsimalis, Dr G.
Roussakis, Dr T. Soukissian and others
Brief Description of the Study: The aim of the project is the stabilization and the possible
recreation of the coastline around the mouth of Piros River. The method of artificial supply
(nourishment) will be used in order to replenish the coast sediment deficit caused by the
mechanism of the erosion which affects the coastal area of Western Achaia.
The HCMR will undertake a fine study including aerial photos assessment, bathymetrical survey,
coastal sediment analysis, wind and wave statistical analysis and sediment transport assimilation in
order to propose the appropriate nourishment material for the stabilization of the coastline within a
medium range time scale.
Baseline study and monitoring of the ecological quality on the north-eastern coasts of Elefsis
bay (ΠΕΡΙΒΑΛΛΟΝΤΙΚΗ ΠΑΡΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΗΣΗ ΧΑΛΥΒΟΥΡΓΙΚΗΣ/ 831)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr P. Panayotidis
Xalivourgiki
Duration: 12 months (01/08/10-31/07/11)
Total Budget: 24.200 €
Study Area:
North Eastern costs of Elefsis bay
46

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr P. Panayotidis, Dr Ch. Anagnostou, Dr A.V. Katsiki, Dr Ν.
Symboura, L. Perivoliotis, Dr Μ. Salomidi, Dr Ι. Varkitzi
Brief Description of the Study: Study of the coastal area near Xalivourgiki factory in order to
estimate the Ecological Quality based on biological quality elements according to the WFD
(2000/60/EC).
Study of environmental parameters in Aliveri Bay in relation to the operation of the
desalination Plant (ΑΛΙΒΕΡΙ ΑΦΑΛΑΤΩΣΗ/ 840)
Contract Number: CMS 7950, SAP 4600003922
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Duration:
Dr A. Pavlidou
AGET HERACLES
27 months
a) 3 months (25/10/10-24/01/11)
b) 24 months (26/10/11-30/09/13)
Total Budget: 83.534,22 €
a) 31.875 €
b) 25.830€/year *2 years =51.660 €
Study Area:
Aliveri Bay
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Α. Pavlidou, Dr Ch. Kontogiannis, Dr N. Zarokanellos, Dr I.
Hatzianestis, Dr A. Karageorgis, Dr Th. Kanellopoulos, Dr A. Pancucci, Dr P. Panagiotides, Dr M.
Salomidi, Dr N. Symboura, G. Arvanitakis, E. Rouselaki, Dr S. Zervoudaki, I. Georgakakis, P.
Zahioti, A. Konnstntinopoulou, Th. Zoulias, P. Renieris, G. Pappas, S. Iliakis, M. ANthoula, E.
PLakidi, P. Drakopoulou, Ch. Pyrgaki.
Brief Description of the Study: This is a program for the evaluation of the quality of Aliveri Bay,
in relation to the operation of the desalination Plant in the cement Industry AGET IRAKLIS.
Basic environmental study for the docking jetty at Itea Fokidas (ΙΤΕΑ – ΣΚΑΛΑ/ 844)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr Ch. Zeri
S & B Industrial Minerals S.A.
Duration: 6 months (01/11/10-30/04/11)
Total Budget: 12.300 €
Study Area:
Bay of Itea - Fokis.
Scientific Team (HCMR): Dr Ch. Zeri, Dr M. Salomidi, I. Issaris, C. Tsiamis, Dr N. Simboura,
G. Arvanitakis, N. Katsiaras, Dr E. Kaberi, Dr A. Karageorgis, A. Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarhi (till
30/9/11), Dr I. Hatzianestis, E. Plakidi, Ch. Pirgaki, Dr H. Kontogiannis, G. Pappas, S. Iliakis
Brief Description of the Study: The work that will be done includes: (a) Optical recording and
assessment of phtyobenthos communities (b) Surface sediment sampling for the assessment of the
zoobenthos communities (c) Sampling of surface sediments and waters for heavy metal
determination (d) Sampling of surface sediments for Hydrocarbon determinations (e) Turbidity,
(f) Proposal for a monitoring of the marine environment based on the results obtained from A B C
D, E. All of the above will be conducted once at the sites of the two docking jetties and at one
reference site.
47

1.3 PROGRAMS FOR OFFERING SERVICES
1.3.1. New Program for Offering Sercices
Identification and finding of an instrument of the Greek Navy (ΕΝΤΟΠΙΣΜΟΣ ΚΑΙ
ΑΝΕΛΚΥΣΗ ΕΦΑΡΤΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΓΕΝ/ 855)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
P. Georgiou
Hellenic Navy
3 months
Total Budget: 108.238,77 €
Study Area:
South Evvoikos Gulf.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr. A Pavlidou, Dr. H. Kontoyiannis, Dr. I. Hatzianestis, Dr. K. Pagou,
Dr. Ch. Zeri. , Dr. E. Krasakopoulou, P. Renieris, S. Iliakis, G. Pappas, E. Rouselaki, I.
Georgakakis, P. Zachioti, M. Anthoulas, A. Konstantinopoulou, Ch. Pyrgaki, E. Plakidi, A.
Androni, K. Charalabous
Brief Description of the Program: Identification and finding of an instrument of the Greek Navy
using side sonar side and ROVs. Additional operations of hooking and pulling up of this instrument
have been realized by the use of the R/V Aigaio.
Searching for a diver in the Kaldera of Santorini (ΣΑΝΤΟΡΙΝΗ ∆ΥΤΗΣ/ 867)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr. D. Sakellariou
P. Stafanidis, Santorini Dive Center
Duration: ~1 month (13-18/06/11)
Total Budget: 31.980 €
Study Area:
Southern part of Santorini Caldera
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr D. Sakellariou, L. Manousakis, E. Kallergis, K. Katsaros, V.
Stasinos, V. Babas
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of the project is to search the seafloor and the water
column of a certain area in the southern part of the caldera of Santorini for the location of a lost
deep diver. Searching will be performed with the use of the ROVs Seabotix and Falcon from R/V
FILIA.
SGS-Chemical analysis of bauxite ores by X-Ray Fluorescence methods (SCG SGREECE/
883)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
A. Papageorgiou
SGS Greece SA.
Duration: 12 months (10-2011/09-2012)
Total Budget: 2.460 €
Scientific team (HCMR): A. Papageorgiou, Dr A. Karageorgis, G. Kambouri
Brief Description of the Program: Chemical Analysis of bauxite ores by X-ray Fluorescence
methods.
48

In the framework of collaboration between HCMR and the company SGS Greece S.A., HCMR is
responsible for the determination of major element contents, humidity and loss on ignition, in
bauxite ores. The method employed at the Institute of Oceanography-HCMR is X-ray Fluorescence.
Because of the tight delivery schedule of the customers, the samples will be analyzed in priority.
1.3.2. Continuing Programs for Offering Services
Biogeochemical Laboratory (ΕΣΟ∆Α ΒΓΧ ΕΡΓΑΣΤΗΡΙΟΥ/ 355)
Scientific Coordinator: S. Stavrakakis
Funding:
Institutes of HCMR (Specially Oceanography) & Private Sectors
Starting Year: 2004 (from 29/11/04)
Duration:
Continuing
Poseidon System Models (ΠΩΛΗΣΗ ΜΟΝΤΕΛΩΝ ΣΥΣΤΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΠΟΣΕΙ∆ΩΝ/ 391)
Scientific Coordinator: Prof. G.Th. Chronis (till 13/04/09)
Funding:
Private Sector
Starting Year: 2001
Duration:
Continuing
Income from the analysis and modelling of data included in the “Wind and Wave Atlas of the
Hellenic Seas”/ 705
Scientific Coordinator:
Starting Year: 2008
Duration:
Dr T. Soukissian
Continuing
ELMIN-Training in bauxite analysis with X-Ray Fluorescence methods (ΕΛΜΙΝ 2008/ 723)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2008
Dr A. Karageorgis
ELMIN SA.
Duration: 1 st contract: 12 months (01/05/08-30/04/09)
2 nd contract: 12 months (01/05/09-30/04/10)
3 rd contract: 12 months (01/05/10-30/04/11)
Total Budget: 1 st contract: 29.430 €
2 nd contract: 24.395 €
3 rd contract: 12.580 €
Study Area:
4 th contract: 12 months (01/07/11-30/069/12)
4 th contract: 11.685 €
Agia Marina, Fthiotidos
49

Scientific team (HCMR): Dr A. Karageorgis, A. Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarhi (till 30/9/11)
Brief Description of the Program: Development of bauxite chemical analysis application by XRF
and training of the ELMIN staff.
The objective of the study is to train the staff of ELMIN bauxite company in XRF methods. Sample
preparation, analytical protocols and programming of the Venus 200 XRF system will be
undertaken. The application aims at the determination of major elements (Si, Al, Fe, Ti, Ca, K, Na)
in bauxite samples.
HCMR will also act as a consultant as far as it concerns the specifications and purchase of
laboratory equipment and consumables, and reference samples selection.
During the 12-month contract, the HCMR will analyze 500 bauxite samples in the framework of a
continuous inter-calibration exercise, in order to verify the accuracy of the ELMIN system and the
methods’ efficiency.
Forecasting Products for the Hellenic Seas (ΜΕΤΕΩΡΟΛΟΓΙΚΕΣ ΠΡΟΒΛΕΨΕΙΣ/ 752)
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr K. Nittis
Funding: DESMHE/FACETS (100%)
Starting Year: 2010
Duration:
36 months
Total Budget: 18.000 €
Study Area:
Hellenic Seas
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr K. Nittis, Dr A. Papadopoulos, L. Perivoliotis
Brief Description of the Program: For the operation of electric production plants based on
renewable energy sources its necessary to have good knowledge of the energy potential per area
and energy source (wind, waves, currents) as well as reliable forecasts of these fields in order to
support the operation of the respective plants. HCMR contributes to the specific project through the
production and dissemination οf short term forecasting fields from the operational models of the
POSEIDON system. These products are then used by other project partners for production of
numerical estimates of energy potential in different areas of Greece and information of DESMHE
that has the overall responsibility for operation of the electric energy production system in Greece.
Cost of salvage efforts for the crashed F-16 aircrafts into the sea south of the Crete Island
(ΕΝΤΟΠΙΣΜΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΝΕΛΚΥΣΗ F16/ 834)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr G. Rousakis
HELLENIC AIR FORCE
Duration: 4 months (01/11/10-28/02/11)
Total Budget: 167.747,4 €
Study Area:
Submarine area east of the Chrisi Island, south of the Ierapetra,
Cretan sea
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Rousakis, P. Georgiou, Dr E. Papathanasiou, S. Maroulakis, P.
Mantopoulos, I. Pampidis, Th. Fotopoulos, K. Katsaros, E. Kalergis, L. Manousakis, V. Stasinos
Brief Description of the Program: The proposed project aims to investigate the submarine area
east of the Chrisi Island (south of the Ierapetra of Crete) using echosounding devices (i.e., side scan
sonar or deep tow), in a maximum depth of 1000 m, in order to detect the wreckage of the F-16
aircrafts. After the finding of the plane debris, a visual inspection will be carried out with remotely
50

operated underwater vehicles (ACHILLES and MAX ROV) to identify the most interesting parts
for recovering. The great operating efficiency of the used underwater vehicles (supplied with
mechanical arms) and the cooperation of HCMR scientific team with the vessels of the Hellenic
Navy will contribute significantly to the recovering of the plane debris, in accordance with the
instructions given by the officers of the Hellenic Air Force.
HELCYP/ 7070301
Scientific Coordinator: Dr E. Tsapakis
Funding:
AP Marine Environmental Consultancy
Starting Year: 2003 (from 15/07/03)
Duration:
Continuing
1.4 NETWORKS - DATABASES
1.4.1. New Networks - Databases
European Gliding Observatories Network (EGO)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
ES0904
Dr K. Nittis
COST
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Total Budget:
Study Area:
36 months
Finance meetings
European Seas
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr K. Nittis, A. Chondronasios
Other participants (fro Greece): Evi Bourma (NTUA)
Brief Description of the Program: The objective of the “European Gliding Observatories”
Action is to build cooperation at the technological, scientific and organizational levels for a
European capacity for sustained observations of the oceans with gliders. HCMR contribution to the
project concerns the integration of Gliders with other existing and evolving systems of operational
monitoring of the marine environment. Such systems include: moored buoys including
multiparametric Eulerian observatories, drifting profilers (Argo), voluntary observing ships (VOS)
and satellite remote sensing. In the Mediterranean Sea the coordination of such observations is
carried out by MedGOOS & MOON which are networks of national agencies involved in
Operational Oceanography and HCMR will provide the link to these initiatives.
51

Pan-European infrastructure for ocean and marine data management (SeaDataNet II/ 881)
Contract Number:
Major Coordinator:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
283607 (FP7-INFRASTRUCTURES-2011-1)
Dr Michele Fichaut, IFREMER, FRANCE
A. Iona
Starting Year: 2011
European Community, Greek Government
Duration: 48 months (01/10/11-30/09/15)
Total Budget: 6.000.000,00 €
Total Budget HCMR: 197.694,10 € (EC contribution 140.435,20 €)
Study Area: Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Baltic Sea, Arctic and North Seas, Atlantic and Global
Ocean
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr A. Iona, Dr S. Balopoulos, A. Lykiardopoulos, P. Karagevrekis, Dr
H. Kontoyiannis, Dr I. Siokou (till 17.10.11)
Other participants: 1. Institut Français de Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer, IFREMER,
Plouzané, France, 2. Marine Information Service, MARIS, Leidschendam, Netherlands, 3. Natural
Environment Research Council, BODC, Liverpool, United Kingdom, 4. Bundesamt für
Seeschiffahrt und Hydrographie, BSH, Hamburg, Germany, 5. Swedish Meteorological and
Hydrological Institute, SMHI, Norrkôping, Sweden, 6. Instituto Espanol de Oceanografia, IEO,
Madrid, Spain, 7. Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale, OGS, Trieste,
Italy, 8. All Russian Research Institute of Hydrometeorological Information – World Data Centre,
RIHMI-WDC, Obninsk, Russia, 9. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO,
IOC, Paris, France, 10. Ente per Nuove Technologie l’Energia e l’Ambiente, ENEA, Lerici, Italy,
11. Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, INGV, Bologna, Italy, 12. Institute of Marine
Sciences of Middle East Technical University, METU, Erdemli-Mersin, Turkey, 13. Collecte
Localisation Satellite, CLS, Ramonville St. Agne, France, 14. Alfred Wegener Institute für Polar
und Meeresforschung, AWI, Bremerhaven, Germany, 15. University of Liège, ULG,
GeoHydrodynamics and Environment Research, Liège, Belgium, 16. Institute of Marine Research,
IMR, Bergen, Norway, 17. National Environmental Research Institute, NERI, Roskilde, Denmark,
18. International Council for the Exploitation of the Sea, ICES, Copenhagen, Denmark, 19.
Commission of the European Communities, Directorate General, Joint Research Centre, EC-DG
JRC, Ispra, Italy, 20. Marine Institute, MI, Galway, Ireland, 21. Instituto Hidrografico, IHPT,
Lisboa, Portugal, 22. National Institute for Coastal and Marine Management, RWS-RIKZ, The
Hague, Netherlands, 23. Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Management Unit of the
North Sea Mathematical Models Brussels, RBINS-MUMM, Belgium, 24. Vlaams Instituute Voor
de Zee Vzw, VLIZ, Ostende, Belgium, 25. Marine Research Institute, Reykjavik- MRI, Iceland, 26.
Merentutkimuslaitos, Finnish Institute of Marine Research, FIMR, Helsinki, Finland, 27. Instytut
Meteorologii I Gospodarki Wodnej, IMGW, Gdynia, Poland, 28. Marine System Institute Tallinn
University of Technology, MSI, Tallinn, Estonia, 29. Institute of Aquatic Ecology University of
Latvia, Salaspils, AE-UL, Latvia, 30. Centre of Marine Research, CMR, Klaipeda, Lithuania, 31. P.
P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology Russian Academy of Sciences, SIO-RAS, Moscou, Russia, 32.
Marine Hydrophysical Institute Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences, MHI-DMIST, Ukraine,
33. Institute of Oceanology Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, IO-BAS, Varna, Bulgaria, 34.
National Institute for Marine Research and Development « Grigore Antipa », NIMRD, Constanta,
Romania, 35. Iv Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, TSU-DNA, Tbilisi, Georgia, 36. Institut
National de Recherche Halieutique, INRH, Casablanca, Morocco, 37. Institute of Oceanography &
Fisheries, IOF, Split, Croatia, 38. Polytechnic University, PUT, Tirana, Albania, 39. National
Institute of Biology Marine Biology Station, NIB-MBS, Piran, Slovenia, 40. IOI Malta Operational
Centre, University of Malta, Birkirkara, UoM, Malta, 41. Oceanography Centre, University of
Cyprus, OC-UCY, Nicosia, Cyprus, 42. Israel Oceanographic & Limnological Research, Haifa,
IOLR, Israel, 43. National Council for Scientific Research Jounieh, NCSR-NCMS, Lebanon, 44.
National Research Council, Atmosphere and Climate Sciences Institute, CNR-ISAC, Bologna,
52

Italy, 45. Institut des Sciences de la Mer et de l’Aménagement du Littoral, ISMAL, Alger, Algeria,
46. Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer, Salammbô, INSTM, Tunisie, 47.
Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales, Toulouse, CNES, France, 48. European Centre for Information
on Marine Science and Technology, EUROCEAN, Lisboa, Portugal
Brief Description of the Program: The overall objective of the SeaDataNet II project is to
upgrade the present SeaDataNet infrastructure into an operationally robust and state-of-the-art Pan-
European infrastructure for providing up-to-date and high quality access to ocean and marine
metadata, data and data products originating from data acquisition activities by all engaged coastal
states, by setting, adopting and promoting common data management standards and by realising
technical and semantic interoperability with other relevant data management systems and initiatives
on behalf of science, environmental management, policy making, and economy. SeaDataNet is
undertaken by the National Oceanographic Data Centres (NODCs), and marine information
services of major research institutes, from 31 coastal states bordering the European seas, and also
includes Satellite Data Centres, expert modelling centres and the international organisations IOC,
ICES and EU-JRC in its network. Its 40 data centres are highly skilled and have been actively
engaged in data management for many years and have the essential capabilities and facilities for
data quality control, long term stewardship, retrieval and distribution. SeaDataNet II will undertake
activities to achieve data access and data products services that meet requirements of end-users and
intermediate user communities, such as GMES Marine Core Services (e.g. MyOcean), establishing
SeaDataNet as the core data management component of the EMODNet infrastructure and
contributing on behalf of Europe to global portal initiatives, such as the IOC/IODE – Ocean Data
Portal (ODP), and GEOSS. Moreover it aims to achieve INSPIRE compliance and to contribute to
the INSPIRE process for developing implementing rules for oceanography
1.4.2. Continuing Networks - Databases
A Pan-European infrastructure for Ocean and Marine Data Management (SEADATANET/
610)
Contract Number: 026212
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2006
Dr E. Balopoulos (till 16/09/09)& A. Iona
Dr Catherine Mallard, IFREMER, France.
EU (87,7%) & GSRT (12,3%) (FP6)
Duration: 60 months (01/04/06-31/03/11)
Total Budget: 331.768 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Baltic Sea, Arctic and North Seas,
Atlantic and Global Ocean.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Ε. Balopoulos, Α. Iona, P. Karagevrekis, Α. Lykiardopoulos, Dr H.
Kontogiannis, P. Gotsis (till 15/10/07), V. Lakes
Other participants: (1) Institut Français de Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer, IFREMER,
Plouzané, France. (2) Marine Information Service, MARIS, Leidschendam, Netherlands. (3)
Natural Environment Research Council, BODC, Liverpool, United Kingdom. (4) Bundesamt für
Seeschiffahrt und Hydrographie, BSH, Hamburg, Germany (5) Swedish Meteorological and
Hydrological Institute, SMHI, Norrkôping, Sweden. (6) Instituto Espanol de Oceanografia, IEO,
Madrid, Spain. (7) Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale, OGS, Trieste,
53

