2009 Research Programmes of the HCMR - Hellenic Centre for ...

HELLENIC CENTRE FOR MARINE RESEARCH 

DEPARTMENT OF PROGRAMS & EVALUATION OF RESEARCH 

PROGRAMS OF H.C.M.R 

2009 

Author: 

Editorial Care: 

Front Page: 

Rosa Psyllidou-Giouranovits 

Maria Chatziioannou 

Athina Niotaki 

Anavyssos 2009

ΠΕΡΙΕΧΟΜΕΝΑ 

1. INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY ...................................................................................1 

1.1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS............................................................................................................ 1 

1.1.1. New Research Programs .......................................................................................................... 1 

PRINOS: Underwater Geological and Environmental Studies in the region of western basin of 

Prinos, Kavala (ΠΡΙΝΟΣ/764). .......................................................................................................... 1 

Development and pre-operational validation of upgraded GMES Marine Core Services and 

capabilities. (MyOcean/ 766). ............................................................................................................ 1 

Monemvasia Artificial Reef. Final study for the implementation plan regarding artificial reefs 

in Lakonia Prefecture (Monemvasia Artificial Reef) 

(ΤΕΧΝΗΤΟΣ ΥΦΑΛΟΣ ΜΟΝΕΜΒΑΣΙΑΣ/ 771)............................................................................ 2 

An integrated paleoceanographic-sedimentological study of the Cretan Sea, South Aegean Sea 

(Paleo Cretan Basin/ 775). ................................................................................................................. 2 

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). ......... 3 

Decadal scale Variability of the Mediterranean Ecosystem (MedEcos/ 779).................................... 4 

UP-GRADE BLACK SEA SCIENTIFIC NETWORK (UP-GRADE BSS/ 791).............................. 4 

Preparatory actions for European Marine Observation and data network/ LOT NO: 3- 

CHEMICAL DATA. (EMODNET/ 792)........................................................................................... 5 

Towards an alliance of European Research Fleets (EUROFLEETS/ 793)........................................ 6 

Quaternary tsunami events in the eastern Ionian Sea- reconstructing and modelling extreme 

events based on interdisciplinary geo-scientific investigations 

(EAST IONIAN SEA TSUNAMIS). ................................................................................................. 7 

Conservation of the Northern Cyclades Marine Ecosystem through the designation of a new 

NATURA-2000 marine site. .............................................................................................................. 8 

Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man’s Impact On European Seas 

(HERMIONE-IO ATHENS/ 765). ..................................................................................................... 8 

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)................................................................................................................................... 9 

Study of inner Saronikos ecosystem, under the influence of Psittalia sewage treatment plant 

(PHASE D) (ΕΣΩΤΕΡΙΚΟΣ ΣΑΡΩΝΙΚΟΣ – ∆΄ ΠΕΡΙΟ∆ΟΣ/ 802)............................................... 11 

Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man’s Impact On European Seas (HERMIONE-IO CRETE). . 11 

Regional Drivers of Ecosystem Change and its Influence on Deep-Sea Populations in the 

Mediterranean (ReDEco). ................................................................................................................ 12 

Network of leading MESOcosm facilities to advance the studies of future AQUAtic ecosystems 

from the Arctic to the Mediterranean (MESOAQUA)..................................................................... 13 

1.1.2. Continuing Research Programs............................................................................................. 14 

Study of the environmental impact of dumping metalliferous waste in N. Evvoikos gulf. 

(ΛΑΡΚΟ/ 126). ................................................................................................................................ 14 

Operational use, maintenance and co-operation of the POSEIDON system 

(ΕΠΙΧΕΙΡΗΣΙΑΚΗ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ- ΣΥΝΤΗΡΗΣΗ ΣΥΣΤΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΠΟΣΕΙ∆ΩΝ/ 419)............. 14 

A Second Generation Monitoring and Forecasting system for the Eastern Mediterranean Sea: 

POSEIDON-II. (ΠΟΣΕΙ∆ΩΝ ΙΙ./ 558). ............................................................................................ 15 

Hotspot Ecosystem Research on the Margins of European Seas (HERMES/ 565). ........................ 15 

Coordination of National and Regional Marine RTD Activities in Europe (MarineERA/ 567). .... 16

Design study for a Deep Sea Facility in the Mediterranean for Neutrino Astronomy and 

Associated Sciences (Km3Net/ 594)................................................................................................ 17 

Monitoring Program for the evaluation of the quality of Messiniakos Gulf and the western coast 

of Messinia during 2006-2010 (ΠΑΡΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΗΣΗ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΚΟΥ ΚΟΛΠΟΥ/ 596)......... 18 

MARCOAST (MARine and COASTal environmental services) (MARCOAST/ 600). ................. 19 

A Pan-European infrastructure for Ocean and Marine Data Management 

(SEADATANET/ 610)..................................................................................................................... 19 

Seismic and tsunami risk Assessment and mitigation scenarios in the western Hellenic Arc 

(SEAHELLARC/ 613). .................................................................................................................... 20 

Design of an autonomous underwater vehicle using variable buoyancy navigation system - 

GLIDER (ΣΧΕ∆ΙΑΣΗ ΥΠΟΒΡΥΧΙΟΥ ΚΑΤΑΓΡΑΦΙΚΟΥ ΟΧΗΜΑΤΟΣ/ 616)......................... 21 

Monitoring the quality of the Marine Environment of the Gulf of Thessaloniki during 2006 

(ΘΕΡΜΑΪΚΟΣ 2006/ 625)............................................................................................................... 21 

Southern European Seas: Assessing and Modeling Environmental Changes (SESAME/ 639). ..... 22 

Development of electrochemical immunosensors for the detection of toxins present during 

harmful algae blooms (HABs/ 643). ................................................................................................ 24 

Building Operational Sustainable Services for GMES (BOSS4GMES/ 651). ................................ 24 

Development of a Framework for Data Harmonisation and Service Integration 

(HUMBOLDT/ 652)......................................................................................................................... 25 

European COastal-shelf sea OPerational observing and forecasting system (ECOOP/ 653). ......... 26 

Study of inner Saronikos ecosystem, under the influence of Psittalia sewage treatment unit 

(Phase B) (ΕΣΩΤΕΡΙΚΟΣ ΣΑΡΩΝΙΚΟΣ ΙΙ.- ΚΕΛΨ/ 660)............................................................. 26 

Tsunami Risk ANd Strategies For the European Region (TRANSFER/ 661)................................. 27 

Geological, geophysical and geochemical investigation of the red mud deposits of the Antikyra 

Gulf, Science and Policy Integration for Coastal Systems Assessment (SPICOSA/ 665)............... 28 

A European Research Training Network on Key Technologies for Intervention Autonomous 

Underwater Vehicles (FREESUBNET/ 667)................................................................................... 28 

Climate Change and Impact Research: The Mediterranean Environment- CIRCE (CIRCE/ 676).. 29 

Study of short- and mid-term effects of the pollution cased from the accident of the ship “SEA 

DIAMOND” (SEA DIAMOND ΡΥΠΑΝΣΗ/ 678).......................................................................... 29 

European Seas Observatory Network (ESONET-NoE/ 691)........................................................... 30 

Global Ocean Observing Infrastructure (EURO ARGO/ 704)......................................................... 30 

CABLES OTE 2008 (ΚΑΛΩ∆ΙΑ ΟΤΕ 2008/ 712). ........................................................................ 31 

Searching for Minoan shipwrecks south of eastern Crete (∆ΑΝΑΟΣ 2008/ 718)........................... 32 

Investigation and determination of the environmentally most appropriate site for a construction 

which will harbor pleasure boats in the Porto-Rafti area of east Attica 

(ΕΛΛΙΜΕΝΙΣΜΟΣ ΣΚΑΦΩΝ ΣΕ ΠΟΡΤΟ ΡΑΦΤΗ/ 721). ........................................................... 32 

(ΥΠΕΧΩ∆Ε Ο∆ΗΓΙΑ ΠΛΑΙΣΙΟ/ 722). .......................................................................................... 32 