Italy. (8) All Russian Research Institute of Hydrometeorological Information – World Data Centre,
RIHMI-WDC, Obninsk, Russia. (9) Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO,
IOC, Paris, France. (10) Ente per Nuove Technologie l’Energia e l’Ambiente, ENEA, Lerici, Italy.
(11) Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, INGV, Bologna, Italy. (12) Institute of Marine
Sciences of Middle East Technical University, METU, Erdemli-Mersin, Turkey. (13) Collecte
Localisation Satellite, CLS, Ramonville St. Agne, France. (14) Alfred Wegener Institute für Polar
und Meeresforschung, AWI, Bremerhaven, Germany. (15) University of Liège, ULG,
GeoHydrodynamics and Environment Research, Liège, Belgium. (16) Institute of Marine Research,
IMR, Bergen, Norway. (17). National Environmental Research Institute, NERI, Roskilde, Denmark.
(18) International Council for the Exploitation of the Sea, ICES, Copenhagen, Denmark. (19)
Commission of the European Communities, Directorate General, Joint Research Centre, EC-DG
JRC, Ispra, Italy. (20) Marine Institute, MI, Galway, Ireland. (21) Instituto Hidrografico, IHPT,
Lisboa, Portugal. (22) National Institute for Coastal and Marine Management, RWS-RIKZ, The
Hague, Netherlands. (23) Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Management Unit of the
North Sea Mathematical Models Brussels, RBINS-MUMM, Belgium. (24) Vlaams Instituute Voor
de Zee Vzw, VLIZ, Ostende, Belgium. (25) Marine Research Institute, Reykjavik- MRI, Iceland.
(26) Merentutkimuslaitos, Finnish Institute of Marine Research, FIMR, Helsinki, Finland. (27)
Instytut Meteorologii I Gospodarki Wodnej, IMGW, Gdynia, Poland. (28) Marine System Institute
Tallinn University of Technology, MSI, Tallinn, Estonia. (29) Institute of Aquatic Ecology
University of Latvia, Salaspils, AE-UL, Latvia. (30) Centre of Marine Research, CMR, Klaipeda,
Lithuania. (31) P. P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology Russian Academy of Sciences, SIO-RAS,
Moscou, Russia. (32) Marine Hydrophysical Institute Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences
Sevastopol, MHI-DMIST, Ukraine. (33) Institute of Oceanology Bulgarian Academy of Sciences,
IO-BAS, Varna, Bulgaria. (34) National Institute for Marine Research and Development « Grigore
Antipa », NIMRD, Constanta, Romania. (35) Iv Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, TSU-DNA,
Tbilisi, Georgia. (36) Institut National de Recherche Halieutique, INRH, Casablanca, Morocco.
(37) Institute of Oceanography & Fisheries, IOF, Split, Croatia. (38) Polytechnic University, PUT,
Tirana, Albania. (39) National Institute of Biology Marine Biology Station, NIB-MBS, Piran,
Slovenia. (40) IOI Malta Operational Centre, University of Malta, Birkirkara, UoM, Malta. (41)
Oceanography Centre, University of Cyprus, OC-UCY, Nicosia, Cyprus. (42) Israel Oceanographic
& Limnological Research, Haifa, IOLR, Israel. (43) National Council for Scientific Research
Jounieh, NCSR-NCMS, Lebanon. (44) National Research Council, Atmosphere and Climate
Sciences Institute, CNR-ISAC, Bologna, Italy. (45) Institut des Sciences de la Mer et de
l’Aménagement du Littoral, ISMAL, Alger, Algeria. (46) Institut National des Sciences et
Technologies de la Mer, Salammbô, INSTM, Tunisie. (47) Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales,
Toulouse, CNES, France. (48) European Centre for Information on Marine Science and
Technology, EUROCEAN, Lisboa, Portugal.
Brief Description of the Program: SEADATANET Project aims to develop a distributed Pan-
European Marine Data Infrastructure for managing multidisciplinary marine data sets and
information. The objective is to network the existing Data Centres of the countries bordering the
European Seas and provide on-line access to integrated datasets of standardized quality. The online
access to in-situ and remote sensing data, meta-data and products will be implemented through
the SEADATANET “Virtual Ocean Data Centre” by interconnecting the nodal data platforms.
The development and adoption of common communication standards and adapted technology will
ensure the communication between the data platforms and their interoperability. The quality, the
compatibility and the coherence of the data issuing from different sources will be ensured by
adopting standardized methodologies for data checking and by dedicating part of the activities to
training and preparation of synthesised regional and global statistical gridded products.
54

Caspian Sea environmental and industrial data & information service (CASPINFO/ 760)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
211288 (SP1-Cooperation, ENV.2007.2.2.1.8., CSA-SA)
A. Iona
Peter Davis, Marine Information Service –MARIS BV, Netherlands
EU
Starting Year: 2008
Duration: 30 months (01/09/08-28/02/11)
Total Budget: 75.724,29 €
Study Area:
Caspian Sea
Scientific team (ΗCMR): A. Iona, Dr E. Balopoulos, P. Karagevrekis, A. Lykiardopoulos
Other participants: (1) Marine Information Service, MARIS, Netherlands. (2) Sumgayit Center of
Environmental Rehabilitation, SCER, Azerbaijan. (3) Institute of Geography Baku, IGAZ,
Azerbaijan. (4) Institute of Geography Almaty, IGKZ, Kazakhstan. (5) Caspian Environment
Programme, UNDP-CEP, UNDP. (6) State Oceanographic Institute Moscow, SOI, Russian
Federation. (7) Institute of Ecology and Evolution, IEE, Russian Federation. (8) P.P. Shirshov
Institute of Oceanology, SIO, Russian Federation. (9) Caspian Marine Scientific Research Center
Astrakhan, KASPMNIZ, Russian Federation. (10) Institute of Geosciences and Geo-environment,
IEG, Russian Federation. (11) Black Sea Commission Secretariat, BSCS, Black Sea Commission.
(12) Hellenic National Oceanographic Data Centre, HNODC, Greece. (13) Consiglio Nazionale
della Ricerche, CNR, Italy. (14) State Oil Company of Azerbaijan, SOCAR, Azerbaijan. (15)
Dagestan University, DU, Russian Federation. (16) Moscow State University, MSU, Russian
Federation. (17) International Oceanographic Commission-International Oceanographic Data and
Information Exchange, IOC-IODE, IOC.
Brief Description of the Program: CASPINFO aims at strengthening the regional capacity and
performance of marine environmental data & information management, and adoption of
international meta-data standards and data-management practices, involving stakeholders from
management, research, and industry.
The objectives are: (1) To initiate and maintain a Caspian Sea network of leading environmental
and socio-economic research institutes, governmental departments, oil & gas industries, and
international bodies, jointly working on the definition, development and operation of the
CASPINFO service. (2) Development and establishment of an Internet based CASPINFO Data &
Information Service to facilitate the access to socio-economic and legal information, metadata and
distributed datasets, managed by the regional partners, and to support marine environmental
management. (3) To explore and to develop a sustainable operation model for the CASPINFO
service, thereby taking into account that the partners are coming from different backgrounds (public
and private sectors) and possibly will deal with a mix of public and commercial data &
information.
UP-GRADE BLACK SEA SCIENTIFIC NETWORK (UP-GRADE BSS/ 791)
Contract Number: 226592 (FP7-INFRASTRUCTURES-2008-1, CP & CSA)
Scientific Coordinator: A. Iona
Major Coordinator: Peter Davis, Marine Information Service –MARIS BV, Netherlands
Funding:
EU
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 36 months (01/01/09-31/12/11)
Total Budget: 86.480 €
Study Area:
Black Sea
55

Scientific team (ΗCMR): A. Iona, Dr E. Balopoulos, P. Karagevrekis, A. Lykiardopoulos, Em.
Papageorgiou.
Other participants: (1) MARIENE INFORMATIE SERVICE MARIS BV, Netherlands (2)
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, Belgium (3) INSTYTUT
METEOROLOGII I GOSPODARKI WODNEJ, Poland (4) MARINE SAMPLING HOLLAND
BV, Netherlands (5) FIELDFARE INTERNATIONAL ECOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT PLC,
United Kingdom (6) MARINE HYDROPHYSICAL INSTITUTE - UKRAINIAN NATIONAL
ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, Ukraine (7) UKRAINIAN SCIENTIFIC AND RESEARCH
INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS, Ukraine (8) ODESSA NATIONAL I.I.
MECHNIKOV UNIVERSITY, Ukraine (9) M V LOMONOSOV MOSCOW STATE
UNIVERSITY, Russian Federation (10) P.P. SHIRSHOV INSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY OF
RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, Russian Federation (11) INSTITUTE OF LIMNOLOGY -
RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, Russian Federation (12) SPACE RESEARCH
INSTITUTE OF RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, Russian Federation (13) ALL-RUSSIAN
RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION-WORLD DATA
CENTRE, Russian Federation (14) MIDDLE EAST TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, Turkey (15)
SINOP UNIVERSITY*SINOP FISHERIES FACULTY SNU FF, Turkey (16) KARADENIZ
TEKNIK UNIVERSITESI, Turkey (17) INSTITUTE OF OCEANOLOGY - BULGARIAN
ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, Bulgaria (18) TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF VARNA, Bulgaria
(19) INSTITUTE OF FISHING RESOURCES, Bulgaria (20) NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR
MARINE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, Romania (21) National Institute of Marine
Geology and Geoecology, Romania (22) IVANE JAVAKHISHVILI TBILISI STATE
UNIVERSITY, Georgia (23) The Centre for Monitoring and Prognostication of the Ministry of
Environment Protection and Natural Resources of Georgia, Georgia (24) MIKHEIL NODIA
INSTITUTE OF GEOPHYSICS, Georgia (25) BLACK SEA NGO NETWORK, Bulgaria (26)
A.O. KOVALEVSKIY INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGY OF SOUTHERN SEAS, Ukraine (27)
HELLENIC CENTRE FOR MARINE RESEARCH, Greece (28) GOSUDARSTVENNOE
UCHREZHDENIE GOSUDARSTVENNIY OKEANOGRAFICHESKIY INSTITUT-STATE
OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE SO, Russian Federation (29) INSTITUTE OF
HYDROMETEOROLOGY, Georgia (30) GAMMA LTD, Georgia (31) INSTITUTE OF WATER
MANAGEMENT, Georgia (32) Taurida V.I. Vernadsky National University, Ukraine (33)
INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF
UKRAINE, Ukraine (34) UKRAINIAN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL INSTITUTE - MARINE BRANCH, Ukraine (35) SOUTHERN
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MARINE FISHERIES AND OCEANOGRAPHY,
Ukraine (36) INSTITUT GEOEKOLOGII ROSSIYSKOY AKADEMII NAUK, Russian
Federation (37) RESEARCH CENTRE DYNAMICS OF THE NEARSHORE ZONE, Russian
Federation (38) UNIVERSITY OF MINING AND GEOLOGY "SAINT IVAN RILSKI", Bulgaria
(39) CENTRAL LABORATORY OF GENERAL ECOLOGY – ZENTRALNA LABORATORIYA
PO OBSCHTA EKOLOGIYA, Bulgaria (40) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF METEOROLOGY
AND HYDROLOGY OF THE BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, Bulgaria (41)
DANUBE DELTA BIOSPHERE RESERVE AUTHORITY, Romania (42) DOKUZ EYLUL
UNIVERSITESI, Turkey (43) ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY, Turkey (44) ANKARA
UNIVERSITESI, Turkey (45) BALKAN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATION, Greece (46)
PERMANENT SECRETARIAT OF THE COMMISSION ON THE PROTECTION OF THE
BLACKSEA AGAINST POLLUTION, Turkey (47) UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL,
SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURALORGANIZATION –UNESCO, Belgium (48) UKRAINIAN
SCIENTIFIC CENTRE OF ECOLOGY OF THE SEA, Ukraine (49) Ministry of Ukraine of
Emergencies and Affairs of population protection from the consequences of Chernobyl
Catastrophe, Ukraine (50) UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS, Cyprus
56

Brief Description of the Program: Up-Grade of Black Sea SCENE aims at: (1) extending the
existing research infrastructure with 19 marine environmental institutes/organizations from the 6
Black Sea countries. (2) implementing the results of the Joint Research Activities of the FP6 RI
SeaDataNet project (common communication standards and adapted technologies to ensure the
datacenters interoperability). (3) networking the existing and new Black Sea datacenters, active in
data collection, and providing integrated databases of standardized quality on-line. (4) realizing
and improving on-line access to in-situ and remote sensing data, meta-data and products. (5)
adopting standardized methodologies for data quality checking to ensure the quality, compatibility
and coherence of the data issuing from so many sources.
Preparatory actions for European Marine Observation and data network/ LOT NO: 3-
CHEMICAL DATA. (EMODNET/ 792)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
MARE/2008/03 - Lot 3 (SI2.531432)
A. Iona
Alessandra Giorgetti, Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di
Geofisica Sperimentale (OGS), Italy
EU
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 36 months (05/05/09-04/05/12)
Total Budget: 47.000 €
Study Area:
North Sea, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea
Scientific team (ΗCMR): A. Iona, P. Karagevrekis, A. Lykiardopoulos
Other participants: (1) Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale (OGS),
Italy (2) Mariene Informatie Service ‘MARIS’ BV (MARIS), Netherlands (3) NERC British
Oceanographic Data Centre (NERC-BODC), United Kingdom (4) Institut Français de Recherche
pour l’Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER), France (5) Bundesamt für Seeschiffahrt und
Hydrographie (BSH-DOD), Germany (6) Norwegian Marine Data Centre -Institute of Marine
Research (IMR) , Norway (7) National Environmental Research Institute (NERI-MAR), Denmark
(8) Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), Belgium (9) Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences,
Management Unit of the North Sea Mathematical Models (RBINS-MUMM), Belgium (10) NIOZ
Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Netherlands (11) Sveriges Meteorologiska
och Hydrologiska Institut (SMHI), Sweden (12) Hellenic Oceanographic Data Centre-Hellenic
Centre for Marine Research (HNODC-HCMR), Greece (13) All Russian Research Institute of
Hydro-meteorological Information – WDC B (RIHMI-WDC), Russia (14) Shirshov Institute of
Oceanology Russian Academy of Science (SIO-RAS), Russia (15) Marine Hydro-physical Institute
(MHI), Ukraine (16) Institute of Oceanology Bulgarian Academy of Science (IO-BAS), Bulgaria
(17) National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa” (NIMRD),
Romania (18) Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU-DNA), Georgia (19) International
Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), International (20) Alfred Wegener Institute for
Polar and Marine Research (AWI), Germany (21) University of Liege -GeoHydrodynamics and
Environment Research (ULG), Belgium (22) Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Spain (23)
Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS), France (24) Marine Institute (MI), Ireland (25) University
of Cyprus-Oceanography Centre (OC-UCY), Cyprus
Brief Description of the Program: The overall objective is to create a pilot to migrate
fragmented and inaccessible chemical data into interoperable, continuous and publicly available
data streams for complete maritime basins. The results will help to define processes, best
technology and approximate costs of a final operational European Marine Observation and Data
Network. It will also provide the first components for a final system which will in themselves be
useful to the marine science community.
57

Preparatory Action For European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODNET
SEABED MAPPING/ 833)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
MARE/2009/07 – SI2.563144
A. Iona
Dick Schaap, Mariene Informatie Service ‘MARIS’ BV, The
Netherlands
EU
Starting Year: 2010
Duration: 36 months (08/06/10-07/06/13)
Total Budget: 120.000 €
Study Area:
Iberian Iberian coast and the Bay of Biscay, Adriatic Sea, Aegean-
Levantine Sea
Scientific team (ΗCMR): A. Iona, M. Alexandri (till 21/06/11), S. Maroulakis, S. Alexakis
Other Participants: (1) Mariene Informatie Service ‘MARIS’ BV (MARIS), The Netherlands (2)
Institut Francais de Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER), France (3) ATLIS, The
Netherlands (4) NERC National Oceanographic Data Centre (NERC-NOCS), United Kingdom
(5) Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Spain (6) Gelogical Survey of Ireland (GSI), Ireland
(7) Service Hydrographique et Oceanographique de la Marine (SHOM), France (8) Istituto
Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale (OGS), Italy (9) Hellenic Centre for
Marine Research (HCMR), Greece (10) UNEP/GRID-Arendal, Norway
Brief Description of the Program: The overall objectives of the present project are to fill gaps in
the EU’s low resolution bathymetry map and to assemble a complete inventory of high resolution
seabed mapping data held by public and private bodies. The project will build upon the on-going
EMODNET-Lot1 for hydrographic data (implemented since May 2009) to extend the coverage of
low-resolution bathymetric data provided through the hydrographic portal, with bathymetric data
products for a selection of other maritime basins. It will also lay the foundations for a future higher
resolution mapping of seabeds in the maritime basins of Europe. The results will help to define
processes, best technology and approximate costs of a final operational European Marine
Observation and Data Network. It will also provide the first component for a final system which
will in themselves be useful to the marine science community.
Seagrass Productivity: from genes to ecosystem management
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
ES0906
Starting Year: 2010
Duration:
Total Budget:
Dr Eug. Apostolaki
EU, COST Committee of Senior Officials (CSO)
4 years
Not defined yet
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr E. Apostolaki, Dr P. Panayotidis
Other participants: (1) Asst. Prof. Paraskevi Malea, Biology Department, AUTh , (2) Dr Sotiris
Orfanidis, Fisheries Research Institute (FRI)
Brief Description of the Program: The Action aim is to form a European-wide research
coordination network that integrates expertise in physiological ecology, ecological genomics and
conservation-resource management. Uniquely, scientists and managers will work together to close
the pure/applied research gap and to develop comprehensive best practices for integrated seagrass
habitat management. The aforementioned aim will be achieved through the organization of
scientific meetings, short term scientific missions and training schools.
58

INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
59

2. INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
2.1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS
2.1.1. New Research Programs
Coordinating research in support to application of EAF (Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries)
and management advice in the Mediterranean and Black Seas (CREAM/ 862)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
EC DG Research RTD- FP7
Dr Ch. Maravelias
Dunixi Gabiña, Deputy Director, Mediterranean Agronomic
Institute of Zaragoza / CIHEAM, Avenida de Montañana 1005,
50059 Zaragoza. Spain
EC DG Research RTD) 7 th Framework Programme
Duration: 36 months (01/05/11-30/04/14)
Total Budget: 30.174 €
Study area:
Mediterranean and Black Seas.
Scientific team (H.C.M.R.): Dr Ch. Maravelias, Dr K. Papaconstantinou
Brief Description of the Program: The Coordinating Action (hereafter "the project") will
establish an effective collaboration network among key role players in Mediterranean and Black
Sea fisheries research and management. The participants in the project include national research
institutes from Mediterranean and Black Sea countries with a long history and active participation
in fisheries research and assessment, who provide advice to national, regional and international
fisheries management organisms. The project will seek the active collaboration of regional and
international fisheries management organisms as external participants in the project, in order to
identify the gaps (in terms of data, knowledge, training, coordination) which hamper at present the
full application of the Ecosystem Approach in the management of Mediterranean and Black Sea
fisheries. The project will have a strong training and capacity building component in order to help
harmonize data collection and methodologies used in fisheries assessment and management in the
Mediterranean and Black Sea. The project will serve to establish the guidelines for the application
of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, both in EU member
states and third countries.
Mediterranean hAlieutic Resources Evaluation and Advice –HORIZONTAL SERVICES
(MAREA/ 869)
Contract Number: MARE/2009/2005-Lot 1-Mediterranean "Framework service
contract for scientific advice and other services for the
implementation of the common fisheries policy in the
Mediterranean"
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Dr A. Conides
CONISMA – Dr Maria-Teresa Spediccato, Italy
Directorate General Affaires and Fisheries, DG MARE
24 months
Total Budget: 22.595 €
Study area:
Greece and East Mediterranean
61

Scientific team (H.C.M.R.): Dr A. Conides, Dr M. Giannoulaki, Dr C. Papaconstantinou, S.
Kavadas, A. Kapantagakis
Other participants: (1) Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare –
CoNISMa (2) CIBM -Consorzio per il Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed Ecologia
Applicata "G. Bacci, (3) CNR CNR-IAMC - National Research Council -Institute for Coastal
and Marine Environment, (4) COISPA -Tecnologia & Ricerca, (5) HCMR -Hellenic Centre for
Marine Research, (6) IREPA -Onlus, Istituto Ricerche Economiche per Ia Pesca e
l'Acquacoltura, (7) LAMANS S.A.-Management Services
Brief Description of the Program: The project aims to organize a consortium of European
research Institutes and Centre with expertise in fisheries research and which will be readily
available to offer scientific advice on fisheries issues which are currently required or will be
required by the commission. DG MARE has asked for scientific advice for 7 different issues from
which 3 have received a top priority status. The scientific subject of the first 3 tasks is:
1. Collection and mapping (GIS) of information for essential fish habitats
2. Development of a bio-economic modeling tool to develop and support multi-objective
approaches for fisheries management. Identification of the main species and fleet segments/metier
covering an adequate proportion of total catches/landings and total revenues of the main metier
involved in multispecies multiple gears demersal fisheries in different Mediterranean sub-regions
3. Estimation of maximum net length of trammel nets, gillnets and combined bottom set nets
by using the volume of the mass of the net
The budget of each project will be agreed when each project will be approved by DG MARE and
then, the proposal will be submitted for evaluation and approval from the Board of Directors of the
Hellenic Centre for Marine Research separately and individually.
Architecture and roadmap to manage multiple pressures on lagoons (ARCH/ 877)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Scientific Responsible:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year:
Duration:
282748 (FP7)
Dr Dimitris Klaoudatos
Dr A. Conides
STIFTELSEN NORGES GEOTEKNISKE INSTITUTT, Norway
EU
3 years
3 years
Total Budget: 395.707 €
Study area:
Aegean Sea - Ionian Sea
Scientific team (H.C.M.R.): Dr D. Klaoudatos, Dr C. Papaconstantinou, S. Kavvadas, G.
Christidis, Dr K. Anastasopoulou, M. Karkani, P. Kougioufas
Other participants: (1) STIFTELSEN NORGES GEOTEKNISKE INSTITUTT (2)
NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST (3) NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK
ONDERZOEK – TNO (4) HOCHSCHULE FUER ANGEWANDTE WISSENSCHAFTEN (5) IVL
SVENSKA MILJOEINSTITUTET AB (6) INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE RECURSOS
BIOLOGICOS I.P. INRB (7) INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE
PENTRU (8) GEOLOGIE SI GEOECOLOGIE MARINA-GEOECOMAR (9) INSTYTUT
MORSKI W GDANSKU (10) UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (11) HELLENIC
CENTRE FOR MARINE RESEARCH (12) UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA (13) CHRISTIAN-
ALBRECHTS-UNIVERSITAET ZU KIEL
62