(PHASE C) (ΕΣΩΤΕΡΙΚΟΣ ΣΑΡΩΝΙΚΟΣ Γ’ ΠΕΡΙΟ∆ΟΣ/ 737). ................................................. 33 

Study of environmental conditions in the region between the Bays Sourpi and Nies - 

Pagasitikos Gulf (ΠΑΓΑΣΗΤΙΚΟΣ- ΑΛΜΟΛΟΙΠΑ/ 739). ........................................................... 33 

European Multi-seafloor Observatories (EMSO/ 751). ................................................................... 34 

Marine Ecosystem Evolution in a Changing Environment (MEECE/ 756)..................................... 35 

Caspian Sea environmental and industrial data & information service (CASPINFO/ 760) ............ 36

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). ........................................................................................ 37 

Integrated marine and land survey for the investigation of the quantity, quality and water 

collection of the submarine water discharges of Stoupa, Municipality of Lefktro, Messinia 

County (ΣΤΟΥΠΑ/773). .................................................................................................................. 38 

Study of the annual and biological cycles of plankton in a coastal area 

(PLANKTON IN COASTAL AREA). ............................................................................................ 38 

Nutrient tunnelling” and other alternative pathways for mineral nutrients through the microbial 

food web to copepods (NUTRITUNNEL/ 30.20901)...................................................................... 39 

Integration and enhancement of key existing European deep-ocean observatories 

(EuroSITES/ 30.20801).................................................................................................................... 39 

Fish farming effects on benthic biogeochemical processes (ΙΒΙΣ/ 30.30502)................................. 40 

Environmental Impact Assessment System for Fish-farms (AQUA-PLANNER/ 30.20601).......... 40 

1.2. STUDIES ....................................................................................................................................... 41 

1.2.1. New Studies.............................................................................................................................. 41 

Metal levels in superficial sediments of Pagassitikos Gulf and impact study on marine biota 

(PAGMET) 

(ΕΠΙΠΕ∆Α ΜΕΤΑΛΛΩΝ ΣΕ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΕΙΑΚΑ ΙΖΗΜΑΤΑ Β. ΠΑΓΑΣΗΤΙΚΟΥ/ 727). ............. 41 

Wind and wave climate analysis in the coastal area of Paralio Astros Kynourias and estimation 

of wave run-up (ΑΣΤΡΟΣ ΚΥΝΟΥΡΙΑΣ/ 754)............................................................................... 41 

Environmental control of the water quality in Ermioni coastal area (Argolida) 

(ΕΛΕΓΧΟΣ ΠΟΙΟΤΗΤΑΣ ΠΑΡΑΚΤΙΑΣ ΖΩΝΗΣ ΕΡΜΙΟΝΗΣ/ 781).......................................... 41 

Updating the inventory of Marine Invasive Alien Species across European Seas 

(MIAS 2009/ 782) ............................................................................................................................ 42 

Heraklion basin offshore active faults (ΕΝΕΡΓΑ ΡΗΓΜΑΤΑ ΗΡΑΚΛΕΙΟΥ/ 783). ..................... 42 

Study of the foaming in the seawater close to the Power Industry in Lavrio 

(ΑΗΣ ΛΑΥΡΙΟΥ/ 784). ................................................................................................................... 43 

Salamina Port (ΛΙΜΕΝΑΣ ΣΑΛΑΜΙΝΑΣ/ 788). ........................................................................... 43 

Control of contaminant concentrations in biological components of GIALOVA lagoon 

(GIALOVA). .................................................................................................................................... 43 

Wave climate and wave power estimation at the location 21Ο 00' 33" Ε - 37 Ο 54' 51" Ν. ........... 44 

Baseline study and monitoring of the ecological quality on the north-eastern coasts of Elefsis 

bay (ΧΑΛΥΒΟΥΡΓΙΚΗ – ΑΛΜΟΛΟΙΠΟ/ 798. ............................................................................ 44 

Basic environmental study for two docking jetties Kanava and Abourdehtaki, at Adamantas 

Bay, Milos Isl. (ΣΚΑΛΕΣ – ΜΗΛΟΣ/ 804). ................................................................................... 44 

Region of Organised Growth of Aquacultures (R.O.G.A.) in the Gulf of Argostoli N. A. 