Brief Description of the Program: The project aims to the study nad management of coastal
marine aquatic ecosystems such as coastal wetlands. The contribution of the Institute for Marine
Biological Resources is to study the coastal fisheries and the coastal resources along the front of
such wetlands and the dynamics of the migration of these resources through the wetlands for
reproduction and feeding purposes
Estimation of maximum net length of trammel nets, gillnets and combined bottom set nets by
using the volume or the mass of the net (ARCHIMEDES/ 889)
Contract Number: MARE/2009/05-LIT 1/SI2. 603810
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr A. Conides
CONISMA Italy
EU DG-MARE
Duration: 9 months (27/10/11-26/07/12)
Total Budget: 33.416 €
Study area:
Amvrakikos Gulf, Cyclades Islands
Scientific team (H.C.M.R.): Dr A. Conides, Dr C. Papaconstantinou, Dr D. Klaoudatos, Dr Aik.
Anastasopoulou, M. Karkani
Brief Description of the Program: The project objective is to create an algorithm based on the
technical characteristics of the gill nets, trammel nets and bottom nets suitable to enable the
Fisheries Inspectors to estimate the length of the net using its volume or weight.
Mediterranean Sensitive Habitats (MEDISEH/ 2071101)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
DG MARE
Dr Μ. Giannoulaki
EU
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 18 months (01/09/11-01/03/13)
Total Budget: 161.197 €
Study area:
Mediterranean Sea
Scientific team (H.C.M.R.): Μ. Giannoulaki, V. Valavanis, G. Tserpes, C. Smith, P. Panagiotidis,
M. Salomidi, S. Katsanevakis, E. Apostolaki, A. Μachias, S. Somarakis, A. Siapatis, N.
Papadopoulou, K. Kapiris, V. Vassilopoulou, A. Anastasopoulou, E. Leukaditou, D. Klaoudatos
Brief Description of the Program: The present study aims at the compilation and mapping of
environmental and fisheries related information in the Mediterranean Sea by means of
Geographical Information Systems (GIS): Integration and mapping of the spatial information on
sensitive habitats: a) habitats protected under the Mediterranean regulation, b) nursery areas and
spawning aggregations of demersal and small pelagic fish and c) areas under any form of protection
within national and international legislation "
63

Management plan for the demersal trawl fisheries in the Greek seas (TRAWLPLAN/
2071102)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr. G. Tserpes
Pan-Hellenic Union of middle - range ship-owners
Duration: 16 months (01/10/11-30/01/13)
Total Budget: 110.700 €
Scientific team (H.C.M.R.): G. Tserpes, Α. Maxias, P. Peristeraki, X. Maravelias, S. Kavadas, J.
Laurisen, K. Papaconstantinou, G. Lazarakis
Brief Description of the Program: Development of a management plan for the demersal trawl
fisheries in the Aegean and Ionian seas.
2.1.2. Continuing Research Programs
Mitigating adverse ecological impacts of open ocean fisheries (MADE/ 2020801)
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr G. Tserpes
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2008
Duration: 48 months (01/05/08-30/04/12)
Total Budget: 242.610 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean, Atlantic
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Tserpes, V. Tzanatos, P. Peristeraki, G. Lazarakis, K. Skarvelis
Brief Description of the Program: The primary objective of the project is to propose measures to
mitigate adverse impacts of fisheries targeting large pelagic fish in the open ocean (purse seiners
using FADs and longliners), through appropriate knowledge on the biology and ecology of species,
and of the fisheries.
The Future of European Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (JAKFISH/ 2020802)
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr G. Tserpes
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2008
Duration: 43 months (01/04/08-30/11/11)
Total Budget: 97.750 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean, Atlantic
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Tserpes, V. Tzanatos, P. Peristeraki, G. Lazarakis
Brief Description of the Program: To examine and develop the institutions, practices and tools
that allow complexity and uncertainty in fisheries management to be dealt with effectively within
participatory decision-making processes
64

Assessment of the interactions between corals, fish and fisheries, in order to develop
monitoring and predictive modelling tools for ecosystem based management in the deep
waters of Europe and beyond (CoralFISH/ 2020804)
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr C.J. Smith (In collaboration with IO/ Pr.769)
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2008
Duration: 48 months (01/06/08-31/05/12)
Total Budget: 354.200 €
Study Area:
Ionian Sea, Cephalonia-Zakynthos.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): IMBR: Dr C.J. Smith, C. Mytilineou, Dr C-Y. Politou, Dr K. Kapiris, I.
Dokos, K. Papadopoulou, P. Mpekas, L. Manousakis, S. Maroulakis, M. Kallergis, V. Stasinos,
IO: Dr G. Roussakis, Dr V. Lykousis, Dr D. Sakellariou, D. Ballas, D. Georgiou, P. Mantopoulos,
J. Pampidis, Dr S. Alexandri (till 21/06/11), Dr A. Pancucci, Dr M. Salomidi
Other Participants: (1) National University of Ireland Galway, NUIG, Ireland (2) Institute of
Marine Research, IMR, Norway (3) Marine Research Institute, MRI, Iceland (4) Institut Français
de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer, IFREMER, France (5) Instituto do Mar - Centro dos
Acores, IMAR, Azores, Portugal (6) Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del
Mare, CoNISMa, Italy (7) Nederlands Instituut voor Ecologie, NIOO, Netherlands (8) Zoological
Society of London, IOZ, UK (9) Tromso University, UIT, Norway (10) University of Aberdeen,
UNIABN, UK (11) The Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, NIOZ, Netherlands (12)
O'Malley Fisheries, OMALLEY-FISH, Ireland (13) Erlangen University, UNI-ERL, Germany
(14) National University of Ireland Cork, NUIC, Ireland (15) Bremen University, UNIBREMEN,
Germany.
Brief Description of the Program: The CoralFISH project aims to support the implementation of
an ecosystem-based management approach in the deep-sea by studying the interaction between
cold-water coral habitat, fish and fisheries. Within the CoralFish project, multidisciplinary research
cruises will be carried out in areas around Zakynthos and Cephalonia involving fisheries biologists,
marine biologists, geologists and oceanographers. The seabed will be mapped and surveyed with
high technology imaging tools including multibeam sonar, side scan sonar and remotely operated
vehicles, to locate areas of corals and to identify the key organisms and the conditions that they live
in. Further cruises will be carried out to investigate the fish communities and their behaviour
around the coral areas by ROV observation and long-line fishing studies. The project will last over
4 years and brings together 16 participating institutions from 11 European countries investigating
study sites from Northern Europe to the Azores and from Italy to Greece in the Mediterranean.
The information collected in Greece, along with data from the other sites, will be used by the
project participants to: (1) develop essential methodologies and indicators for baseline monitoring
of closed areas, (2) integrate fish into coral ecosystem models to understand coral fish-carrying
capacity, (3) evaluate the distribution of deepwater bottom fishing effort to identify areas of
potential interaction and impact upon coral habitat, (4) use genetic fingerprinting to assess the
potential erosion of genetic fitness of corals due to long-term exposure to fishing impacts, (5)
construct bio-economic models to assess management effects on corals and fisheries to provide
policy options, (6) produce as a key output, habitat suitability maps to identify areas likely to
contain vulnerable habitat.
65

Marine Ecosystem Evolution in a Changing Environment (MEECE/ 2020803)
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr C.J. Smith
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2008
Duration: 48 months (01/04/08-31/03/12)
Total Budget: 64.710 €
Study Area:
Project: Europe wide sea areas plus Benguela system & HCMR:
Aegean
Scientific team (ΗCMR): IMBR: Dr C.J. Smith, K. Papadopoulou, IO: Dr G. Triantafyllou, Dr G.
Petrakis
Other Participants: (1) Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), UK, (Coordinator) (2) UNIFOB AS
Norway (3) University Hamburg (UHH) Germany (4) Fundación AZTI - AZTI Fundazioa
(Technalia AZTI), Spain (5) Università di Bologna (UNIBO), Italy (6) Wageningen IMARES
B.V., Netherlands (7) Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), UK
(8) Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), UK (9) Institut de Recherche pour le
Développement (IRD), France (10) Technical University of Denmark, Danish Institute for
Fisheries Research (DIFRES), Denmark (11) Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Norway (12)
Institute of Marine Sciences, Middle East Technical University (IMS-MET), Turkey (13) Centre
National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France (14) Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for
Ocean Science (SAHFOS), UK (15) Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPd), Italy (16) Klaipeda
University Corpi (KU Corpi), Lithuania (17) Bolding & Burchard Hydrodynamics (BBH),
Germany (18) Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Spain (19) Commissariat à l'énergie
atomique (CEA), France
Brief Description of the Program: The project aims to develop predictive management tools and
strategies to resolve dynamic ecosystem interactions. The overall concept addresses global change,
the result of natural and anthropogenically induced climate change impacts upon the structure and
function of marine ecosystems via a number of abiotic and biotic drivers. In particular, global
change will lead to large scale changes in climate patterns, ocean circulation and climate (i.e.
structure, temperature and light) while enhanced atmospheric CO2 levels will lead to acidification
of the oceans. These changes, will all impact on the overall trophodynamic structure and
functioning of marine ecosystems. Simultaneously, combinations of direct anthropogenic drivers
such as fishing, eutrophication and pollution influences the competitive ability and dominance of
key species and thus the structure of marine ecosystems. Finally the introduction of alien invasive
species has the potential to restructure marine ecosystems, a mechanism of change, which has the
potential to be intensified when key species are under stress due to the combined effects of abiotic
and biotic stressors.
The project will: (1) Review the impacts of the drivers on the marine ecosystem. (2) Develop a
coupled model system to predict ecosystem response from plankton to fish. (3) Scenario test the
impacts of drivers on the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. (4) Develop decision
support tools, which assess key vulnerabilities and risks of global change for the marine ecosystem.
(5) Develop indicators of ecosystem status.
66

Evaluation of the state of benthic communities subjected to impact of trawling and marine
debris as a tool for the ecosystem management (COMSOM/ 768)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2009
Duration:
CTM2008-0461/MAR
Ch. Mytilineou
Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Dr M. Demestre
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (España)
36 months
Total Budget: 3.750 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean Sea: Spain (Catalonia & Murcia), Italy (Tyrrhenian
Sea), Greece (Ionian Sea, Patraikos Gulf)
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Ch. Mytilineou, K. Papadopoulou, Dr C. Smith, K. Alidromiti
Other Participants: (1) IEO-Spain, (2) CIBM-Italy, (3) MSM-Spain
Brief Description of the Program: Bottom trawling is, doubtless, one of the major sources of
damage to marine organisms and communities, either acting directly on the resources, or indirectly
on the benthos and habitats. Another unquestionable threat to the benthic marine biodiversity is
marine debris, and specifically, plastics, which originates and leads to changes in diversity,
favouring a certain type of organisms against others. Thus, there is an urgent need for the
development of tools aimed at the efficient management these impacts on communities and
habitats.
The main objectives of this project are, firstly, the estimation of fishing effort by means of side
scan sonar (SSS) and a quantitative and qualitative analysis of marine debris (debris from fishing
activity included), from bottoms under different levels of fishing effort. On a second phase, the
response of benthic communities will be analysed using functional indicators in relation to
gradients fishing effort and marine debris, and different indexes on ecological status will be
developed. The use of ROV as an alternative and non-intrusive method for the evaluation of the
communities is a novelty presented in this proposal.
Finally, a management pilot plan, based on the results, will be drawn up for the different
stakeholders. One of the tasks to be undertaken is the dissemination of results in specialised
organisations (fishing and maritime museums, ...), and educative talks and seminars will be
organised.
Management and Monitoring of Deep-sea Fisheries and Stocks (DEEPFISHMAN/ 780)
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Dr C.-Y. Politou, Replacment: Ch. Mytilineou
Dr P. Lorence, IFREMER, France
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2009
Duration:
36 months
Total Budget: 114.560 €
Study Area:
Ionian Sea.
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr C.-Y. Politou, Ch. Mytilineou, J. Haralambous, Dr C. Smith, J.
Dokos
Other participants: (1) CEFAS- UK, (2) UoI- Iceland, (3) IMR- Norway, (4) IMPERIAL COL.-
UK, (5) NatMIRC-Namibia, (6) AZTI-Spain, (7) IPIMAR-Portugal, (8) MI-Ireland, (9) IEO-
Spain, (10) MRI-Iceland, (11) UoP-UK.
67

Brief Description of the Program: Deepwater species pose particular difficulties for
management, being difficult ot asses with high levels of uncertainty and being generally venerable
to over fishing. DEEPFISHMAN will develop a range of strategy options for the management of
exploitation of deepwater species of the NE Atlantic that will take account of these factors. Firstly,
the aim will be to identify new and more effective assessment methods, reference points, control
rules and management strategies to be used in the short term, making better use of available data.
Secondly, a reliable long-term framework will be developed for which additional data needs will be
specified in order to fill current information gaps to achieve reliable long-term management
requirements. This work will be developed by examining a range of case studies selected to reflect
the diverse characteristics of the different types of deepwater fishery found in the NE Atlantic.
In addition two case studies outside the NE Atlantic are selected to give a wider perception of the
management and monitoring of deepwater fisheries elsewhere in the world. A specific case study
will examine historical catch data (from selected areas in the NE Atlantic) for changes in
biodiversity and identify protocols for monitoring biodiversity in the deepwater ecosystem. For
each case study current problems with assessment or management will be identified and new
methods will be developed and tested.
Recommendations for future methods and approaches will be made. The socio-economic profile
and projected impact of the management strategy options, as applied both through a short and long
term framework, will be examined for selected fisheries. In this way the project outputs will aim to
provide robust guidelines for deepwater fisheries management suitable for adoption within the
Common Fisheries Policy. The work will involve and ICPC country.
Monitoring and Evaluation of Spatially Managed Areas (MESMA/ 785)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2009
ENV-2008-2-2-1-1
Dr V. Vassilopoulou
Wageningen IMARES (NL)
EU & GSRT
Duration: 48 months (01/11/09-30/10/13)
Total Budget: 727.880 €
Study Area:
Europe.
Scientific team (HCMR): IMBR: Dr V. Vassilopoulou, Dr S. Katsanevakis, Dr C.
Papaconstantinou, Dr C. Smith, Dr C. Maravelias, J. Haralabous, S. Kavadas, I. Ntokos, Dr A.
Zenetos, IO: Dr P. Panayotidis, Dr M. Salomidi, Dr D. Sakellariou, Dr A. Karageorgis, A.
Likiardopoulos
Other participants: IMARES, University College London, Senckenbergische Naturforschende
Gesellschaft, Universiteit Gent, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanology –
Bulgarian Academy ofSciences, Havforskningsinstituttet, University College Cork, Consiglio
Nazionale delle Ricerche, Fundacion AZTI/AZTI Fundazioa Tecnalia, Ministry for Resources and
Rural Affairs, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs, Heriot-Watt University, Stichting Deltares, Norsk Regnesentral Stiftelse,
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Vlaams Gewest.
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Brief Description of the Program: MESMA will comprise an easily accessible information
system, containing gathered facts on the distribution of marine habitats and species, economic
values and benefits, and human uses and their effects, aiming to support activities needed for
sustainable use and protection of vulnerable areas. It will develop a strategic tool that can be
applied throughout Europe, and will combine an optimized area use with a sustained ecosystem of
high quality, taking into account the different ecological and economic features prevailing in
diverse regions of the European seas.
Bycatch and Discards: Management indicators, trends and location (BADMINTON/ 797)
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2009
Dr V. Vassilopoulou
IFREMER (FR)
MariFish Common Pot / GSRT-Greek Ministry of Education
Duration: 35 months (01/09/09-01/08/12)
Total Budget: 362.233,9 €
Study Area:
MariFish Joint Call
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr V. Vassilopoulou, Dr C. Maravelias, Dr J. Haralabous, S. Kavadas,
Dr A. Machias, C. Mytilineou, Dr A. Anastasopoulou, Dr C. Smith, K.-N. Papadopoulou
Other participants: IFREMER (FR), IMARES (NL), IEO (SP), CEFAS(UK), IFM (DK), MATIS
(IS), DTU-Aqua (DK)
Brief Description of the Program: The project aims to develop the knowledge of discarding
patterns and factors in European fisheries, evaluate the efficacy of selective devices and other
discard management measures that have been implemented in the past and improve methods to
analyse, monitor, and manage by-catch and discarding in European fisheries.
The project is developed along five main steps: (1) A descriptive analysis of total catch in terms of
species and size composition. (2) The development of indicators of discard issues: indicators of
discard state (amounts and characteristics of discards), of the pressures that determine discards
(selectivity of fishing), and of the management responses to this issue. (3) An analysis of the
factors that determine discard amounts, including environmental settings, year-class strength,
community composition, and fishing practices. (4) An analysis of socio-economic and institutional
drivers and incentives that influence fishers’ behaviour in regard to selectivity and discard. (5)
Based on all previous steps, the elaboration of potential mitigation measures.
Developing fisheries management indicators and targets (DEFINEIT MARIFISH-ATHENS/
811)
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr C. Maravelias (In collaboration with IMBR of Crete & IMBG)
Tech. Univ. of Denmark, National Institute of Aquatic Resources
GSRT
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 36 months (01/09/09-31/08/12)
Total Budget: 106.000 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean Sea
Scientific team (HCMR): Athens: Dr C. Maravelias, Dr V. Vassilopoulou, S. Kavvadas, K.
Kapiris, A. Anastasopoulou, J. Haralabous, Crete: Dr G. Tserpes, P.Peristeraki, IMBG: Dr K.
Tsigenopoulos
69

Brief Description of the Program: The project aims to produce the tools necessary to determine
the economically optimal level of exploitation of European ecosystems under changing climatic
conditions while ensuring that the pressure exerted on both commercial stocks and susceptible fish
species is biologically sustainable.
People for Ecosystem Based Governance in Assessing Sustainable Development of Ocean and
Coast (PEGASO/ 813)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
244170 (FP7)
Dr A. Conides
Françoise Breton-Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, UAB, Spain
EU
Starting Year: 2010
Duration: 48 months (01/02/10-31/01/14)
Total Budget: 273.885 €
Study Area:
Cyclades, Dodecanese
Scientific team (H.C.M.R.): Dr A. Conides, Dr D. Klaoudatos, Dr C. Papaconstantinou, Dr P.
Panagiotidis, Dr Ch. Anagnostou
Other participants: (1) Universitat Autònomo de Barcelona –UAB, Spain, (2) Universidad Pablo
Olavide – UPO, Spain (3) Plan Bleu, France (4) IFREMER, France, (5) ACRI-EC, Morocco, (6)
IOC-UNESCO Intergovernmental, (7) Priority Action Programme/Regional Activity Centre -
PAP/RAC, Croatia, (8) International Union for Conservation of Nature – IUCN, Intergovernmental,
(9) University of Nottingham – UNOTT, United Kingdom, (10) Flanders Marine Institute – VLIZ,
Belgium, (11) Universidade Ca’Foscari – UNIVE, Italy, (12) Joint Research Centre – JRC, Italy,
(13) Université de Genève – GRID, Switzerland, (14) Hellenic Centre for Marine Research-
H.C.M.R., Greece, (15) Mediterranean Coastal Foundation – MEDCOAST, Turkey, (16) Danube
Delta National Institute for Research and Development – DDNI, Romania, (17) Université
Mohammed V Agdal – UM5a, Morocco, (18) AREA-ED, Algeria, (19) National Institute of
Oceanography and Fisheries – NIOF, Egypt, (20) University of Balamand – UOB, Lebanon, (21)
Marine Hydro-physical Institute – MHI, Ukraine, (22) Institut National des Sciences et
Technologies de la Mer – INSTM, Tunisia, (23) La Tour du Valat – TdV, France, (24) National
Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences – NARSS, Egypt
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of PEGASO is to build on existing capacities and
develop common novel approaches to support integrated policies for the coastal, marine and
maritime realms of the Mediterranean and Black Sea Basins in ways that are consistent with and
relevant to the implementation of the ICZM Protocol for the Mediterranean. The Protocol does not
apply to both regions, but PEGASO will use the model of the existing ICZM Protocol for the
Mediterranean and adjust the ICZM platform to the needs of the Black Sea. As article 14 of the
Protocol states, there is a requirement to develop new governance models that build on partnerships
and participatory processes for the Mediterranean. The PEGASO project has been designed to
assist in achieving this important aim, and to extend it to the Black Sea.
70

Harmonisation of the acoustic data in the Mediterranean 2002-2006 (ACOUSMED/ 2021002)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr Μ. Giannoulaki
GGRT, Ministry of Education, Lifelong learning & Religious
Affairs
Duration: 24 months (01/03/10-01/03/12)
Total Budget: 75.000 €
Study Area:
North Aegean Sea, Gulf of Lions, Spanish Mediterranean waters,
Adriatic Sea, Strait of Sicily
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr K. Kapiris, G. Christides, IO: Dr Ch. Anagnostou
Brief Description of the Program: The present study aims at the “Harmonisation of the acoustic
data in the Mediterranean 2002-2006”. Specifically, the goal of the specific study is to assure the
optimization of the design of these acoustic surveys held in the five different geographical areas
(North Aegean Sea, Gulf of Lions, Spanish Mediterranean waters, Adriatic Sea, Strait of Sicily),
promote the compatibility of the acoustic estimations among these areas as well as the
compatibility of old and new acoustic data within each area.
The identification and mapping of Essential Fish Habitats using Geographic Information
Systems (EFH-GIS/ 2020904).
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008 * Marie Curie Actions Grant Agreement
Number 235791
V. Valavanis
EU
Starting Year: 2010
Duration: 24 months (01/01/10-31/12/11)
Total Budget: 146.876,08 €
Study Area:
European Seas
Scientific team (ΗCMR): V. Valavanis
Other participants: IEF Fellow: Dr Corinne Martin
Brief Description of the Program: The identification and spatiotemporal mapping of Essential
Fish Habitats (EFHs) represent the fundamental scientific tasks of the spatial component of
fisheries management, a component that has often been neglected in previously enforced fisheries
policies. EFH-GIS deals with the mapping of EFH in the Mediterranean through a GIS database
update, map ocean processes, habitat modeling, MPA designation, and knowledge dissemination.
Options for Delivering Ecosystem-based marine management (ODEMM/ 2021001)
Contract Number: 244273 (FP7)
Scientific Coordinator: K. Papadopoulou
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2010
Duration: 44 months (01/03/10-31/10/13)
Total Budget: 394.950 €
Study Area:
Aegean
71

Scientific team (ΗCMR): K. Papadopoulou, Dr C.J. Smith, Dr A. Zenetos, Dr K.
Papakonstantinou
Other participants: (1) University of Liverpool –ΣΥΝΤΟΝΙΣΤΗΣ, ULIV, UK, (2) Hellenic
Centre for Marine Research, HCMR, Greece (3) Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas, IBSS,
Ukraine, (4) Innovative Fisheries Management, Aalborg Universitet, IFM-AAU, Denmark, (5)
Institute of Marine Sciences, Middle East Technical University, IMS-METU, Turkey, (6) Scottish
Agricultural College, SAC, UK, (7) National Institute for Marine Research & Development,
NIMRD, Romania, (8) Institute for Marine Resources & Ecosystem Studies, IMARES,
Netherlands, (9) National Institute of Oceanography , NIO-IOLR, Israel, (10) Sea Fisheries
Institute, SFI, Poland, (11) University of Thessaly, UTH, Greece, (12) Centre for Environment,
Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, Cefas, UK, (13) Marine Law and Ocean Policy Research
Services Limited, MLOPRS, Ireland, (14) Wageningen University, WU, Netherlands, (15)
Institute of Oceanology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, IO-BAS, Bulgaria, (16) Finnish
Environment Institute, SYKE, Finland, (17) Tel Aviv University, TAU, Israel.
Brief Description of the Program: The overall aim of the ODEMM project is to develop a set of
fully-costed ecosystem management options that would deliver the objectives of the Marine
Strategy Framework Directive, the Habitats Directive, the European Commission Blue Book and
the Guidelines for the Integrated Approach to Maritime Policy. This will be achieved by: (i)
providing a comprehensive knowledge base to support policy for the development of sustainable
and integrated management of European marine ecosystems; (ii) developing Operational Objectives
to achieve the High-Level Policy Objectives set by the MSFD and the HD, and with reference to
the proposed Maritime Policy; (iii) identifying Management Options (individual management tools
and combinations of tools) to meet the Operational Objectives; (iv) providing a risk assessment
framework for the evaluation of Management Options and to assess the risk associated with the
different options; (v) conducting a cost-benefit analysis of a range of Management Options using
appropriate techniques; (vi) identifying stakeholder opinions on the creation of governance
structures directed towards implementation of the ecosystem approach, and to elaborate different
scenarios for changing governance structures and legislation to facilitate a gradual transition from
the current fragmented management approach towards fully integrated ecosystem management;
(vii) documenting the steps necessary for the transition from the current fragmented management
scheme to a mature and integrated approach, and providing a toolkit that could be used to evaluate
options for delivering ecosystem-based management; and (viii) communicating and consulting on
the outcomes of the project effectively with policy makers and other relevant user groups.
Developing fisheries management indicators and targets (DEFINEIT MARIFISH-CRETE/
2020907)
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr G. Tserpes (In collaboration with IMBR of Athens/Pr.811 &
IMBG)
Techn. Univ. of Denmark, National Institute of Aquatic Resources
GSRT
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 36 months (01/09/09-31/08/12)
Total Budget: 87.500 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean Sea
Scientific team (HCMR): Crete: Dr G. Tserpes, P.Peristeraki, Athens: Dr C. Maravelias, Dr V.
Vassilopoulou, S. Kavvadas, K. Kapiris, A. Anastasopoulou, J. Haralabous, IMBG: Dr K.
Tsigenopoulos
72

Brief Description of the Program: The project aims to produce the tools necessary to determine
the economically optimal level of exploitation of European ecosystems under changing climatic
conditions while ensuring that the pressure exerted on both commercial stocks and susceptible fish
species is biologically sustainable.
Assessing the causes and developing measures to prevent the escape of fish from sea-cage
aquaculture (PREVENT ESCAPE/ 2020903)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
KBBE-2B-226885
Dr S. Somarakis
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 36 months (01/04/09-31/03/12)
Total Budget: 274.751 €
Study Area:
Europe
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr S. Somarakis , Dr Ch. Smith, Dr A. Machias, Dr C. Papaconstantinou
Other participants: (1) SINTEF Fisheries and Aquaculture (Coordinator), Norway (2) University
of Alicante, Spain, (3) Scottish Association of Marine Science, Great Britain (4) Norwegian
Institute for Nature Research, Norway, (5) Nofima Marin, Norway (6) University of Crete, Greece
(7) Marine Institute, Ireland (8) University of Malta, Malta (9) Tecnalia-AIE, Spain (10)
University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
Brief Description of the Program: The escape of fish from sea-cage aquaculture is perceived as a
serious threat to natural biodiversity in Europe's marine waters. Escaped fish may cause undesirable
genetic effects in native populations through interbreeding, and ecological effects through
predation, competition and the transfer of diseases to wild fish. Technical and operational failures
of fish farming technology cause escapes. Cages break down in storms, wear and tear of the netting
causes holes, and operational accidents lead to spills of fish. Sea-cage equipment is marketed and
used across Europe, thus knowledge relevant to the culture of numerous species in diverse
environments is required to produce robust equipment and implement risk adverse operations.
The Prevent Escape project will conduct and integrate biological and technological research on a
pan-European scale to improve recommendations and guidelines for aquaculture technologies and
operational strategies that reduce escape events. Through research focused on sea-cages and their
immediate surrounds, we will assess technical and operational causes of escape incidents, assess
the extent of escapes of reproductive gametes and fish, determine the inherent behaviours that predispose
certain species of fish towards a higher probability of escaping, and document the dispersal
of escapees to develop and test recapture strategies.
Information from these components of the project will feed into research specifically aimed at
benchmarking the performance of equipment under farming conditions and thereby improving
operations and equipment production, and advancing national and international standards for the
design, construction and use of aquaculture equipment. These key pieces of information, when
added to existing knowledge, will allow determination of practical, implementable measures to
prevent escapes and mitigate the effects of escapees. If prevention and mitigation are more
successful, genetic and ecological impacts should diminish.
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Concrete Conservation Actions for the Mediterranean Shag and Audouin’s Gull in Greece,
including the Inventory of Relevant Marine IBAs (ConShagAudMIBAGR/ 4020901)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
EP-08-01-005
P. Peristeraki (In collaboration with IMBG)
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 48 months (01/01/09-31/12/12)
Total Budget: 142.417 €
Study Area:
Aegean, Ionian.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): IMBR: P. Peristeraki, V. Valavanis, Dr T. Tserpes, G. Lazarakis, K.
Skarvelis. IMBG: Dr P. Kasapidis, Dr G. Kotoulas, J. Lagnel, V. Terzoglou, K. Oikonomaki.
IMBG: Dr P. Kasapidis, Dr G. Kotoulas, J. Lagnel, V. Terzoglou, K. Oikonomaki. IMBR: P.
Peristeraki, V. Valavanis, Dr T. Tserpes, G. Lazarakis, K. Skarvelis.
Brief Description of the Program: (1) Preparatoty actions for defining marine Important Bird
Areas (mIBAs), and defining of mIBAs. (2) Preparatoty action for rat elimination and population
control of sea gulls and realization of the respective actions in selected islets. (3) Actions for
public awareness on sea bird conservation.
(REPROdUCE/ 2020906)
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr S. Somarakis
Funding: GSRT: 290.000 € (92%) – HCMR (Own funding): 24.986 € (8%)
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 36 months (01/09/09-31/08/12)
Total Budget: 314.986 €
Study Area:
North Aegean Sea, Bay of Biscay.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): IMBR: Dr S. Somarakis, Dr Μ. Giannoulaki, Dr A. Μachias, V.
Valavanis, Dr S. Κatsanevakis, IO: Dr Μ. Κorres, Gr G. Petihakis, Α. Polani, Dr G. Triantafyllou,
Κ. Tsiaras
Other Participants: IEO, AZTI, IFREMER, IPIMAR
Brief Description of the Program: The objective of REPROdUCE is to develop and ensemble a
battery of realistic simulation models of small pelagic fish full life cycle in two different
ecosystems, to use these models to understand the main mechanism and drivers of the recruitment
process, and to explore management scenarios and develop fishery indicators to assist in
management decisions. The chosen case studies and key species are sardine and anchovy in the Bay
of Biscay, and anchovy in the Aegean Sea.
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2.2. STUDIES
2.2.1. New Studies
Contribution in the elaboration of the Strategic Study of Environmental Impact of
aquaculture within the frame of the National Cadastral Design and Sustainable Development
plan for aquaculture (SMPE/ 858)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr A. Conides
APC ADVENCED PLANNNING-CONSULTING SA
Duration: 4 months (18/01/11-17/05/11)
Total Budget: 9.840 €
Geographic area:
Whole Greece
Scientific team (H.C.M.R.): Dr A. Conides, Dr P. Panagiotidis
Brief Description of the Program: Based on the EU and national legislation, the development of
a production sector is required to be based on a National Cadastral and Sustainable Development
Plan, major part of which is the Strategic Environmental Impact Study which includes the expected
impact from the further development of aquaculture in Greece as well as set the roadmap and
guidelines for this development.
2.3. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
2.3.1. New Educational Program
Planning a network of marine protected areas for the Mediterranean Sea (NETMED)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2012
Duration:
Dr S. Katsanevakis
GSRT/Ministry of Education
36 months
Total Budget: 150.000 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean Sea
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr S. Katsanevakis, Dr A. Zenetos, Dr V. Vassilopoulou
Other participants: This project supports postdoctoral research by Dr Sylvaine Giakoumi.
Brief Description of the Program: The present proposal suggests the design of an ecologically
coherent network of marine protected areas for the entire Mediterranean Basin, based on the
principles of systematic conservation planning; an efficient, transparent and holistic approach for
marine reserves design, which informs their location, configuration and management. The aim is to
protect marine biodiversity, in coastal and off-shore habitats, and preserve ecosystem services cost
effectively. To accomplish this, spatial prioritization software will be used to accommodate
ecological, social and economic considerations in identifying priority areas for conservation. The
Mediterranean Sea offers a unique opportunity and urgent need to address this issue since: 1.
especially in the western Mediterranean a large number of MPAs have already been implemented
and can be used as initial framework for further implementation, 2. the knowledge about habitats
and species distribution is far to be completed but some extensive mapping in several areas has
75

een carried out and 3. the scientific community is highly sensible to the issue of Mediterranean
habitats inventories as demonstrated by the effort of RAC/SPA. Given that and considering the
particularities (geographical, social and political) of the study region, new conservation planning
methodologies will be devised. In order to improve the proposed network and increase public
support, an intense consultation process with experts on Mediterranean marine biodiversity and
stakeholders will follow the initial network design. The final product of this approach will be
compared with other non-systematic and national-driven approaches. Results will be of immediate
use to managers of MPAs and ongoing conservation planning throughout the Mediterranean; the
proposed network of MPAs will be integrated within a broader ecosystem-based strategy.
2.4. OFFERING SERVICES
2.4.1. Continuing Offering Services
Surfacing System for Ship Recovery (SuSY/ 2020905).
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
234151 proposal number (FP7)
Dr Ch.J.Smith
Funding: EU (75%) % GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2008
Duration: 48 µήνες (01/09/08-31/08/12)
Total Budget: 207.172 €
Study Area:
Aegean Sea
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr C.J. Smith, L. Manousakis, M. Kallergis, V. Stasinos, T.
Fotopoulos, K. Katsaros, G. Petihakis.
Brief Description of the Program: The proposed research is for engineering development for a
salvage system to refloat sinking or sunken ships. HCMR is involved in the engineering review,
feasibility studies, concept definition and sea trials of a prototype system.
Propagation of spillages is one of the largest environmental problems following a ship disaster.
Instead of cleaning dirty areas, the SUSY system will avoid sspillages by stabilizing vessels
immediately after an accident. The main goal of the project is the development of well known
submarine rescue technology into system usable for merchant ships in emergency situations. The
systems for submarines are based on satellite booster technology with liquid or solid fuel to blow
water out of the ballast tanks in a very short time to provide additional buoyancy to stop, for
example, an uncontrolled diving process. Combining this technology with air pressure systems and
balloon technology to create a multi-purpose modular system for ship rescue purposes is the SUSY
project target. Therefore booster technology combined with pressure air technologies has to be
adapted to salvage procedure requirements. In combination with new balloon textiles a secure
vessel stabilisation process, as well as the salvage process, will be supported.
Different application scenarios/concepts can be envisaged: 1) preventative installation of rescue
systems on ships with hazardous cargo, 2) equipment for coast guard and rescue squads to quickly
stabilise capsized ships and 3) equipment for teams to lift sunken ships.
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The technical challenges for SUSY where research is needed to develop the envisaged system are
(1) developing a hydro-dynamical and a thermo-dynamical model as basis for a controlled process
for the different possible scenarios, (2) developing a safety and secure buoyancy generating system
based on liquid and solid fuel and air pressure, (3) find the right material to cope with the pressure,
temperature and dynamic loads of the rescue scenario, (4) define a life-cycle cost model to assure
the design of a low cost modular system, (5) simulate the different scenarios to provide input for
the design optimisation, (6) Finally SUSY will build a prototype to proof the concept in real sea
tests.
Collection of environmental, ecological, oceanographic and fishert data for the Argolikos
gulf. (ΚΟΥΠΟΝΙΑ/ 841)
Contract Number: Decision integrstion: 2/9/2010, Reg. numb.: 10579
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr K. Kapiris
Duration: 4 months (02/09/10-02/01/11)
Total Budget: 7.000 €
Study Area:
GGRT, Ministry of Education, Lifelong learning & Religious
Affairs
Argolikos Gulf
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr K. Kapiris, G. Christides, IO: Dr Ch. Anagnostou
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of Cooperation HCMR by SMEs and in accordance
with the proposal presented to the SMEs on 26/3/2009 GSRT is: A collection of all data on the
ecology, oceanography and fisheries of the region in order to improve both the scientific level, as
and training of the company. The data given by the HCMR the company will help the company
solve a lot so far "questions" that were born during the years of their professional activities and will
assist in fully understanding the ecological image of the region.
2.5. NETWORKS
2.5.1. New Networks
Mediterranean Network of sustainable small-scale fishing communities (FISHINMED/
2021101)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
DG MARE
Dr G. Tserpes
Funding: Ε.U (90%)
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 36 monhts (01/10/11-30/09/14)
Total Budget: 99.965 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean
77

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Tserpes, N. Kypraios, P. Peristeraki, G. Lazarakis
Brief Description of the Program: Creating a Mediterranean Network linking public and private
institutions to support the social-economic local development of small-scale fishing communities
thus favouring the diversification of fishing activities and the socio-economic relations for an
integrated valorization of the coastal area.
78

INSTITUTE OF AQUACULTURE
79

3. INSTITUTE OF AQUACULTURE
3.1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS
3.1.1. New Research Programs
Development of methods for reproduction and rearing of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) as a
means for the enhancement of the competitiveness of aquaculture, with the introduction of
new species (KRANIOS/ 6031102)
Contract Number: Program Code 09ΣΥΝ-24-424 ESPA 2007-2013
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr C. Mylonas
GSRT
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 36 months (01/02/11-31/01/14)
Total Budget: 286.200 €
Study Area:
Crete, Athens, Nea Artaki (Chalkida), Chios
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr C. Mylonas, M. Papadaki, I. Siggelaki, N. Sekeris, Dr Ν.
Papandroulakis, Dr P. Divanach, S. Stefanakis, I. Papadakis, Dr S. Chatzifotis, Dr E. Fountoulaki, Dr
I. Kotzamanis, Dr D. Nikolopoulou, Dr I. Negas, Dr M. Alexis (till 18/09/11), Dr G. Rigos, P.
Arvanitis, Dr P. Katharios, Dr K. Grigorakis
Other Participants: FORKYS S.A. (Aquaculture production), University of Crete, IRIDA S.A.
(Fish feed production)
Brief Description of the Program: The program KRANIOS focuses on the development and
dissemination of novel technologies for the control of reproduction, larval rearing and fattening of
a new species (the meager, Argyrosomus regius) that is of great interest to the aquaculture industry
in the Mediterranean region. The objective is to differentiate the production, improve the
competitiveness of the industry and contribute to the sustainable development of the sector in
Greece and the European Union, in general. At the same time, the program will strengthen the
connection between research and production with the creation of a collaboration network among
national research organizations and production facilities of the aquaculture sector in Greece.
The scientific objectives of the program include (a) the study of the major parameters involved in
the successful rearing of meager, (b) the development of rearing protocols that will allow the
implementation of the results by the industry in Greece and the European Union and (c) the training
of the technical personnel of the aquaculture sector in Greece on the new methods for the rearing of
meager, which will result from the study.
The implementation of the program will follow seven (7) major research actions (workpackages,
WP). Workpackage 1 includes the study of reproductive biology of meager and the production of
high quality fertilized eggs. Workpackage 2 includes the rearing of the larvae that will hatch from
the eggs, using the Mesocosm and intensive rearing methods, with the objective of producing
fingerlings for grow-out. Workpackage 3 includes the grow-out of the fingerlings in sea cage
facilities and the study of the feeding behavior of the fish. Workpackage 4 focuses on the effect of
rearing conditions (e.g., stocking density and nutrition) on stress, with the objective of developing
optimized rearing methods that will enhance the welfare of the reared fish. Workpackage 5
includes the study of nutritional requirements and metabolism of meager and the development of
environmentally friendly grow-out diets. Workpackage 6 includes the study of any pathologies that
may appear and their management, in order to develop preventive methods in commercial
production conditions. Finally, Workpackage 7 includes the evaluation of the final product, as it
regards it nutrient content and nutritional value, and will include also an evaluation of the
acceptance of the fish by the Greek consumer.
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Network for the development of phage therapy in aquaculture (AQUAPHAGE/ 6021101)
Contract Number: PIRSES-GA-2009-269175 Framework: Marie Curie FP7,
International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (FP7)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr P. Katharios
ΕU
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 48 months (01/03/11-31/03/15)
Total Budget: 39.200 €
Study Area:
Crete
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr P. Katharios, K. Kokari, M. Papadaki
Other Participants: Agricultural University of Athens, Copenhagen University-Denmark, Trinity
College Dublin-Ireland, G. Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology-Georgia
and Universidad de Chile
Brief Description of the Program: AQUAPHAGE aims to the formation of a strong network for
the development of phage therapy in aquaculture through a well balanced research staff exchange
program. The platform for the implementation of this initiative is a common project focused on the
identification and exploitation of phages specific for bacterial pathogens that constitute serious
threats for both freshwater and marine aquaculture
Biotechnology for the exploitation of microalgae (BIOEXPLORE/ 6031101)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
09ΣΥΝ-23-941 (ESPA)
Dr P. Katharios
Funding: GSRT - ESPA (79,3%), Private funds (21,7%)
Starting Year: 2010
Duration: 54 months (16/12/10-15/06/14)
Total Budget: 288.000 €
Study Area:
Crete
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr P. Divanach, Dr P. Katharios, Dr N. Papandroulakis, V.
Kostopoulou, K. Kokkari, M. Papadaki, E. Sfakaki, S. Kastrinakis, Dr P. Makridis
Other Participants: Agricultural University of Athens, Biomedical Research Foundation of the
Academy of Athens , Depart. Biology, University of Athens, Medbio SA., Kefalonia Aquaculture
SA, Dias Aquaculture ΑΕΒΕΕ & Intermed SA.
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of the project if the optimization of the close systems
for the culture of the microalgal species Chlorella minutissima, the formation of genomic,
proteomic, catalomic and metabolomic data bases for the endemic species of C. minutissima which
will constitute the base for the development of biotechnological applications and products of high
added value. Within the aims of the project is also the knowledge acquisition for the beneficial role
of microalgae in fish larval rearing and the development of a new system for the expression of high
added value proteins in C. minutissima
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Reproduction of blufin tuna (Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus) in culture conditions
and production of juveniles for growout (ΘΥΝΝΟΣ/ 6071101)
Contract Number: 349-26/10/2009 (ESPA 2007-2013)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr C. Mylonas
GSRT
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 36 months (01/03/11-28/02/14)
Total Budget: 190.000 €
Study Area:
Crete, Athens, Astako (Aitoloakarnania)
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr C. Mylonas, M. Papadaki, I. Siggelaki, N. Sekeris, Ν.
Papandroulakis, Dr P. Divanach, S. Stefanakis, I. Papadakis, Dr I. Negas, P. Katharios, Dr K.
Grigorakis
Other Participants: STAMATIOU S.A. (Aquaculture support), IRIDA S.A. (Fish feed
production)
Brief Description of the Program: The objectives of the program are (a) the development and
management of a bluefin tuna broodstock, (b) the development of an appropriate diet for the
support of reproductive function of bluefin tuna in captivity, (c) the study of reproductive
maturation in culture, (d) the induction of spawning using hormonal therapies and the production of
fertilized eggs, (e) the construction of passive and active egg collection devices for sea cages, (f)
the development of larval rearing protocols based on the ontogeny of the digestive system and
organs related to food acquisition and digestion.
Development of an efficient environmentally-friendly Algae Control System, based on
ultrasound technology, designed for use in bigger ponds and lakes (ClearWaterPMPC/
6021103)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
286875 (FP7-SME-2011)
Dr P. Divanach
EU
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
24 months
Total Budget: 147.942 €
Study Area:
Crete
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr P. Divanach, Dr P. Makridis, E. Sfakaki
Other participants: Norsk BioEnergi Forening, Association europeenne pour la biomasse, British
Trout Association Ltd IPS, Sea Marconi Technologies di Vander Tumiattis AS, Ingepro BV,
Varicon Aqua Solutions Ltd, Value for Technology BVBA, Swansea University, Teknologisk
Institutt AS, University of Durham, Universita degli Studi di Firenze.
Brief Description of the Program: Both in lakes, large ponds, water reservoirs and public waters,
the growth of blue-green algae constitute a formidable problem. These types of algae represent a
group of bacteria, known as cyanobacteria. They give rise to a distinctly foul odour and are also
known to produce toxins. These toxins can cause various discomforts and illnesses. As well as
causing skin irritations they are even suspected to be involved in the occurrence of liver cancer.
Each year, numerous lakes are forced to close for all recreational use due to the growth of bluegreen
algae. In response to this global problem, a substantial annual budget is being released by
governments with the purpose of keeping lakes clear from blue-green algae. Today’s traditional
algae controlling methods (e.g. aeration, chemical or biological additives, ultrasound and others)
are not sufficiently effective when it comes to larger waters. There are high labour costs associated
83