Cephalonia – Ithaca. ......................................................................................................................... 45 

1.2.2 Continuing Studies................................................................................................................... 45 

Control of environmental state of a miticulture in Loutropyrgos- Nea Peramos 

(ΜΥ∆ΟΚΑΛΛΙΕΡΓΕΙΕΣ/ 713). ...................................................................................................... 45 

Master plan of aquaculture development at Peloponnese coasts 

(ΠΟΑΥ ΠΕΛΟΠΟΝΝΗΣΟΥ/ 714). ................................................................................................ 46 

Sovel-2008 (SOVEL/ 716)............................................................................................................... 46 

Kifissos River bed (ΚΟΙΤΗ ΚΗΦΙΣΟΥ/ 725)................................................................................. 46 

Quality of dredged material from the Katelio Port, Cephallinia 

(ΒΥΘΟΚΟΡΗΜΑΤΑ ΚΑΤΕΛΕΙΟΥ/ 738). .................................................................................... 47 

CABLE DEH 2008 (ΚΑΛΩ∆ΙΟ ∆ΕΗ 2008/ 742)........................................................................... 47

Ecological monitoring of the National Park of Sxinias-Marathon 

(ΟΙΚΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΠΑΡΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΗΣΗ ΠΑΡΚΟΥ ΣΧΙΝΙΑ, ΜΑΡΑΘΩΝΑ/ 744)........................ 47 

Oceanographic Study in Alivery Bay related to AGET HERACLES Cement Industry 

(ΩΚΕΑΝΟΓΡΑΦΙΚΗ ΜΕΛΕΤΗ ΟΡΜΟΥ ΑΛΙΒΕΡΙΟΥ/ 745)...................................................... 48 

Control of environmental state of the shooting range of Shiza (ΣΧΙΖΑ/ 746). ............................... 48 

The Geomorphology and submarine environment of the Epirus coasts – Possible 

envirnonmental implications from the marine proceedings of the Natural Gas Pipeline Greece 

to Italy (ASPROFOS- IONIO/ 753). ................................................................................................ 48 

Analysis of wave climate in the area of Pylos (V-ENERGIA/ 758). ............................................... 49 

Study of the ecological status of the marine environment at the sites Tsigrado and Voudia, 

Milos Isl. (ΜΗΛΟΣ Sand B/ 761).................................................................................................... 49 

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rocks ........................................................ 49 

Study of metal concentrations in fish catches from Patraikos & Korinthiakos gulfs. ..................... 50 

1.3. FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS ..................................................................................................... 50 

1.3.1. Continuing Fellowship Program ........................................................................................... 50 

Experimental settlement study (Epi- and Endoliths) in the Eastern Mediterranean (Ionian Sea). .. 50 

1.4. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS .................................................................................................. 51 

1.4.1. New Educational Program..................................................................................................... 51 

Biofouling Potentials under extreme oligotrophic conditions in the Ionian Sea 

(BIOFOULDING IONIAN SEA/ 774)............................................................................................. 51 

1.5 PROGRAMS FOR OFFERING SERVICES.............................................................................. 51 

1.5.1. New Program for Offering Sercices...................................................................................... 51 

Current measurements in aquaculture areas 

(ΡΕΥΜΑΤΟΜΕΤΡΗΣΕΙΣ ΣΕ Υ∆ΑΤΟΚΑΛΛΙΕΡΓΕΙΕΣ/ 778). .................................................... 51 

Current measurements in aquaculture areas (FARMCURRENT/ 30.70901). ................................. 52 

1.5.2. Continuing Programs for Offering Sercices......................................................................... 52 

Biogeochemical Laboratory (ΕΣΟ∆Α ΒΓΧ ΕΡΓΑΣΤΗΡΙΟΥ/ 355)................................................ 52 