with the need for frequent maintenance and dosage. Another concern is the environmental impact
in particular cases, especially when chemicals are used. The ClearWaterPMPC project offers
solutions to these problems by providing an environmentally-friendly technology that is based on
ultrasound. Ultrasound is a well-known and proven technology for the treatment of algae. In
contrast to currently available ultrasound based algae control systems, the ClearWaterPMPC
project will be more cost-effective due to its low operation and installation costs. It will have an
implemented online lake monitoring system and the possibility for remote control of specific
control parameters.
COPEWELL/ 6021102
Contract Number: 265957
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding: ΕU (75%)
Starting Year: 2011
Dr N. Papandroulakis
Duration: 54 months (01/06/11-30/11/16)
Total Budget: 438.531 €
Study Area:
Aquaculture
Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr N. Papandroulakis, Dr. P. Divanach, Mr Anastasiadis, Mr
Stefanakis, Mr Asderis, Mr Aggelis, Mr Strakantounas
Other Participants: (1) HAVFORSKNINGSINSTITUTTET IMR Norway (2) CENTRO DE
CIENCIAS DO MAR DO ALGARVE CCMAR Portugal (3) HELLENIC CENTRE FOR MARINE
RESEARCH HCMR Greece (4) ISPA - INSTITUTO SUPERIOR DE PSICOLOGIA APLICADA,
CRL ISPA Portugal (5) NOFIMA MARIN AS NOFIMA Norway (6) TCN Partnership
Transnational Consulting Partnership TNC Germany (7) STICHTING KATHOLIEKE
UNIVERSITEIT RUN Netherlands (8) UNIVERSITETET I OSLO UIO Norway (9) UNI
RESEARCH AS UNI Norway (10) UNIVERSITAT AUTONOMA DE BARCELONA UAB Spain
(11) PANEPISTIMIO KRITIS (UNIVERSITY OF CRETE) UoC Greece (12) THE UNIVERSITY
OF STIRLING USTIR United Kingdom (13) UPPSALA UNIVERSITET UU Sweden (14)
DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITET DTU Denmark (15) INSTITUT FRANCAIS DE
RECHERCHE POUR L'EXPLOITATION DE LA MER IFREMER France (16) UNIVERSITY OF
PATRAS UP Greece 4 (17) STICHTING DIENST LANDBOUWKUNDIG ONDERZOEK DLO
Netherlands
Brief Description of the Program: Understanding of the basic mechanisms involved in coping
strategies of fish towards improvement of welfare
Alternative preventive and therapeutic methods in Greek aquaculture (ΕΝΑΛΛΑΚΤΙΚΕΣ
ΘΕΡΑΠΕΙΕΣ/ 857)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr G. Rigos
GSRT-ΕΥ∆Ε/ΕΤΑΚ
Duration: 36 months (10/01/11-09/01/14)
Total Budget: 316.410 €
Income 2011: 110.743,5 €
Study Area:
Alternative prevention and therapy in relation to nutrition of
farmed fish
84

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G Rigos, Dr E. Fountoulaki, Dr E. Cotou, Dr P. Katharios, Dr M.
Ηenry, Dr I. Nengas, Dr P. Makridis, Dr D. Nicolopoulou, Dr K. Grigorakis, Dr I. Papadakis, G.
Straladpimas, M. Papadaki, Dr K. Kokkari, P. Arbanitis
Other Participants: Hellenic Pasteur Institute, SELODA AQUACULTURE SA, BIOMAR
HELLENIC SA
Brief Description of the Program: The discovery of new non-chemical, safe and environmentally
friendly prevention and therapeutic measures to deal with problems of pathological origin in Greek
marine aquaculture
Research for the production of fish of high biological and dietary value for human
consumption (ΙΧΘΥΑΣΙΣ/ 861)
Contract Number:
Scientific Co-ordinator:
Funding:
09ΣΥΝ-24-1069
Dr Y. Kotzamanis
GSRT
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 36 months (03/01/11-02/02/14)
Total Budget: 105.600€
Study Area:
Attiki/ West Greece
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr Y. Kotzamanis, Dr K. Grigorakis, M. Yiagnisis, J. Gialamas
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of the present study is to bear innovative research for
the production of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata) which
will have high biological and dietary value for human consumption. The current project will
evaluate not only the effects of dietary treatments on fish growth and health but will also assess the
potential benefits as a functional food for human consumption.
The objectives of the present research are: (1) To improve the biological and dietary value of
cultured sea bream and sea bass by feeding with natural biological active substances like
resveratrol, polyphenols, minerals (cupper, selenium, zink), and omega 3 fatty acids. (2) To
examine the effects of this inclusion to the growth and health of fish. (3) To study the effects of the
fish consumption on human health (4) To disseminate the results in international and Greek
scientific community and to the consumers
Improvement of the production of European eel (Anguilla Anguilla) under intensive rearing
(ΧΕΛΙ ΝΕΤ/ 870)
Scientific Co-ordinator:
Funding:
Dr Υ. Kotzamanis
GSRT
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 36 months (01/04/11-31/03/14)
Total Budget: 60.000 €
Study Area:
Epirus , Attiki
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr Y. Kotzamanis, Dr K. Grigorakis, Dr E. Fountoulaki
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of this study is: (1) Improve the production system
and conditions in eel rearing (2) Improvement of knowledge on the nutritional requirements of eel
(3) Investigation of the problem in slow and fast eel growers (4) Establishment of a proper
nutritional protocol for the different growth stages of eel in order to avoid the excess fat deposition
during its culture (5) Dissemination of the results
85

3.1.2. Continuing Research Programs
Enabling European SMEs to Remediate wastes, Reduce GHG Emissions and Produce
Biofuels via Microalgae Cultivation (BioalgaeSorb/ 6021001).
Contract Number: 243752-2
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr P. Divanach
EU
Starting Year: 2010
Duration:
36 months
Total Budget: 327.700 €
Study Area:
Crete
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr P. Divanach, P. Makridis, E. Sfakaki, M. Vasilakis, I. Papadakis, St.
Stefanakis, P. Anastasiadis
Other participants: Norsk BioEnergi Forening, Association europeenne pour la biomasse, British
Trout Association Ltd IPS, Sea Marconi Technologies di Vander Tumiattis AS, Ingepro BV,
Varicon Aqua Solutions Ltd, Value for Technology BVBA, Swansea University, Teknologisk
Institutt AS, University of Durham, Universita degli Studi di Firenze.
Brief Description of the Program: The bioalgaesorb collaboration will benefit European small
medium enterprise associations/groupings (SME AGs) in diverse sectors by developing
technologies for remediating and valorizing industrial and agricultural/aquacultural effluents via
microalgae cultivation. The resultant microalgal biomass will form a carbon neutral,
environmentally sustainable raw material that is a source for commercially valuable end products,
among them renewable energy. The set task is to utilize unwanted effluents as nutrient sources for
photosynthetic microalgae, thereby reducing effluent discharge by SMEs and yielding high quality
biomass. A holistic approach will be used throughout the project, incorporating coupled process
and financial models to guide the development of cost efficient microalgae-based remediation of
effluents for large numbers of European SMEs.
Aquaculture Infrastructures for excellence in European Fish Research (AQUAEXCEL/
6021002)
Contract Number: 262336
Scientific Coordinator: Dr P. Divanach, Dr S. Chatzifotis (from 17/10/11)
Funding:
EU
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
48 µήνες
Total Budget: 450.855 €
Study Area:
Crete
Participants (HCMR): Dr P. Divanach, Dr S. Chatzifotis, P. Makridis, N. Papandroulakis, I.
Papadakis, S. Stefanakis, P. Anastasiadis
Brief Description of the Program: AQUAEXCEL will coordinate the highest class European
aquaculture research facilities covering the entire range of production systems (recirculation, flowthrough,
cage, hatchery and pond systems), environments (freshwater and marine, cold and warm
water), scales (small, medium and industrial scale), fish species (salmon, trout, sea bass, sea bream,
cod, carp…), and fields of expertise (nutrition, physiology, health and welfare, genetics, monitoring
and management technologies and engineering).
86

An International Research Consortium for promoting and developing Integrated Multi-
Trophic Aquaculture (IRC-IMTA) (MARIE CURIE IRSES/ 806)
Contract Number: Grant Agreement No 230803
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr Y. Kotzamanis
EU
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 36 months (01/02/09- 31/01/12)
Total Budget: 68.400€
Study Area:
EUROPE-CHINA-N. ZEALAND-USA
Scientific team (HCMR): Staff exchange programme for the researchers and staff of Institute of
Aquaculture.
Brief Description of the Program: The Objective of the programme is to establish an
international research consortium for promoting and developing research into Integrated Multi-
Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) technologies that supports the sustainable development of
aquaculture worldwide.
The programme will establish an international consortium of research scientists that can direct their
individual expertise toward achieving the common goal of commercial IMTA. The group will
exchange knowledge with and up-skill other groups to ensure that whilst each group retains control
of their research specialties, all partner groups have access to the existing core knowledge related to
IMTA and can contribute to defining the research requirements within this field. The exchange
programme has been carefully designed to identify the key knowledge gaps in each institution, to
facilitate knowledge transfer between institutions and to develop new focused and co-ordinated
international research initiatives.
This programme will last for a period of three years, covering a framework of staff exchange
activities including training for early stage researchers, collaborative research, and knowledge
transfer by senior scientists. Workshops and training courses will be conducted during the course of
this project, which will facilitate group discussions, communications with regulatory authorities
and industry, training of farmers and strategic research planning.
The partners are: The Scottish Association for Marine Science’ (SAMS), coordinator, ‘Norwegian
Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research’ (BIOFORSK), Hellenic Centre for Marine
Research, (HCMR), Greece, ‘Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies’, (RIMS)- Israel, ‘Yellow Sea
Fisheries Research Institute’ (YSFRI)- China, ‘National Institute of Water & Atmospheric
Research Ltd’ (NIWA)-New Zealand, ‘Department of Animal Science, University of California,
Davis’ (UCD)-USA.
T-MAR VACCINE SAFETY TRIAL (T-MAR VACCINE/ 808)
Scientific coordinator: Dr G. Rigos
Funding:
Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health
Starting Year: 2010
Duration:
18 months
Total Budget: 3.927 €
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Rigos, Dr I. Nengas, A. Vasilaki, X. Nicoloudaki
Brief Description of the Program: To test the safety of the T-Mar vaccine for sea bass.
87

AQUAVAC VIBRIO ORAL TRIALS (AQUAVAC/ 809)
Scientific coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Duration:
Dr G. Rigos
Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health
18 months
Total Budget: 94.248 €
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Rigos, M. Yiagnishis, Dr I. Nengas, A. Vasilaki, X Nicoloudaki
Brieaf description of the program: To establish the homogeneity of vaccine dispersal on feed and
its effectiveness under the current mixing methods, preparation and storage conditions.
Developing a strategy for aquaculture research in the Mediterranean (AQUAMED/ 838)
Scientific coordinator:
Funding:
Dr G. Rigos
ΕΕ (FP7)
Starting Year: 2010
Duration:
36 months
Total Budget: 33.491 €
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Rigos, Dr I. Nengas, Dr P. Divanach, Dr Κ. Grigorakis
Brief Description of the Program: The construction of a communication platform and a data base
for a more efficient research organization in Mediterranean aquaculture industry in future
Improvement of feeds and feeding efficiency for seabass in cage farms in the Mediterranean
(e-Fishent/ 849)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr I. Negas
EU
Starting Year: 2010
Duration:
24 months
Total Budget: 204.210 €
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr I. Nengas, Dr M. Alexis(till 18/09/11), Dr E. Foundoyulaki, Dr M.
Henry, Dr G. Rigos, Dr K. Grigorakis, D. Nikolopoulou
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of the program is the determination of feeding
practices and feed formulations for the cage culture of sea bass in the Mediterranean.
The main objective of the current proposal is to optimize feed management methods and allow the
European sea bass farmer to significantly reduce production FCR. At the same time nutritional and
technical improvements will allow improvements in fish growth, labour costs reduction and
minimize the environmental impacts of fish farming.
88

3.2. STUDIES
3.2.1. New Studies
Development of a procedure to measure amino acid flow from digesta into the plasma of fish
and to determine the impact of dietary supplements of free synthetic amino acids, protein
bound amino acids and synthetic amino acids bound to sugars on this flow (DEVENISH/ 852)
Scientific Co-ordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr Y. Kotzamanis
Devenish Nutrition
Duration: 12 months (14/12/10-13/12/11)
Total Budget: 22.500€
Study Area:
Attiki
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr Y. Kotzamanis, B. Ilia, G. Pyrenis.
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of the project is to study the differences between
amino acids derived from protein, synthetic amino acids and synthetic amino acids bound to sugars
in the commercial product “Devamine” on the flow of amino acids from feed into plasmaThe
objectives of the present research are: (1) Development of the technique in which blood is taken
from the Caudal artery/vein and analysed using the Waters UPLC equipment to determine the
variation in amino acid concentrations between fish and over the day – ie a different times after
feeding. (2) Comparison of 4 diets supplying similar concentrations of essential amino acids but
from different sources.
Effect of various dietary yeast products on the immune system of sea bass (2011 - ΙΝ VIVO
YEAST/ 866)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Total Budget:
Dr M. Henry
Lesaffre S.A.
12 months
20.800 euros
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr M. Henry, Dr M. Alexis (till 18/09/11) , Dr I. Nengas, Dr G.
Rigos, Dr M. Giagnissi, A. Vassilaki, P. Arvanitis, L. Kiriakos.
Other participants: Ilias Κalias.
Brief Description of the Program: Assess the potential immunostimulation effect of dietary yeast
in sea bass. The study will investigate the effects of different dietary yeast products on growth,
feed efficiency and disease resistance of sea bass.
Effect of various dietary yeast products on the immune system of sea bass. (2011 B - ΙΝ VIVO
YEAST)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Dr M. Henry
Lesaffre S.A.
12 months
Total Budget: 15.400 €
Study Area:
Fish Immunology
89

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr M. Henry, Dr I. Nengas, Dr G. Rigos, A. Vassilaki, P. Arvanitis, L.
Kiriakos.
Other participants: Ilias Κalias.
Brief Description of the Study: Assess the potential immunostimulation effect of dietary yeast in
sea bass.
The study will investigate the effects of different dietary yeast products on growth, feed efficiency
and disease resistance of sea bass.
Evaluation of the pathogenicity of a bacterial pathogen member of the fish microflora in sea
bass (BASS/ 897)
Scientific coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Dr. G. Rigos
SELODA AQUACULTURE SA
3 months
Total Budget: 6.150 €
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Rigos, Dr. M. Henry, P. Arvanitis, A. Basilaki
Brief Description of the Program: To assess the pathogenicity of a bacterial pathogen member of
the fish microflora in sea bass with use of challenge experimentation
3.2.2. Continuing Studies
Collaboration for the rearing of juveniles with “Ελληνικά Ψάρια ΑΕΒΕ” (ΦΟΡΚΥΣ/
6070803)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr N. Papandroulakis & P. Anastasiadis
MARKELOS Lerou Co.
Duration: ~4 months (20/11/10-31/03/11)
Total Budget: 28.000 €
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr N. Papandroulakis, P. Anastasiadis, G. Basilakis, S. Stefanakis
Brief Description of the Study: Objective of the project is the rearing of juveniles of various
species so that the company covers its needs while get training for the ongrowing stages
90

3.3. PROGRAMS FOR OFFERING SERVICES
3.3.1. New Programs for Offering Services
COOPER I/ 6071102
Scientific Coordinator: Dr N. Papandroulakis
Funding:
Hellenic Cooper Development Institute
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 8 months (15/12/11-15/08/12)
Total Budget: 5.900 €
Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr N. Papandroulakis, P. Anastasiadis, M. Asderis, Ch. Aggelis
Brief Description of the Program: Testing the use of cooper in cages.
ROBIAN (IMPLANTS/ 6070101)
Scientific Coordinator: Dr K. Mylonas
Funding:
National Prawn Co, Saudi Arabia
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 6 months (01/12/11-31/05/12)
Total Budget:
9.000 € (credit to IMPLANTS)
3.3.2. Continuing Programs for Offering Services
IMPLANTS/ 60.70101
Scientific Coordinator: Dr K. Mylonas
Funding:
Private individuals
Starting Year: 2004
Duration:
not fixed
Total Budget:
not fixed
ΠΑΡΑΓΩΓΗ/ 6370000
Scientific Coordinator: Dr P. Divanach
Funding:
Private individuals
Starting Year: 2004
Duration:
not fixed
Total Budget:
not fixed
91

Provision of consulting services for broodstock management for a private aquaculture
company (IRIDA A.E. – IMPLANTS 6070101)
Scientific coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2008
Dr C. Mylonas
IRIDA AE
Duration: 36 months (01/11/08-31/10/11)
Total Budget: 17.850 €
Study Area:
Sterea Ellada, Greece.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr C. Mylonas, M. Papadaki, I. Syggelaki
Brief Description of the Program: This program of consulting services aims at the transfer of
technology, scientific support and monitoring of the activities of the company regarding: (1)
Development of broodstocks, feeding and photothermal manipulations for out-of-season spawning,
(2) Personnel training in broodstock management and monitoring of reproductive function and egg
and sperm quality, (3) Sex identification outside of the reproductive season, (4) Evaluation of
reproductive maturation and evaluation of gamete quality (in males and females) with microscopic
and histological and hormonal analyses, (5) Use of hormones and hormonal preparation for the
induction of reproductive maturation, spermiation and spawning, (6) Artificial insemination and
cryopreservation, (7) Coverage of the international scientific literature and updating on the
publication of article, organization of conferences and workshop of relevance to the company.
3.4. SELF FINANCED PROGRAM
3.4.1. Continuing Sefl Financed Program
(EQUASE 2002).
Scientific Coordinator: M. Giagnisi (till 29/09/11)
Funding:
Starting Year: 2002
Duration:
HCMR {50% IMBR, Aquaculture, programme: Quality and
Diseases of Fish (Dr M.Alexi - till 18/09/11) and 50% IO,
programme: EU directive (Dr E. Papathanassiou)}
ongoing
Total Budget: 691 €
Study Area:
Water Microbiology.
Scientific team (HCMR): IA: M. Giagnisi (till 29/09/11), Dr M. Alexi (till 18/09/11), IO: Dr E.
Papathanassiou, IIW: M. Koutsodimou
Other participants: Dr A. Mavridou, G. Mandilara, National School of Public Health, Greece,
Public Health Laboratory Service, England
Brief Description of the Program: Our participation to interlaboratory exercises with right
results is necessary for the certification of the HCMR laboratory of Microbiology.
The objective of this program is the Participation to interlaboratory exercises of Water
Microbiology under the supervision of Public Health Laboratory Service, England.
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INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGY AND GENETICS
93

4. INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGY AND GENETICS
4.1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS
4.1.1. New Research Programs
Ε∆ΓΕ/ 4031101
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
09ΣΥΝ-13-901 / ΕΣΠΑ 2007-2013:Ε&Τ
Dr G. Kotoulas
GSRT
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 36 months (01/02/11-31/01/14)
Total Budget: 160.500 €
Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Kotoulas, Dr A. Magoulas, 3 researchers, 6 technicians.
Other Participants: Foundation of Research and Technology, Biomedical Sciences Research
Center A. FLEMING, Synaptic Ltd, BioAnalytica Co., Biodiagnostical Co.
Isolation and characterization of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Atlantic bluefin
tuna (Thunnus thynnus) (ABFT SNP/ 4021103)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Marie Curie Intra European Felowship (IEF) – Grand Agreement
PIEF-GA-2010-27-64-47
Dr A. Magoulas
EU
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 24 µήνες (01/07/11-30/06/13)
Total Budget: 157.720 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean - Atlantic
Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr A. Magoulas, Dr G. Zampicinini, Dr G. Kotoulas, 4 Technicians
Brief Description of the Program: The Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus (Linnaeus 1758) is a
highly migratory pelagic species found in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. The high
market value of bluefin tuna has led to substantial overfishing, possibly lead to stock depletion
unless sustainable catch quotas are enforced. Rational fish stock management requires knowledge
of population structure; currently two separate Eastern and Western Atlantic stocks are recognized,
spawning in the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Mexico respectively. Analysis of DNA markers
such as microsatellite DNA and hypervariable mtDNA sequences mostly support the hypothesis of
the Eastern and Western stocks, but suggest a more complex population structuring and the
presence of other spawning sites in the Mediterranean. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
are the most abundant polymorphisms in genomes; as sequencing is required for their
characterisation, large numbers of SNPs were previously available only for model organisms. The
advent of massively parallel sequencing platforms allows isolation of large numbers of SNPs in
non-model species; current highthroughput genotyping platforms allow simultaneous analysis of
SNPs of the same order of magnitude. Due to these technological advances, the use of SNPs in
population studies is increasing and is anticipated to complement and eventually replace current
DNA-based makers. The availability of a large number of SNP markers in the bluefin tuna would
allow to analyse population structure in greater detail than with the currently used markers while
facilitating data standardization across labs; additionally, the genomic resources obtained from the
project would significantly increase the level of genetic characterisation of ABFT and can provide
the basis for future studies such as microarray development, marker validation and genetic linkage
analysis.
95

A new integrative framework for the study of fish welfare based on the concepts of allostasis,
appraisal and coping styles (COPEWELL ΙΘΑΒΙΓ/ 4021105)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
265957(FP7-KBBE-2010-4)
Dr G. Kotoulas (IA: Dr N. Papandroylakis)
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 48 months (01/06/11-31/12/15)
Total Budget: 189.130 €
Study Area:
EU
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr G. Kotoulas, Dr A. Magoulas, Dr E. Sarropoulou, Dr C.
Tsigenopoulos, E. Mironaki, V. Terzoglou, K. Economaki, S. Darivianakis
Other participants: (1) IMR – Norway – Coordinator (2) CCMAR – Portugal (3) ISPA – Portugal
(4) NOFIMA – Norway (5) TNC – Germany (6) RUN – Holland (7) UIO – Norway (8) UNI –
Norway (9) UAB – Spain (10) UoC – Greece (11) USTIR – UK (12) UU – Sweden (13) DTU –
Denmark (14) IFREMER – France (15) UP – Greece (16) DLO - Holland
Brief Description of the Program: COPEWELL aims to provide a better understanding of the
underpinning mechanisms and basic knowledge about the physiology, biology, and behaviour of
fishes and to give a deeper understanding of the basic mechanisms involved in coping styles. We
will use an innovative hypothesis-driven multidisciplinary approach that aims to explore the links
between brain function, behaviour and adaptive plasticity (WPs 1 and 2). Underlying mechanisms
will be addressed by localising key elements of the stress-responsive serotonergic and learning and
memory systems in the telencephalon, and for the first time also analyse rates of brain cell
proliferation, neurogenesis, and expression of genes controlling other aspects of brain function, as
learning and memory, in fish expressing different coping styles. The project will also focus on the
understanding of how animals experience their world, based on appraisal theory and experimental
studies of appraisal mechanisms in farmed fish, and not simply on the description of animal
behaviour or stress responses (WP2 Appraisal). COPEWELL will further study the ontogeny of
brain function and neuroendocrine stress responses in the call species Atlantic salmon (Salmo
salar), European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata), and will provide
new insights on the interrelations between different relevant husbandry practices, plasticity of brain
function and stress response during early ontogeny. COPEWELL will explore potential
consequences of early life stress experiences on the welfare and quality of juvenile fish,
substantiate the concept of allostatic stress regulation in fish and determine thresholds between
eustress that are considered positive for welfare and distress that can have severe negative
consequences for fish welfare as: “it will attempt to discriminate between normal adaptive stress
responses and situations of potential consequence to animal welfare, in relation to different relevant
husbandry practices and rearing methods” (WP3Allostasis and WP4 Ontogeny). The expected
impact the COPEWELL project is to deepen our knowledge on the development of the brain
function, behaviour and stress response in relation to the different husbandry practises and rearing
methods. It will also serve to define how short or long episodes of stress during the early life affect
the welfare and quality of juveniles and adult fish (WPs 3 & 4). It will significantly contribute in
providing and extending the knowledge basis for the development of tools such as new individualbased
indicators for a better assessment of fish welfare, e.g. by identifying and verifying noninvasive
indicators of coping styles. Perhaps most important, COPEWELL will provide a new
framework, based on evolutionary principles and an understanding of subjective experience of
welfare as an evolved survival mechanism, making welfare available for scientific inquiry.
96

Management of Port Areas in the Mediterranean Sea Basin (MAPMED/ 4021104)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
I-B/2.1/395
Dr. Ch. Arvanitidis
Funding: EU (81,71%) & GSRT (4,80%)
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 40 months (01/09/11-31/12/14)
Total Budget: 259.407,04 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Ch. Arvanitidis, Dr E. Chatzinikolaou, Dr L. Fanini, Dr K. Dounas,
Dr P. Koulouri, Dr P. Polymenakou, W. Plaiti
Other Participants: 5 more research and academic bodies from Italy, Egypt and Tunisia.
Brief Description of the Program: The overall objective of MAPMED project is to improve the
environmental sustainability of tourist coastal areas in the Countries of the Mediterranean Sea
Basin (Italy, Greece, Egypt, Tunisia) through the promotion of the long term cooperation between
institutional authorities and the scientific Community.
The specific objective of the project includes the optimization, validation and transfer of tools to
guide institutional authorities in the sustainable management of tourist ports/harbours with regard
to monitoring and reduction of marine pollution through an integrated multidisciplinary approach
based on existing cross-thematic innovative scientific, technological, socio-economic and legal
skills and know-how.
Vectors of Change in Oceans and Seas Marine Life, Impact on Economic Sectors
(VECTORS/ 4021102)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
266445 (FP7)
Dr Ch. Arvanitidis
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 48 months (01/02/11-01/02/15)
Total Budget: 100.000 €
Study Area:
Marine Biodiversity and Policy Making
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Ch. Arvanitidis, E. Chatzinikolaou, S. Faulwetter, A. Vasileiadou
Other participants: 37 research and academic bodies (university departments, research institutes,
etc, from all over EU.
Brief description of the Program: Marine life makes a substantial contribution to the economy
and society of Europe. VECTORS will elucidate the factors that cause changes in marine life, the
mechanisms by which they do so, the impacts that they have on ecosystem structures and
functioning, and on the economics of associated marine sectors and society. The project will
address a complex array of issues of concern for marine life, biodiversity, sectoral interests,
regional seas, and academic disciplines as well as the interests of stakeholders. VECTORS will
particularly focus on causes and consequences of invasive alien species, and changes in fish
distribution and productivity. New and existing knowledge and insight will be synthesised and
integrated to project changes in marine life, ecosystems and economies under future scenarios for
adaptation and mitigation in the light of new technologies, fishing strategies and policy needs.
VECTORS will evaluate current forms and mechanisms of marine governance in relation to the
vectors of change. Based on its findings, VECTORS will provide solutions and tools for relevant
stakeholders and policymakers, to be available for use during the lifetime of the project.
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European Marine Biological Resource Centre preparatory phase (EMBRC/ 4021101)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
INFKRA-2010-2.2.5.
Dr A. Magoulas
Funding: EC (67,78%) & GSRT (32,22%)
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 36 months (01/02/11-31/01/14)
Total Budget: 165.750 €
Study Area:
EU
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr A. Magoulas, Dr G. Kotoulas, 8 Researchers, 4 Technicians
Other participants: 10 research bodies (research institutes, university departments) from all over
EU: (1) Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy (SZN) (2) Sven Lovén Centre for Marine
Sciences (Sven Lovén – UGOT) (3) Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) (4)
Scottish Association for Marine Science, UK (SAMS (5) Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI - USTAN)
(6) Marine Biological Association (MBA) (7) Algarve Center for Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (8)
Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) (9) Sars International Centre for
Marine Molecular Biology (Uni Sars) (10) European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
Brief Description of the Program: The Preparatory Phase for a pan-European MARINE
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCE CENTRE(EMBRC) research infrastructure focuses on the technical,
legal, governance, and financial issues to prepare a memorandum of understanding to begin to
construct EMBRC. It will build on existing Marine Biological Institutes and Research Centres
which will be complemented with innovative components and properly embedded into European
scientific, ethical, legal and societal frameworks. The preparative phase of EMBRC will provide
the proof of concepts for a key resource to increase excellence and efficacy in Marine Biological
Research and secure competitiveness of European research and industry in a global context. This
distributed pan-European infrastructure will provide access to model marine organisms and related
genomic resources. It will promote access for both research and training. The main costal marine
laboratories will be embedded within this RI to provide access to model marine organisms and their
ecosystems together with modern technology and ’omic’ platforms.
Supercomputer with grid logic for ecological, biological and medical data and algorithms
(EVAGORAS/ 3021102)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr G. Kotoulas (IMBG), G. Petihakis (IO)
EU (80%) & Ministry of Development, Competitiveness and
Shipping (INTERREG)
Duration: 24 months (01/07/11-30/06/13)
Total Budget: 102,500 €
Study Area:
Crete - Cyprus
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Kotoulas, Dr G. Petihakis, J. Langlel, P. Vavilis, D. Sidirokastritis,
Dr A. Magoulas, Dr G. Triantafyllou, K. Tsiaras, A. Pollani, S. Marinakis
Other participants: Polytechnic of Crete, University of Cyprus
Brief Description of the Program: The main purpose of the project is to create a supercomputer
for medical, biological and ecological data based on grid logic (FPGAs) which will provide
services in research groups. Medicine, Biology and Ecology are rapidly developing sciences with a
wide field of research. Scientists have to address, inter alia, important issues concerning the
management of huge volume of data generated daily in the laboratory.
98

Large processing times required for the extraction of the final-relevant information. The modern
approach to the solution of the problem is the use of supercomputers. Another approach is the
proposed system. It consists of two general purpose computers and a range of cards (boards) with
grid logic which can be implemented quickly in any application designed. The general purpose
computers will have the role to interface with the Internet and manage the supercomputer users as
well as interface with the cards of grid logic. The cards will be interconnected with either the
general purpose computer via a fast connection or be interconnected. The project envisages the
creation of appropriate standards for interconnection (interfaces) to create libraries to implement
common tasks such as access to external memory, internal caches, etc. After creating the libraries
specific applications of bioinformatics and ecological models will be introduced. Most important
applications will be selected (eg, NCBI BLAST) to make the supercomputer particularly useful for
most end users as possible. Each user will have access to the account from which will be able to
access the various databases stored locally. The applications created will be controlled by end users
for the accuracy of the results of a series of experiments. The expected result is to reduce the
runtime of the experiments on average 20 times per application per card of grid logic. Operation
with 16 cards thus will be equivalent to 320 computers. The proposed supercomputer would be an
important research tool for end users and help them become highly competitive in their research
field. The laboratories which will design and implement the supercomputer will have a very strong
platform on which they can develop new applications and to conduct research projects. Moreover
the maintenance cost is significantly lower than the corresponding general purpose computers
while energy consumption is about 20 times lower with a significant impact on the environment.
Genetic characterization and the influence of aquaculture on native European seabass
population sin Cyprus (ΑΕΙΦΟΡΙΑ/ΦΥΣΗ 06/09 (ΒΕ)/ 4021106)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr K. Tsigenopoulos
Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation
Duration: 36 months (01/06/11-31/05/14)
Total Budget: 14.986 €
Study Area:
Crete
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr K. Tsigenopoulos, V. Terzoglou, A. Economaki, S. Darivianakis, E.
Bogiatzi
Brief Description of the Program: The European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is a key species
in the Cyprus fisheries sector and has been produced locally in intensive aquaculture systems for
over 30 years. The impact of large seabass aquaculture operations on wild populations is essentially
unknown as there is little previous research on this subject. However, evidence from salmon
aquaculture indicates that large numbers of escaped fish can lead to significant threats to the
sustainability of wild populations and consequently marine biodiversity.
The aim of this project is to use genetic markers to investigate the genetic profile of the wild
seabass population in Cyprus and determine how they compare genetically to other Mediterranean
populations. The frequency of cultured fish in the wild and the potential for interactions between
wild and cultured fish will be examined using the genetic profiles of both wild fish and current
aquaculture populations. Biological data on the wild population will also be collected to confirm
the possibility of interbreeding between the two groups. Cyprus offers a unique opportunity to
study such interactions due to the limited number of hatcheries producing seabass locally, the small
size of the wild population and the potential for genetic differentiation from other Mediterranean
populations. There have been very few genetic studies on fish populations in the Eastern
Mediterranean and none in Cyprus waters.
99

This project will capture samples of wild fish over a large area of coastline and cooperate with
aquaculture enterprises to sample farmed fish. A range of genetic markers will be employed to
provide a high resolving power to distinguish between Cypriot and other Mediterranean seabass
populations, as well as between wild fish and fish originating from local fish farms. This genetic
information will provide evidence for the size and status of the wild seabass population, its
relationship with other Mediterranean populations and evidence of the presence of cultivated fish in
the wild. Samples of wild adult seabass will also be examined for evidence of sexual maturity and
reproduction, to determine if wild seabass spawn in Cyprus waters. Genetic data collected from
seabass hatcheries will allow analysis of the geographic origin of the stocks, loss of genetic
variation and the potential for developing genetic traceability schemes.
The results of this project will assist in developing policies to protect livestock genetic resources in
Cyprus by identifying genetic characteristics of wild fish and evaluating the level of interaction
between wild and cultured seabass. Such interactions are a risk to marine biodiversity due to the
genetic changes that can result from interbreeding and the poor fitness (survival and reproductive
success) of farmed fish in the wild. The genetic information produced by the project will also
provide important data to the Cyprus aquaculture industry for the future application of
biotechnology
4.1.2. Continuing Research Programs
Supporting research potential for MARine BIodiversity and GENomics in the Eastern
Mediterranean (MARBIGEN/ 4021002)
Contract Number: FP7- 264089
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr A. Magoulas
Funding: EU (77%) & GSRT (23%)
Starting Year: 2010
Duration: 36 + 6 months (01/11/10-30/04/14)
Total Budget: 2.926.159 €
Study Area:
Greece
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr A. Magoulas, Dr G. Kotoulas, Dr K. Dounas, Dr Ch. Arvanitidis,
All other IMBG researchers, Technical and administration support staff
Brief Description of the Program: The objective of the project is to fully exploit and further
develop the research potential of the Institute of Marine Biology and Genetics (IMBG) of the
HCMR in the area of biodiversity. The capacities of the institute have been demonstrated by
achievements recognized by the European and international scientific communities, and in the year
2005 was expressed in the external evaluation report. The present project will allow the institute to
strengthen its research and technological development and to get established in a first-line position
in biodiversity science. The location of IMBG in the heart of Eastern Mediterranean Sea, which is a
biodiversity hot spot and one of the most vulnerable to climatic change sea basins, argues for the
significance of establishing it as a high level centre for genomics and biodiversity research. This
will be accomplished by upgrading existing and acquiring new equipment, developing biodiversity
research topics through hiring incoming scientific personnel, taking advantage of the knowledge
and experience existing in excellent research entities of the EU though exchanges of researchers,
and the organisation of workshops and seminars.
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Activities in this context will be carried out using a two-pronged approach designed to: a) enhance
its capacities to assess biodiversity by enforcing current up-to-date high throughput genomics
technologies, supported by bioinformatics and biodiversity informatics and by introducing
automated and precision 3D phenotyping at meio- and macro- organismal level b) strengthen its
capacity to study changes in biodiversity by developing an in-house experimental facility for in
vivo experiments with the potential for manipulation of environmental conditions, as well as an
innovative experimental site for long-term studies concerning the impacts on biodiversity of
anthropogenic stressors and climate change on coastal ecosystems.
Virtual Biodiversity Research and Access Network for Taxonomy (ViBRANT/ 4021003)
Contract Number: FP7- 261532
Scientific Coordinator:
Dr Ch. Arvanitidis
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2010
Duration: 36 months (01/12/10-30/11/13)
Total Budget: 373.199 €
Income: 2010
Study Area:
Biodiversity e-Infrastructures
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Ch. Arvanitidis, E. Chatzinikolaou, S. Faulwetter, A. Vasileiadou
Other participants: 16 research and academic bodies (university departments, research institutes,
etc, from all over EU.
Brief Description of the Program: ViBRANT will facilitate the mobilisation, sharing, reuse and
publication of biodiversity data; multiplying the investments already spent by society in the
collection of biodiversity data and helping to focus the output from the European and global
biodiversity research community. Our system will massively increase the number of people actively
using e-infrastructures to publish their biodiversity data for use by all.
Development and Implementation of a pan-European Marine Biodiversity Obserbvatory
System (EMBOS)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr Ch. Arvanitidis
EU
Starting Year: 2010
Duration:
Total Budget:
Study Area:
2 years
Trip payments
Europe
101

REPROduction protocols and molecular tools for mass spawning and communal rearing
based SELective breeding schemes applied to multiple-spawning marine fish (REPROSEL/
4021001)
Contract Number: FP7 SME-2010 – 1-262523
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Dr K. Tsigenopoulos
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2010
Dr. Hervé Chavanne Istituto Sperimentale Italiano Lazzaro
Spallanzani (ISILS), Italy
Duration: 24 months (01/09/10-31/08/12)
Total Budget: 142.532 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean stocks of gilthead sea bream
(Sparus aurata) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr C. Tsigenopoulos, Dr. G. Kotoulas, Dr. A. Magoulas, Mr. Jacques
Lagnel, Mrs V. Terzoglou, Mrs K. Ekonomaki, Mr. S. Darivianakis, Mrs. Emmanouella Vogiatzi
Other participants:
Brief Description of the Program: Selective breeding schemes are widely recognized as efficient
means to improve aquaculture production. Compared to the individual selection, family-based
selection allows a better control of inbreeding and represents the only alternative to improve
disease resistance and slaughter traits. However, fish farmers are reluctant to invest in such
programs due to the high requirements for space, labour and maintenance. In addition, the sib
groups produced may result inadequate when the artificial fertilisation is not fully mastered. This is
a limitation for the emergence of breeding programs for multiple-spawning species. However,
molecular markers are presented as valid tools to enhance breeding programs, in particular for
parentage inference of selection candidates reared in communal tanks. Microsatellite are the mostly
used markers and the assignment of progeny is achieved with specific software. But the genotyping
costs, combined with the too low assignment rate of progeny to a single parental pair, restrict their
use in selection. Relying on mass spawning to implement selective breeding schemes is the
challenge this project proposes to tackle. The European seabass and the gilthead seabream are the
target species that will be the subject of the following research objectives: understand the spawning
kinetics and propose hormonal therapies to develop mass spawning protocols allowing equalised
parental contribution; develop highly informative STRs multiplexes and SNPs microchips and
optimise an allocation software to maximise the rate of single match at the lower cost; optimise
selection models adapted to new mating designs to get the best genetic response while controlling
the rate of inbreeding. Based on the projects results, a business plan will be prepared, accompanied
by a cost-effectiveness analysis of the proposed strategy. It will result in the reinforcement of
existing breeding programs and the emergence of new breeding initiatives.
Evolution and adaptation of marine populations in a temporally and spatially variable
environment (EVAMAP/ 4031002).
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Dr Ε. Sarropoulou
GSRT
Starting Year: 2010
Duration: 24 months (10/11/10-09/11/12)
Total Budget: 20.000 €
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr E. Sarropoulou, Dr C. Arvanitidis, A. Vasileiadou, G.
Chatzigeorgiou
102

Other participants: Centre d'Océanologie de Marseille, unit of research UMR 6540 - Diversity,
evolution and marine functional ecology (DIMAR), France.
Brief Description of the Program: The discipline of Genetics is continuously evolving by
developing new techniques. Molecular techniques provide precise information, thus they are
applied in many research disciplines. All biological functions are regarded as the result of the
evolutionary process. Genetic diversity is responsible for the adaptation of the species in the
environment and finely tunes their function into the system. Abiotic factors control gene
distribution. The present study attempts to elucidate the role of the abiotic characteristics on gene
dispersal and their distribution between the populations. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)
can be used for the purposes of this work in combination with the COI gene of mitochondrial DNA.
The effect of the abiotic factors on natural populations can be easily studied in lagoonal
ecosystems, as they are characterized by spatial and temporal fluctuating conditions. Moreover,
they are subjected to intense athropogenic pressure through a large number of activities carried out
into and around their waters. Polychaetes are a representative taxon of those hosted in this type of
systems. The vast diversity in their life cycle characteristics makes them the most appropriate taxon
for this work. The proposed study aims at developing an approach which offers the ability to
elucidate the effect of abiotic factors on gene distribution in natural populations through the testing
of the «hierarchic-to-stress-response” hypothesis. The objective is to create an approach that will
be able to be widely used and applied to more disciplines in Biology.
Ecologie Chimique Marine: Indicateur de Biodiversite et Valorisation (ECIMAR/ 4070701)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2007
Dr C. Dounas
CNRS & Mediterranean University, Marseille
Duration: 60 months (19/09/07-19/09/12)
Total Budget: 29.900 €
Study Area:
North coasts of Crete.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr C. Dounas, Dr C. Arvanitidis, Dr K. Tsigenopoulos, Dr G. Koulouri,
V. Plaiti, Th. Dailianis
Brief Description of the Study: Field sampling for the collection of biological material (Porifera,
Bryozoa), measurement of environmental parameters as well as genetic and chemical analysis of
the biological samples. A limited number of sampling station sin underwater hard substrates in the
north coasts of Crete will be selected and monitored continuously for five years.
A Pan-European Species-directories Infrastructure (PESI/ 4020802)
Contract Number:
223806 (FP7)
Sc. Responsible for HCMR: Dr Ch. Arvanitidis
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year:
Dr Yde de Yong, UvA, The Netherlands
EU
2008 (May)
Duration: 36 months (01/05/08-30/04/11)
Total Budget HCMR:
Study Area:
15.000 €. Additional funds may be provided in the form of
refunding for travelling expenses directly from the General
Coordinator (UNIVERSITEIT VAN AMSTERDAM).
EU
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Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Ch. Arvanitidis
Other participants: 40 Academic and Research Establishments from all over EU.
Brief Description of the Program: The urgency of global problems related to conservation and
sustainable use of biological resources is generally acknowledged. Obstacles to the proper
development and implementation of environmental management systems include poor access to
reliable biodiversity information. Part of this problem lays in the lack of standardization in
taxonomic reference systems. Other parts of the problem concern the quality and completeness of
taxonomic datasets, and the absence of an integrated access to taxonomic information. PESI will
contribute to the solution of this impediment by improving the European e-infrastructure through
the strengthening of the respective scientific, social, political, technological, and information
capacities in Europe, needed for a proper biodiversity assessment.
World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2008
Dr Ch. Arvanitidis
Duration: 36 months (2008-2011)
Total Budget HCMR:
Study Area:
Dr Mark Costello, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Various Charity, Academic and Research Establishments from EU
and USA
Null. Funds will be provided in the form of refunding for travelling
expenses directly from the General Coordinator (University of
Auckland).
Europe
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Ch. Arvanitidis
Other participants: More than 50 Academic & Research Establishments from all over the World.
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of a World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) is
to provide an authoritative and comprehensive list of names of marine organisms, including
information on synonymy. While highest priority goes to valid names, other names in use are
included so that this register can serve as a guide to interpret taxonomic literature.
Contaminant-specific isotope analyses as sharp environmental-forensics tools for site
characterisation, monitoring and source apportionment of pollutants in soil (ISO-Soil/
4020803)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2009
212781 (FP7)
Dr P. Polymenakou
Orjan Gustafsson (Sweden: Stockholm University)
EU (75% of 164.413 & 100% of 13.945) & GSRT (25% of
164.413)
Duration: 36 months (01/02/09-31/01/12)
Total Budget HCMR: 178.358 €
Study Area: Highly contaminated soil sites in the following areas: (1) Czech Republic: The North
Bohemia Carcass Disposal Plant (SAP), Spolana chemical plant, Neratovice, Hradcany, The JDZ
wood-preservation plant, Sobeslav, The TRW factory in Jablonec nad Nisou, Syntesia chemical
plant (2) Switzerland: Kantons Uri, Schwyz, Bern, (3) Sweden: Katrineholm, Annedal
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Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr P. Polymenakou, 1 post-doctoral position
Other participants: Stockholm University (Coordinator: Prof. Orjan Gustafsson), ALS
Laboratory Group AB, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Masaryk University, Earth
Tech CZ s.r.o., Politechnika Lodzka, University of Bristol, FQS Poland Sp. z.o.o., Makolab SA,
IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute
Brief Description of the Program: Conventional remediation-monitoring programmes, i.e.
analysis of contaminant and metabolite concentrations over time and space, often provide
inconclusive assessments due to inability to resolve among mixing of several contaminant sources,
degradation, dispersion and other redistribution processes. The isoSoil objective is to firmly
establish concentration-independent contaminant-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) as a novel, userfriendly
and powerful tool for both degradation monitoring and source apportionment of organic
contaminants in soil. The balanced isoSoil consortium with world-leading CSIA research groups,
progressive remediation-focused and analytical services companies and experienced software
enterprises will enable a) applications of multiple CSIA systems (13C/12C, 2H/1H, 15N/14N and
37Cl/35Cl) for improved site-specific characterization and monitoring of microbial and abiotic
degradation, b) applications of CSIA “isotopic fingerprinting” (14C/12C, 2H/1H, 37Cl/35Cl, and
81Br/79Br) for source apportionment of both regional diffuse and locally mixed contamination
scenarios (i.e., environmental forensics) and, c) emphasis on development and demonstration of
web-based commercial software to aid soil managers in sampling and interpretation of CSIA
results. The CSIA concept provides a well-defined and improved tool to for assessment and
monitoring of the 3.5 mill contaminated soil sites in EU. Application of multi-element CSIA
enables enhanced power to resolve between the many co-occurring processes. CSIA-based
DEGRADATION MONITORING answers to Call Topic “improved tools for site characterization
and monitoring of contaminated soils including chemical analysis”. CSIA-based SOURCE
APPORTIONMENT answers to Call Topic “development of tools for detection of local, primary,
or secondary sources”.
Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man’s Impact On European Seas (HERMIONE- IMBG/
4020903)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Major Coordinator:
226354 (FP7)
Dr P. Polymenakou (In collaboration with IO Athens/Pr.765 & IO
Crete)
Prof P.Weaver
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 36 months (01/04/09-31/03/12)
Total Budget: 42.151,9 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean, Black, North, NE Atlandic, Nordic seas, Arctic
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Lykousis, Dr N Lambadariou, Dr V. Ploymenakou, Dr E.
Mandalakis, Dr H. Kontogiannis, S. Stavrakakis, , Dr H. Kaberi, Dr C. Zeri, Dr I. Chatzianestis, Dr
D. Sakellariou, M. Alexandri (till 21/06/11), Dr A. Karageorgis, Dr G. Rousakis, P. Georgiou, Dr
E. Tripsanas, T. Polychronaki, V. Kalogeropoulou, S. Maroulakis, D. Podaras, P. Mandopoulos, I.
Pambidis, D. Balas, P. Renieris, G. Pappas, A. Morfis.
Other participants: SOCS (Overall project coordinator) +38 partners (for further details see web
site)
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Brief Description of the Program: The HERMIONE project sets out to investigate ecosystems at
critical sites on Europe’s deep ocean margin. Even these remote areas are being affected by man,
either through the indirect affects of climate change or directly through exploitation of deep-sea
resources. Urgent questions need to be addressed such as what will be the impact of climate change
on deep-sea ecosystems? What changes are expected in deep-sea ecosystem functioning? How do
species interconnect between isolated communities? What are the direct effects of man’s impact
and how can we adapt or mitigate these so as to use the oceans in a sustainable manner? Answering
these questions will require complex experiments combined with long-term monitoring of sensitive
environments.
This project addresses issues raised in the EC foresight document “The Deep-Sea Frontier -Science
challenges for a sustainable future” (Cochonat et al., 2007). HERMIONE builds on the success of
previous projects such as HERMES but tackles new areas, for example to provide essential
information on ecosystem dynamics at potential long-term observatory sites, and in Arctic areas
where climate change will be more pronounced. Other topics include cold water cascading in the
Mediterranean, driven by cold winter winds that may lose their impact as climate warms, leading to
reduced ventilation of deep Mediterranean waters (Canals et al., 2006). In addition, we will
investigate seamounts as potential areas of high biodiversity that are under threat from bottom
trawling and we will relate the cold seep communities to those living in hot vents on the Mid-
Atlantic Ridge.
HERMIONE has 4 key scientific objectives. These follow a logical progression fro investigating
the physical dimensions of ecosystems, to understanding how they function and interconnect, to
studying how they are impacted by man and how HERMIONE can contribute to conserving them.
The HERMIONE partnership has committed considerable non-EC resources, including a number of
cruises that are already approved (see Appendix II). The total effort committed to this project will
be several multiples of the EC contribution through the contribution of shiptime, major facilities
(e.g. Remotely Operated Vehicles) and staff effort (e.g. postdocs/PhD students) paid by each
nation. The scientists involved represent the best in Europe drawn from internationally recognised
laboratories and with access to state-of-the-art equipment. They have a proven track record of
delivery. They are also passionate about securing the vitality of the oceans for future generations
and will put considerable effort into working with stakeholders.
Objectives: 1. To investigate the dimensions, distribution and interconnection of deep-sea
ecosystems; 2. To understand changes in deep-sea ecosystems related to key factors including
climate; change, human impacts and the impact of large-scale episodic events; 3. To understand
the biological capacities and specific adaptations of deep-sea organisms; and investigate the
importance of biodiversity in the functioning of deep-water ecosystems; 4. To provide stakeholders
and policy-makers with scientific knowledge to support deep-sea governance aimed at the
sustainable management of resources and the conservation of ecosystems. The scientific side of the
work programme is complemented by an extensive public outreach programme and dedicated
training plan for project students, and underpinned by effective and rigorous data management,
including GIS support.
Metagenome analysis of a hydrothermal vent field at Kolumbo volcano
Scientific Coordinator: Dr P. Polymenakou
Funding:
Joint Genome Institute, Department of Energy, USA
Year Started: 2009
Duration: 2009-2011
Study Area:
USA
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Developing fisheries management indicators and targets (DEFINEIT MARIFISH – IMBG/
4020907)
Scientific Coordinator: Dr K. Tsigenopoulos (In collaboration with IMBR of
Athens/Pr.811 & IMBR of Crete)
Major Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2009
Techn. Univ. of Denmark, National Institute of Aquatic Resources
EU & GSRT
Duration: 36 months (01/09/09-31/08/12)
Total Budget: 18.500 €
Study Area:
Mediterranean Sea
Scientific team (HCMR): IMBG: Dr K. Tsigenopoulos, IMBR Athens: Dr C. Maravelias, Dr V.
Vassilopoulou, S. Kavvadas, K. Kapiris, A. Anastasopoulou, J. Haralabous, IMBR Crete: Dr G.
Tserpes, P.Peristeraki
Brief Description of the Program: The project aims to produce the tools necessary to determine
the economically optimal level of exploitation of European ecosystems under changing climatic
conditions while ensuring that the pressure exerted on both commercial stocks and susceptible fish
species is biologically sustainable.
Concrete Conservation Actions for the Mediterranean Shag and Audouin’s Gull in Greece,
including the Inventory of Relevant Marine IBAs (ConShagAudMIBAGR/ 4020901).
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
EP-08-01-005 (FP7) – LIFE/07/NAT/GR/000285
Dr P. Kasapidis (In collaboration with IMBR)
Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%)
Starting Year: 2009
Duration: 48 months (01/01/09-31/12/12)
Total Budget: 125.083 €
Study Area:
Aegean, Ionian.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): IMBG: Dr P. Kasapidis, Dr G. Kotoulas, J. Lagnel, V. Terzoglou, K.
Oikonomaki. IMBR: P. Peristeraki, V. Valavanis, Dr T. Tserpes, G. Lazarakis, K. Skarvelis. IMBR:
P. Peristeraki, V. Valavanis, Dr T. Tserpes, G. Lazarakis, K. Skarvelis. IMBG: Dr P. Kasapidis, Dr
G. Kotoulas, J. Lagnel, V. Terzoglou, K. Oikonomaki.
Brief Description of the Program: (1) Preparatoty actions for defining marine Important Bird
Areas (mIBAs), and defining of mIBAs. (2) Preparatoty action for rat elimination and population
control of sea gulls and realization of the respective actions in selected islets. (3) Actions for
public awareness on sea bird conservation.
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4.2. STUDIES
4.2.1. New Study
Baseline study of the coastal ecosystem around the exit of the underwater outfall of the
Sewage Treatment Station in Heraklion Bay (∆ΕΥΑ ΗΡΑΚΛΕΙΟΥ/ 4071101)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr P. Koulouri
Municipal Enterprise for water and sewage of Heraklion
Duration: 8 months (01/08/11-31/03/12)
Total Budget: 15.000 €
Income 2011: 7.500,00 €
Study Area:
Heraklion Bay
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr P. Koulouri, Dr C. Dounas, Dr Ch. Arvanitidis, A. Krystalas, M.
Leivadara, Μ. Maidanou, S. Zivanovic, H. Dafnomili, N. Spyridakis
Brief Description of the Program: This program is related with ecological study of the area
around the exit of the underwater outfall of the Sewage Treatment Plants in Heraklion Bay (Crete).
Investigation of the current environmental status of the coastal ecosystem and the final
recommendation for the establishment of a long-term environmental monitoring of this area are the
major aims of this program.
Environmental impact assessment due to discharge of cooling water and processed industrial
wastes in the marine area along the coasts of the Power Plant Station in Atherinolakkos, SE
Crete (ΑΘΕΡΙΝΟΛΑΚΚΟΣ-∆ΕΗ/ 4071201).
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
108
Dr C. Dounas (IMBG), Dr G. Petyhakis (IO)
Public Electricity Company of Greece
Duration: 6 months (28/12/11-30/06/12)
Total Budget: 65.000 €
Study Area:
Crete, SE
Scientific team (ΗCMR): IMBG: Dr G. Kotoulas, Dr A. Magoulas, J. Langlel, Dr C. Dounas, Dr.
C. Arvanitides, Dr. P. Koulouri, Dr. T. Dailiannis, A. Krystalas, Μ. Livadara, Μ. Maidanou, Χ.
Ζivanmovic, E. Daphomili, I. Issaris, L. Μanousakis, Μ. Κalergis. IO: Dr G. Petihakis, Dr G.
Triantafyllou, K. Tsiaras, A. Pollani, Ν. Spyridakis. ADM.: P. Vavilis, D. Sidirokastritis, S.
Marinakis
Other participants: Polytechnic of Crete, University of Cyprus
Brief Description of the Program: The main purpose of the project is to create a supercomputer
for medical, biological and ecological data based on grid logic (FPGAs) which will provide
services in research groups. Medicine, Biology and Ecology are rapidly developing sciences with a
wide field of research. Scientists have to address, inter alia, important issues concerning the
management of huge volume of data generated daily in the laboratory. Large processing times
required for the extraction of the final-relevant information. The modern approach to the solution
of the problem is the use of supercomputers. Another approach is the proposed system. It consists
of two general purpose computers and a range of cards (boards) with grid logic which can be
implemented quickly in any application designed. The general purpose computers will have the role
to interface with the Internet and manage the supercomputer users as well as interface with the
cards of grid logic. The cards will be interconnected with either the general purpose computer via a
fast connection or be interconnected. The project envisages the creation of appropriate standards

for interconnection (interfaces) to create libraries to implement common tasks such as access to
external memory, internal caches, etc. After creating the libraries specific applications of
bioinformatics and ecological models will be introduced. Most important applications will be
selected (eg, NCBI BLAST) to make the supercomputer particularly useful for most end users as
possible. Each user will have access to the account from which will be able to access the various
databases stored locally. The applications created will be controlled by end users for the accuracy
of the results of a series of experiments. The expected result is to reduce the runtime of the
experiments on average 20 times per application per card of grid logic. Operation with 16 cards
thus will be equivalent to 320 computers. The proposed supercomputer would be an important
research tool for end users and help them become highly competitive in their research field. The
laboratories which will design and implement the supercomputer will have a very strong platform
on which they can develop new applications and to conduct research projects. Moreover the
maintenance cost is significantly lower than the corresponding general purpose computers while
energy consumption is about 20 times lower with a significant impact on the environment.
4.2.2. Continuing Study
Baseline study of the coastal ecosystem around the exit of the underwater outfalls of the
Sewage Treatment Stations in the north coasts of Thira Island (ΘΗΡΑ/ 4071001)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr C. Dounas
Municipal Enterprise for water and sewage of Thira Island
Duration: 10 months (28/05/10-27/03/11)
Total Budget: 35.000 €
Study Area:
North of Santorini.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr C. Dounas, Dr Ch. Arvanitides, Dr P. Koulouri, A. Krystalas, M.
Leivadara, Μ. Maidanou, V. Plaitis, S. Zivanoviz, H. Dafnolili, IO: N. Spyridakis
Brief Description of the Program: This program is related with three baseline ecological studies
of the areas around the exit of the underwater outfalls of the Sewage Treatment Plants in the north
coasts of Thira Island (Kamari, Emporeios, Phira). Investigation of the current environmental status
of the coastal ecosystem and the final recommendation for the establishment of a long-term
environmental monitoring of these areas are the major aims of this program.
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4.3. PROGRAM FOR OFFERING SERVICES
4.3.1. Continuing Program for Offering Services
Biogeochemical analyzes (ΕΡΓΑΣΤΗΡΙΟ ΠΕΡΙΒΑΛΛΟΝΤΙΚΗΣ ΧΗΜΕΙΑΣ ΚΑΙ
ΜΙΚΡΟΒΙΟΛΟΓΙΑΣ/1170500)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2005
S. Zivanovic
Various private entities -OTA
Duration: Continuing (started on 13/04/05)
Total Budget:
None
Supply of Genetic Services (GENETIC SERVICES/ 4070201)
Scientific Coordinator: Dr A. Magoulas
Funding:
Various private entities
Starting Year: 2003
Duration:
Continuing (from 01/02/03-open)
Total Budget:
None
110