Poseidon System Models (ΠΩΛΗΣΗ ΜΟΝΤΕΛΩΝ ΣΥΣΤΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΠΟΣΕΙ∆ΩΝ/ 391)............ 52 

Income from the analysis and modelling of data included in the “Wind and Wave Atlas of the 

Hellenic Seas”/ 705. ......................................................................................................................... 52 

ELMIN-Training in bauxite analysis with X-Ray Fluorescence methods (ΕΛΜΙΝ 2008/ 723). .... 53 

HELCYP/ 70.70301 ......................................................................................................................... 53 

1.6. SELF FINANCED PROGRAM .................................................................................................. 53 

1.6.1 Continuing Self Financed Program........................................................................................ 53 

Permanent Station for Satellite Altimetry Calibration and Sea Level Monitoring. ......................... 53 

2. INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ..............................................55 

2.1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS.......................................................................................................... 55 

2.1.1. New Research Programs ........................................................................................................ 55 

Metiers in Small Scale Fisheries 

(ΤΕΧΝΙΚΕΣ ΕΝΑΣΧΟΛΗΣΗΣ ΣΕ ΠΑΡΑΚΤΙΑ ΑΛΙΕΙΑ/ 759). .................................................. 55 

Evaluation of the state of benthic communities subjected to impact of trawling and marine 

debris as a tool for the ecosystem management (COMSOM/768)................................................... 55

Management and Monitoring of Deep-sea Fisheries and Stocks (DEEPFISHMAN/ 780). ............ 56 

Monitoring and Evaluation of Spatially Managed Areas (MESMA/ 785). ..................................... 57 

The 20th Century evolution of Mediterranean exploited demersal resources under increasing 

fishing disturbance and environmental change" n° MARE/2008/11 (Call for Tenders) 

(EVOMED/ 790). ............................................................................................................................. 57 

Bycatch and Discards: Management indicators, trends and location (BADMINTON/ 797)........... 58 

Developing fisheries management indicators and targets 

(DEFINELT MARIFISH – Αθήνα/ 811).......................................................................................... 59 

Developing fisheries management indicators and targets (DEFINELT MARIFISH - Κρήτη)........ 59 

Assessing the causes and developing measures to prevent the escape of fish from sea-cage 

aquaculture (PREVENT ESCAPE).................................................................................................. 59 

Concrete Conservation Actions for the Mediterranean Shag and Audouin’s Gull in Greece, 

including the Inventory of Relevant Marine IBAs (ConShagAudMIBAGR).................................. 60 

Strengthening Public Participation for water protection and management 

(U@MARENOSTRUM).................................................................................................................. 61 

Κατανόηση των διαδικασιών στρατολόγησης µε χρήση συνδεδεµένων βιοφυσικών µοντέλων 

του πελαγικού οικοσυστήµατος (REPROdUCE)............................................................................ 61 


PRONE: Risk in Fisheries (ΑΛΙΕΥΤΙΚΟ ΡΙΣΚΟ/ 595).................................................................. 62 

Capacity, F and Effort (CAFE/ 618). ............................................................................................... 62 

Main Uses of the Grey Mullet as Indicator of Littoral environmental changes (MUGIL/ 644)...... 63 

A framework for fleet and area based fisheries management (AFRAME/ 669).............................. 63 

Framework contract for the promotion of the dissemination of Scientific information 

(FISH/2006/16) (FISH-DIS/ 706)..................................................................................................... 64 

Web services for support of growth and reproduction studies (WebGR/ 749)............................... 64 

Study for the construction of an artificial reef in the coastal area of Litochoro (Pieria 

Prefecture) (ΤΥ ΠΙΕΡΙΑΣ/ 755)....................................................................................................... 65 

Evaluation of the impact boat seine fishery in the fish stocks (BOAT SEINR/ 762). ..................... 65 

ECOsystem approach to Sustainable Management of the Marine Environment and its living 

Resources (ECOSUMMER/ 20.20601). .......................................................................................... 66 

Improving assessment and management of small pelagic species in the Mediterranean 

(SARDONE/ 20.20701). .................................................................................................................. 66 

Definition of data collection needs for aquaculture (AQUA DATA/ 20.20703)............................. 66 

National Fisheries Data Collection Project for the 2008 period (ΕΠΣΑ∆/ 20.70802). ................... 67 

Mitigating adverse ecological impacts of open ocean fisheries (MADE/ 20.20801). ..................... 67 

The Future of European Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (JAKFISH/ 20.20802).................... 67 


monitoring and predictive modelling tools for ecosystem based management in the deep waters 

of Europe and beyond (CoralFISH/ 20.20804). ............................................................................... 68 

Marine Ecosystem Evolution in a Changing Environment (MEECE/ 20.20803)............................ 69 

SuSY: Surfacing System for Ship Recovery. ................................................................................... 69 

2.2. STUDIES ....................................................................................................................................... 70 

2.2.1 New Studies............................................................................................................................... 70 

Master plan of aquaculture development in Greece......................................................................... 70 

Fishing vessels in fire....................................................................................................................... 71 

Oceanographic and fisheries data from Alexadropolis area............................................................. 71

2.2.2 Continuing Studies................................................................................................................... 71 

Status of ray population in the Mediterranean Sea. 

(ΚΑΤΑΣΚΕΥΗ ΜΕΣΟΓΕΙΑΚΟΥ ΣΑΛΑΧΙΟΥ/ 703)................................................................... 71 

2.3. CONSULTANCES........................................................................................................................ 72 

2.3.1 New Consultances .................................................................................................................... 72 

Ad hoc study of the current state of the artificial reef of Preveza (Τ.Υ. ΠΡΕΒΕΖΑΣ/ 794). .......... 72 

3. INSTITUTE OF AQUACULTURE ....................................................................................73 



An International Research Consortium for promoting and developing Integrated Multi-Trophic 

Aquaculture (IRC-IMTA) (MARIE CURIE IRSES/ 806). .............................................................. 73 


On Farm Assessment of Stress leve in fish (FAST FISH/ 60.20601).............................................. 74 

Sustainable extensive and semi-intensive coastal aquaculture in Southern Europe 

(SEACASE/ 60.20602)..................................................................................................................... 74 

Set up of an Integrate System for the Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus L.) farming in the Gulf of 

Taranto (ALLOTUNA/ 60.20701)................................................................................................... 74 

From capture based to SELF-sustained aquaculture and Domestication Of bluefin tuna, 

Thunnus Thynnus (SELFDOTT/ 60.20801). ................................................................................... 75 

Contract between the Laboratory of fish nutrition and pathology (HCMR) and ASTREA SA. 

(ΑΣΤΡΑΙΑ/ 634). ............................................................................................................................. 76 

Sustainable Aquafeeds to Maximise the Health Benefits of Farmed Fish for Consumers 

(AQUAMAX/ 636). ......................................................................................................................... 77 

Environmental and product quality monitoring of fish farm sites in the Aitoloakarnania 

prefecture. Introduce possible actions for the improvement of the aquaculture practices in this 

area (ΣΥΣΤΗΜΑ ΒΕΛΤΙΩΣΗΣ Υ∆ΑΤΩΝ Ν. ΑΙΤΩΛΟΑΚΑΡΝΑΝΙΑΣ/ 715). ........................... 77 


Thunnus Thynnus (SELFDOTT/ 728). ............................................................................................ 78 

3.2. STUDIES ....................................................................................................................................... 79 

3.2.1. New Studies.............................................................................................................................. 79 

Πειραµατική εκτροφή ιχθυονυµφών λαβρακιού.............................................................................. 79 

Testing of attractant in feed for Mediterranean aquaculture fish (60.70601).................................. 79 

Study on the possible side effects of perlite pollution on the benthic fauna in the island of Milos 

(ΒΑΡΥΤΙΝΗ/ 763). .......................................................................................................................... 80 

Oral vaccination and Biomos (ORAL VACCINATION/ 787). ....................................................... 80 

Digestibility of two protein concentrates by sea bass (SYRAL/ 799). ............................................ 80 