INSTITUTE OF INLAND WATERS
111

112

5. INSTITUTE OF INLAND WATERS
5.1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS
5.1.1. New Research Programs
Μonitoring of ecological water quality of Koumoundourou Lake and designing management,
restoration and developmental actions (ΕΛ.ΠΕ/ 850)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Dr E. Dimitriou
Hellenic Petroleum S.A.
18 months
Total Budget: 85.000 €
Study Area:
Lake Koumoundourou, Attica.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr E. Dimitriou, Dr S. Zogaris, I. Bertahas, S. Laschou, Dr N.
Skoulikidis, Dr M. Stoumboudi, Dr A. Diapoulis, Ι. Karaouzas, K. Akepsimaides, E. Colobari, A.
Mentzafou
Brief Description of the Program: The project concerns the environmental monitoring of
Lake Koumoundourou, in order to quantify its ecological quality status and the dominant
threats. A representative sampling network will be developed in which monthly water
sampling, seasonal biological monitoring for phytoplankton, macroinvertebrates and
macrophytes and one sediment sampling and analysis for heavy metals will occur. The water
samples will cover the entire extent and depths of the lake while the acquired measurements
and chemical analyses will be imported in a specially designed geodatabase. Two automatic,
telemetric monitoring stations will be installed in the lake and will provide continuous
measurements of physicochemical parameters. Based on the monitoring results, a pollution
risk assessment of the lake will be implemented as well as a series of measures for the
management, restoration and recreation of the lake will be designed. Moreover,
environmental education and public awareness material will be developed through the project
that will be disseminated in the project website and the Media.
Specialized Consultancy Services for the Assessment of Fish Assemblages in Cyprus Rivers –
Implementation of the Directive 2000/60/EC (ΠΟΤΑΜΟΙ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ/ 853)
Contract Number: TAY 49/2010
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
Dr S. Zogaris
Water Development Department, Ministry of agriculture, natural
resources and environment, Republic of Cyprus
17 months
Total Budget: 83.517 €
Study Area:
Republic of Cyprus
Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr S. Zogaris, Dr A. Economou, Dr Y. Chatzinikolaou, S. Giakoumi,
N. Koutsikos, L. Vardakas, Dr N. Skoulikidis, Dr E. Kalogianni
Other Participants: Dr. M. Teresa Ferreira, Dr. Pedro Segurado, Dr. Jose Maria Santos, Eleni
Oikonomou, William Beaumont, Aris Vidalis.
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Brief Description of the Program: This is a research and development project designed to gain
river ecosystem knowledge base-lines and to further improve biological assessment procedures to
meet the needs of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) in Cyprus. The WFD utilizes fish
assemblages as biological quality elements (BQE) in running waters (rivers and streams) and these
have never before been researched for this use in Cyprus. Due the island’s species-poor and
impoverished native fish fauna, and the prevalence of alien fish, the Republic of Cyprus considers
that it is not possible to base any type of ecological quality monitoring on fish species only.
Consequently, “fish” as WFD Biological Quality Elements are not monitored on the island. In this
project we will investigate and evaluate this statement and the utilization of fish in assessment and
monitoring procedures with scientific substantiation, as required by the European Commission.
This project comprises the following attributes: A) The collection of information and data on fish
populations in Cyprus rivers, including an in-depth review of historical occurrence of fish; and, a
systematic sampling survey (using electric fishing techniques) focusing on 12 river catchments in
the Republic of Cyprus; B)The organisation of the collected sampled ichthyological and
environmental data in a database coupled and associated with cartographic reference within a
Geographic Information System; C)The presentation and systemization of the information and data
in reports; D)The potential application of selected biological assessment methods to the collected
samples and the evaluation of the results from the applied assessment methods; E)The formulation
of conclusions and recommendations regarding the applicability of the BQE “fish” in Cyprus rivers
for the assessment of their ecological status within the WFD application. This project is undertaken
within a collaboration between two research centres (contractor-subcontractor relationship). The
Institute of Inland Waters, Hellenic Center for Marine Waters (HCMR) will take up overall
management of the project and coordinate all field survey and reporting activities, while the
Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade Técnica de Lisboa (ISA-UTL) will act as
subcontractor, providing support on research design and data analyses.
5.1.2. Continuing Research Programs
Monitoring of the state and abundance of Ladigesocypris ghigii (Pisces, Cyprinidae)
population in Gadouras stream (Rhodes Island), during the construction of the Gadouras
dam (ΓΚΙΖΑΝΙ ΓΑ∆ΟΥΡΑΣ/ 402)
Contract Number: ∆6/3916/28-12-2006
Scientific Coordinator: Dr M.Th. Stoumboudi
Funding:
Hellenic Ministry for Environment, Physical Planning and Public
Works
Starting Year: 2006
Duration:
105 months
A phase: 10/12/01-30/06/06
B phase: 01/07/06-31/12/08
C phase: 12 months (01/01/08-31/12/09)
D phase: 8 months (01/05/11-31/12/11)
Total Budget: 200.570,84 €
A phase: 78.972,85 €
B phase: 27.573,49 €
C phase: 22.500 €
D phase: 71.524,5 €
Study Area:
Rhodes Island, Greece.
114

Scientific team (ΗCMR): IIW: Dr M.Th. Stoumboudi, R. Barbieri, Dr E. Kalogianni, Dr N.
Skoulikidis, Dr E. Dimitriou, K. Gritzalis, HSR: Dr M. Corsini-Foka, G. Kondylatos
Brief Description of the Program: The objective of the project is to continue the monitoring of
the abundance of the Ladigesocypris ghigii population that inhabits the Gadouras stream in Rhodes
Island, (since the construction of the Gadouras dam is still ongoing), until the end of 2008.
Advancing understanding of carbon cycling and coloured dissolved organic matter dynamics
in European wetlands & coastal ecosystems through integration of observations and novel
modelling approaches (ECODOM/ 724)
Contract Number:
MIRG-CT-2007-208841
Scientific Coordinator: Dr A. Papadopoulos (till 28/07/08)
Dr E. Dimitriou (from 29/07/08)
Funding: EU (71%) & GSRT (28,58%)
Starting Year: 2008
Duration: 48 months (01/05/08-30/04/12)
Total Budget: 140.000 €
Study Area:
Europe
Project Participants (ΗCMR): Dr A. Papadopoulos, Dr E. Dimitriou, Dr A. Diapoulis, Dr A.
Karagiorgis, Dr E. Anagnostou, Dr N. Skoulikidis, Dr M. Tzortziou, Dr Th. Chronis, Technicians
Brief Description of the Program: This proposal aims at facilitating an efficient and lasting reintegration
of Dr M. Tzortziou in the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR). The main goal
is to initiate a competitive and interdisciplinary research program at HCMR that will advance our
understanding of the role that wetlands and tidal marshes play in dissolved organic matter (DOM)
dynamics, carbon cycling, photochemistry, biogeochemistry, and water quality changes in coastal
margin ecosystems. Specific objectives of the research initiated with EcoDOM include: (i)
Characterize variation in the quantity and quality of the dissolved organic compounds exported
from different wetlands and coastal tidal marshes in SE Europe, and understand implications of
such variation for estuarine biogeochemistry, ecosystem productivity, and water optics. (ii) Develop
novel and improved modelling approaches for describing and predicting effects of photochemical
processes on DOM quality and degradation. Accurate quantitative description of these effects is
prerequisite for improving the accuracy of more general biogeochemical/ecological models of
carbon cycling. (iii) Apply a novel radiative transfer model to examine the effects of wetland DOM
inputs on underwater light fields. (iv) Link the proposed work to remote sensing applications by
developing bio-optical relationships between remotely sensed quantities, DOM optical properties
and biogeochemical variables in coastal waters.
Joint assimilation of satellite aerosol, cloud, and precipitation observations in numerical
models to support climate and hydrologic applications (JOINT-ASSIMILATION/ 731)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
MIRG-CT-2007-210011
Dr Th. Chronis
Funding: EU (71%) & GSRT (28,58%)
Starting Year: 2008
Duration: 48 months (01/05/08-30/04/12)
Total Budget: 140.000 €
Study Area:
Europe.
115

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr T. Chronis, Dr M. Grecu, Dr A. Papadopoulos, Dr Ε.Ν. Anagnostou,
Dr A. Diapoulis, P. Griva
Brief Description of the Program: This project belongs to the category of Marie Curie
International Re-integration Grants (IRG) of FP7 and its goal is to support the re-integration of Dr
Mircea Grecu into the European Research Area. The Hellenic Center for Marine Research is
committed to support this reintegration by offering Dr Grecu a four-year appointment. The research
objective is to use existing satellite aerosol, cloud and precipitation observations to gain insight
into cloud processes and their impact on climate and weather. Specifically we intend to assimilate
satellite observations into a state of the art cloud-resolving atmospheric model. This will facilitate a
better analysis of the interaction between clouds and large scale processes and allow for the
development of better cloud microphysical schemes. Based on the analysis, the impact of aerosol
on the climate and storms will be rigorously assessed.
Mediterranean Intermittent River ManAGEment (MIRAGE/ 767)
Conrtact Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
FP7-ENV-2007-1
Dr N. Skoulikidis
ΕU
Duration: 36 months (01/01/09-31/12/11)
Total Budget:
Study Area:
246.430 € (186.295 € from ΕΕ)
Evrotas River Basin
Scientific team (HCMR): Dr N. Skoulikidis, Dr A. Diapoulis, Dr A. Economou, Dr E. Dimitriou,
Dr Y. Chatzinikolaou, Dr A. Papadopoulos, I. Bertahas, Dr Κ. Gritzalis, Y. Amaxidis, Ε.
Kolombari, S. Ζogaris, Α. Αndriopoulou, Μ. Κοutsodimou, S. Lachou, Th. Kouvarda, Κ.
Αkepsimaidis, Biologist (fish), Biologist (macroivertebrates)
Brief Description of the Project: MIRAGE is a research project within the 7 th Framework
Program. It comprises a continuation of the research projects tempQsim and LIFE-Evrotas. The aim
of MIRAGE is to implement the Water Framework Directive on intermittent flowing river basins.
In this framework, the scientific team of the I.I.W. will validate/improve the biotic indices that have
been developed for Evrotas. In addition, the biogeochemical processes controlling water quality
and fish and macroinverebrate communities during the drying out process of remaining pools will
be assessed. The better understanding of biogeochemical processes and the designation of the
appropriate hydrological conditions of these pools in order to maintain a good ecological status will
be the output of this action. Finally, the impact of initial flush floods on sediment transport and on
the aquatic quality will be assessed.
Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Rainfall (ACOUSTIC RAINFALL/ 795)
Contract Number:
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2009
PIIF-GA-2009-237297 (Marie Curie IIF)
Dr A. Papadopoulos
EU/FP7 – GSRT (the GSRT might contribute to the project the
amount of up to 40% of the EU funding)
Duration: 24 months (01/10/09-30/09/11)
Total Budget:
Study Area:
281.440,56 € (201,028.97 € from EU and 80.411.59 € (40% of the
EU funds) are expected from GSRT)
Europe
116

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr A. Papadopoulos, Dr J. Nystuen, Dr E.N. Anagnostou, Dr A.
Diapoulis, P. Griva.
Brief Description of the Program: This project belongs to the category of Marie Curie
International International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) of FP7 and its goal is to support the research
of an incoming senior researcher Dr Jeffrey Aaron Nystuen into the European Research Area. The
Hellenic Center for Marine Research is committed to support this international fellow by offering
Dr Nystuen a two-year senior researcher (> 10 year experience) appointment according to the Marie
Curie regulations for International Incomming Fellows.
The program will support research that would advance our understanding of the distribution and
change of oceanic rainfall patterns, which constitute a major component of global/regional water
cycle and climate change. Underwater acoustic measurements of rainfall can be used to detect and
classify marine rainfall type and subsequently quantify the rainfall rate and its drop size
distributions.
These measurements if proven robust and accurate can be used to (1) provide continuous
measurements of precipitation characteristics in the Oceans and (2) as in situ reference to
physically validate satellite observations. In turn, the acoustic measurements of rain need to be
evaluated using near-range high-quality weather radar and if possible co-located rain gauge arrays
and disdrometers. These type of data will be available from the POSEIDON II buoy in Ionian Sea
(west of Pylos) operated by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) and represents a
unique data set worldwide to pursue this concept. Dr Nystuen is the world leader in the
interpretation of the underwater sound to measure rainfall. By working closely with scientists from
HCMR Dr Nystuen will be able to transfer knowledge and understanding of the technique to
European scientists and allow them to become competitive for future grants applying the acoustical
measurement of rainfall to validate radar and satellite rainfall observations and other related
opportunities.
Cooperation for the study and conservation of wetland biodiversity in Attika: Hellenic
Ornithological Society – HCMR” – Biodiversity of Attika Wetlands (ΒΙΟΠΟΙΚΙΛΟΤΗΤΑ
ΥΓΡΟΤΟΠΩΝ ΑΤΤΙΚΗΣ/ 814)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Duration:
Dr S. Zogaris
Hellenic Ornithological Society
12 months
Total Budget: 18.450 €
Study Area:
Prefectures of Attika, Cornithia, Pireus.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr S. Zogaris, Dr A.N. Economou, S. Giakoumi, Y. Chatzinikolaou, L.
Vardakas, Dr N. Skoulikidis, Dr Ε. Dimitriou
Other participants: Aris Vidalis, graphics artist-nature interpretation specialistand Prof. Dr
Erwin Bergmeier, plant ecology specialist (Göttingen University)
Brief Description of the Program: The project is a specific field-research contribution to a wider
study of wetlands in the Attika Hydrographic Region, coordinated by the Hellenic Ornithological
Society, an environmental and scientific NGO active in Greece since 1982. The specific project is
the first phase of a cooperation between this NGO and HCMR focused on supporting research and
conservation of the biodiversity of remnant small wetland areas in Attika. IIW-HCMR will focus
on a biological inventory of aquatic fauna (with emphasis on ichthyofauna and avifauna) and
wetland habitat types in the most important wetland of Attika.
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The project will include the following: 1) systematic study of the ichthyofauna, with an emphasis
on the endemic freshwater fishes at the Vravrona wetland (this will include fish sampling work four
times per year in all available habitat types), 2) raw-data field survey collection of avifaunal use of
the wetlands (employing a rapid point-count method), 3) systematic survey of the present
environmental state of the wetland sites and their habitats, including the cartography of most
important anthropogenic pressures and a conservation evaluation and finally 4) popularized report
on the ichthyofauna in order to support the publication of leaflets and information signs for public
awareness.
Three year period of monitoring for the quality and estimation of the ecological status of the
Messinian Rivers: Pamisos, Aris, Despoti, Mourtia, Lygdou, Epis, Karia, Tzanes-Polilimnio,
Mavrozoumena, Arkadikos, Neda and Velika (ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΚΑ ΠΟΤΑΜΙΑ/ 847)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Duration:
Dr K.C. Gritzalis
Prefecture of Messinia, Municipalities: Dorion, Aepeia, Aris,
Avlon, Voufras, Eira, Ithomi, Meligala, Petalidi, Kyparissia,
Thouria, Messini & Arfara.
3 years
Total Budget: 184.500 €.
Study Area:
Messinian Rivers and their estuarine systems
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr K. Gritzalis, Dr N. Skoulikidis, Dr M. Stoumboudi, Dr E. Dimitriou,
Dr H. Kaloyanni, E. Bertahas, S. Laschou, I. Karaouzas, Th. Kouvarda, R. Barbieri, E. Kolompari,
P. Kouraklis
Brief Description of the Program: The aim of this Research Project is the monitoring and the
estimation – classification of the relative Rivers by the use of the biological, hydromorphological
and physicochemical criteria, as adopted in European and Worldwide level, as well as the creation
of a data base, for a future management as demanded by the WFD 2000/60/EC.
Inventory, mapping and evaluation of riparian woodlands and their associated ichthyofauna
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2010
Dr S. Zogaris
WWF-Ellas
Duration: 10 months (01/09/10-30/06/11)
Total Budget: 18.450 €
Study Area:
Greece
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr S. Zogaris, Dr A.N. Economou, S. Giakoumi, Y. Chatzinikolaou, N.
Koutsikos, L. Vardakas
Other participants: Aris Vidalis, graphics artist, nature interpretation specialist
Brief Description of the Program: In 2007 the Institute of Inland Waters (HCMR) developed a
map and inventory of 100 important riverine riparian woodland sites in Greece, within the
framework of a Interreg Research Project (RIPIDURABLE). This inventory attracted the attention
of several governmental and non-governmental organizations, and WWF-Ellas was particularly
keen to see the conservation of these sites promoted. This current project is a special consultation
towards the development and application of a method to map particular riparian riverine woodland
sites and support the development of an ichthyologic atlas (fish-fauna associated with the riverine
sites and their wider river basins). The work is developed within the frame-work of a partnership
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etween HCMR and WWF-Ellas (WWF-Ellas is a prominent conservation non-governmental
organization in Greece). The specific project involves selected scientists from the Institute of
Inland Waters to support the following actions: 1) Delineation of important riverine woodland sites
(primarily through the application of remote-sensing methods); 2) Standardization method and
applications to codify and organize data on the conservation status of selected riverine riparian
woodland sites; 3) Utilization of older data-bases and past surveys undertaken by HCMR in order
to exploit data of value for the conservation evaluation and assessment of selected riverine
woodland sites; 4) Distribution mapping of freshwater fish fauna associated with selected riverine
woodland sites; 5) Management and conservation proposals for the preservation and restoration of
biodiversity in the selected riverine riparian woodland sites; and 6) Support for the development of
communication and sensitization materials concerning the importance of the native ichthyofauna
and the selected riverine riparian woodlands. The cartographic material will provide specific data
to promote the conservation of specific riverine riparian sites all over Greece. Furthermore the
cooperation with the WWF-Ellas will provide HCMR with increased positive publicity (e.g.
inclusion of research products and maps in WWF’s website, www.oikoskopio.gr).
5.2. STUDIES
5.2.1. New Studies
Fieldwork to collect speciments to barcode freshwater fishes, mollusks and mayflies of
Greece (FREDIE GREECE/ 879)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr M. Stoumboudi
Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig.
Duration: 2 months (01/09/11-31/10/11)
Total Budget: 6.567,80 €
Study Area:
Hellas
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr M.Th.Stoumboudi, R. Barbieri, Dr K. Gritzalis.
Brief Description of the Program: Fieldwork to collect specimens to barcode freshwater fishes,
mollusks and mayflies of Greece, within the frame of the “Freshwater Diversity Identification for
Europe” (FREDIE) project.
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5.3. DATABASES
5.3.1. New Databases
Greek Georeferenced Distribution Data for Freshwater Fish (GGDDFF/886)
Scientific Coordinator:
Funding:
Starting Year: 2011
Dr M. Stoumboudi
Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries
Berlin.
Duration: 12 months (01/08/11-31/07/12)
Total Budget: 14.804 €
Study Area:
Hellas.
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr M.Th.Stoumboudi, Dr D. Dimitriou, R. Barbieri, E. Kolobari, Dr E.
Kalogianni, Dr S. Zogaris, S. Giakoumi.
Brief Description of the Program: Publications (including grey literature) and collection data of
freshwater fishes from Greece will be georeferenced and organized in a databank. The data
gathered of generated during this project will be published under open access through the BioFresh
data portal.
BioFresh ((http://www.freshwaterbiodiversity.eu/) is an EU-funded international project that aims
to build a global information platform for scientists and ecosystem managers with access to all
available databases describing the distribution, status and trends of global freshwater biodiversity.
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CRETAQUARIUM
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6. CRETAQUARIUM
6.1. RESEARCH PROGRAM
6.1.1. New Research Programs
Illumination with Led Lighting, an Updating in Museums for Interior and Non residential
Areas in Towns for Exterior (ILLUMINATE).
Αριθµός Συµβολαίου:
Scientific Coordinator:
297227 - ICT Policy Support Programme
Μ. Papadakis
Funding: EU (50%) & HCMR (50%)
Starting Year: 2011
Duration:
30 µήνες
Total Budget: 267.300 €
Study Area:
Cretaquarium
Scientific team (HCMR): M. Papadakis, M. Leontidou, I. Kalostos, Al Saridakis, N. Tsagi, A.
Sterioti, Th. Polychronaki, F. Pantazoglou
Brief Description of the Program: CRETAquarium is part of the Hellenic Center for Marine
Research and is situated on the grounds of the former American Base at Gournes, 14km from the
city of Heraklion in Crete.
CRETAquarium first opened its doors to the public in December 2005 and since then it offers
visitors a unique opportunity to explore the magnificent Mediterranean sea world.
The Mediterranean seascape comes to life in 60 different tanks varying in size from 125 to 600,000
liters’ of sea water, totaling 1.7 million liters. There are one hundred observation points for visitors
to admire approximately 2,500 Mediterranean and tropical organisms. A full tour taking in all
exhibits and species lasts about 2 hours.
In CRETAquarium there is a specially designed 130-seat function room which can be used to hold
conferences, meetings, exhibitions, lectures and social functions.
The HCMR pilot project will be developed in the reception area, all visitation areas and
exhibitions, technical areas and basement.
The pilot will concentrate on 2 directions: (1) savings: energy, maintenance, man-hours (2)
outreach: educating school groups and the general public on the importance of using innovated
technologies for energy saving.
Requirements:
replacement of lighting systems,
incorporation of new lighting controlling systems to the existing Building Management System
(BMS),
assessment and experimentation on the possible development of new lighting systems for the
aquariums considering the needs of the hosted animals
Constraints: replacement of the current lighting situation of the tanks is prohibited due to animal
needs
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Conservation Physiology of Marine Fishes - Action FA 1004
Scientific Responsible:
Funding:
Dr P. Grigoriou
COST
Starting Year: 2011
Duration: 48 months (23/05/11-22/05/15)
Total Budget:
Study Area:
None to HCMR
Fish physiology
Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr P. Grigoriou
Other participants: 23 research and academic bodies from 17 countries.
Brief Description of the Program: Marine fish are important resources in Europe but human
pressures severely threaten their biodiversity and abundance. There is an urgent need to improve
the knowledge-base underlying their sustainable management. Physiological research reveals how
marine fish are adapted to their environment, and causal mechanisms underlying their distribution
and abundance. Thus, the emerging field of conservation physiology can provide improved
predictions on the impacts of environmental challenges, and refine conservation strategies. There
are over 50 institutions in Europe performing research in marine fish physiology, behaviour,
ecology, and in modeling impacts of environmental challenges. This COST Action pioneers the
coordination and integration of these multidisciplinary research activities across Europe. The
COST action will: 1) Coordinate marine fish conservation physiology research, to collate existing
knowledge, reduce overlap, identify critical gaps in knowledge, and devise common approaches; 2)
Coordinate interactions among physiologists, community ecologists and forecast modelers, to
integrate physiology into models, improve their predictive power, and identify conservation
priorities; 3) Coordinate interactions among researchers and policy makers/stakeholders, to
promote integration of research outcomes into strategies and policy decisions, for sustainable
management of biodiversity and resources. This will be achieved through workshops, dedicated
publications, conferences, targeted scientific exchanges, and common funding applications.
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