3.2.2. Continuing Studies.................................................................................................................. 81 

Food testing ALLTECH INC (60.70801). ...................................................................................... 81 

Collaboration for the rearing of juveniles with “Ελληνικά Ψάρια ΑΕΒΕ” (ΦΟΡΚΥΣ/ 

60.70803).......................................................................................................................................... 81 

A) Aquaculture SBM inclusion rates with Specialty Soybean Process through Extrusion. B) EU 

Demonstration Feeding Trials-SBM-Aquaculture (SBM/ 729)....................................................... 81

Evaluation of the effects of the commercial feed additives LYSOFORTE BOOSTER DRY and 

LYSOFORTE SPECIAL on growth performance of juvenile European sea bass (Dicentrarchus 

labrax) and on digestibility of macronutrients and amino acids 

(LYSO FORTE LABRAX/ 732)...................................................................................................... 82 

The determination of the effect of diet composition on the growth of gilthead sea bream fries 

(ΣΥΓΚΡΙΣΗ ΤΡΟΦΩΝ ΓΟΝΟΥ ΤΣΙΠΟΥΡΑΣ/ 736)..................................................................... 82 

Determination of the nutritional value of HP340 as fish feed ingredient for gilthead sea bream 

(AMLET 340/ 757). ......................................................................................................................... 82 

3.3. PROGRAMS FOR OFFERING SERVICES............................................................................. 83 

3.3.1. New Programs for Offering Services .................................................................................... 83 

Collaboration for the rearing of juveniles with Greek Fish AEBE.................................................. 83 

3.3.2. Continuing Programs for Offering Services ........................................................................ 83 

IMPLANTS/ 60.70101..................................................................................................................... 83 

ΠΑΡΑΓΩΓΗ/ 63.70000.................................................................................................................... 83 

Provision of consulting services for broodstock management for a private aquaculture company 

(IRIDA A.E.) .................................................................................................................................... 83 

3.4. SELF FINANCED PROGRAM .................................................................................................. 84 

3.4.1. Continuing Sefl Financed Program....................................................................................... 84 

(EQUASE 2002).............................................................................................................................. 84 

4. INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGY AND GENETICS................................................85 



Developing fisheries management indicators and targets (DEFINELT MARIFISH – IMBG). ...... 85 

Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man’s Impact On European Seas (HERMIONE- IMBG)......... 85 

Contaminant-specific isotope analyses as sharp environmental-forensics tools for site 

characterisation, monitoring and source apportionment of pollutants in soil (ISO-Soil). ............... 86 


including the Inventory of Relevant Marine IBAs (ConShagAudMIBAGR).................................. 87 


Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (MARBEF/ 11.20402). ...................................... 88 

Genomics in fish and selfish: Integration from research to aquaculture 

(AQUAGENOME/ 40.20702).......................................................................................................... 88 

Ecologie Chimique Marine: Indicateur de Biodiversite et Valorisation (ECIMAR/ 40.70701)...... 89 


Thunnus Thynnus (SELFDOTT/ 40.20801). ................................................................................... 89 

Research for the support of commercial juvenile fish habitats in the coasts of Lasithi Prefecture 

(40.70801). ....................................................................................................................................... 90 

A Pan-European Species-directories Infrastructure (PESI). ............................................................ 91 

World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS). ................................................................................ 91 

4.2. STUDIES ....................................................................................................................................... 92 

4.2.1. Continuing Studies.................................................................................................................. 92 

Study in Atzikiari embayment, Lasithi Prefecture. .......................................................................... 92

4.3. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM .................................................................................................... 92 

4.3.1. Continuing Educational Program ......................................................................................... 92 

BIOlogical quality of MArine waters (BIOMA).............................................................................. 92 

4.4. PROGRAM FOR OFFERING SERVICES ............................................................................... 93 

4.4.1. New Program for Offering Services...................................................................................... 93 

Supply of Genetic Services............................................................................................................ 93 

4.5. SCOLARSHIP .............................................................................................................................. 93 

4.5.1. Continuing Scolarship ............................................................................................................ 93 

Πληθυσµιακή διαφοροποίηση και βιογεωγραφία του µπαρµπουνιού (Mullus surmuletus 

Linhnaeus 1758)............................................................................................................................... 93 

5. INSTITUTE OF INLAND WATERS..................................................................................95 



Mediterranean Intermittent River ManAGEment (MIRAGE/ 767)................................................. 95 

Environmental monitoring in N. Plastiras reservoir 

(ΠΕΡΙΒΑΛΛΟΝΤΙΚΗ ΠΑΡΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΗΣΗ ΤΑΜΙΕΥΤΗΡΑ ΠΛΑΣΤΗΡΑ/ 777). .................... 95 

Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Rainfall (ACOUSTIC RAINFALL/ 795). .................................... 96 

Assessment of the environmental status of Evros river catchment. Pressures mapping and 

analysis (ΡΥΠΑΝΤΙΚΕΣ ΠΙΕΣΕΙΣ ΕΒΡΟΥ/ 803). ......................................................................... 97 


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)............................................................................................................................ 97 

Environmental friendly technologies for rural development (LIFE-ΕΥΡΩΤΑΣ/ 592).................... 98 

Hydrometeorological data resources and technologies for effective flash flood forecasting - 

HYDRATE (HYDRATE/ 648). ....................................................................................................... 98 

Advancing the predictability of water cycle through an improved understanding of land surface 

and coastal water processes and optimal integration of models with observational data 

(PreWEC/ 649)................................................................................................................................. 99 

Study of the ichthyofauna and recommendations for its conservation at the development area of 

the hydroelectric dam Skopos-Papadias (ΦΡΑΓΜΑ ΣΚΟΠΟΥ-ΠΑΠΑ∆ΙΑΣ/ 654)....................... 99 

Study of the ichthyofauna and recommendations for its conservation at the development area of 

the hydroelectric dam Ilariona (ΕΤΜΕ ΙΛΑΡΙΩΝΑ/ 656)............................................................. 100 

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)........................................................................................ 100 

Joint assimilation of satellite aerosol, cloud, and precipitation observations in numerical models 

to support climate and hydrologic applications (JOINT-ASSIMILATION/ 731). ........................ 101 

5.2. STUDIES ..................................................................................................................................... 102 

5.2.1. Continuing Studies................................................................................................................ 102 

Wildfire, soil erosion and the risk to aquatic resources: evidence from the burnt Evrotas River 

basin, southern Peloponnese, Greece (ΠΑΡΝΩΝ) (WILD FIRE/ 701). ........................................ 102

5.3. PROGRAM FOR OFFERING SERVICES ............................................................................. 102 

5.3.1. New Program for Offering Services.................................................................................... 102 

Support Services for Wetland management on Cyprus (ΥΓΡΟΤΟΠΟΙ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ/ 789).............. 102 

5.4. CONSULTANCE........................................................................................................................ 103 

5.4.1. New Consultance................................................................................................................... 103 

Preliminary assessment of the impacts of an Aeolian park construction in Ag. Dynati, 

Kefalonia, on the Flood risk of the respective catchment 

(ΑΙΟΛΙΚΟ ΠΑΡΚΟ ΚΕΦΑΛΟΝΙΑΣ/ 747). ................................................................................. 103 

6. HYDROBIOLOGICAL STATION OF RHODOS..........................................................105 

6.1. RESEARCH PROGRAM .......................................................................................................... 105 

6.1.1. Continuing Research Program ............................................................................................ 105 

Preliminary study on the alien fauna in the marine ecosystem of the south-eastern Aegean Sea 

(ΜΕΛΕΤΗ ΤΗΣ ΠΑΝΙ∆ΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΙΓΑΙΟΥ/ 733)....................................................................... 105 

7. CRETAQUARIUM – “THALASSOKOSMOS”..............................................................107 

7.1. STUDY......................................................................................................................................... 107 

7.1.1. Continuing Study .................................................................................................................. 107 

Study of feasibility – viability for founding of Aquarium ............................................................. 107

INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY

INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

INSTITUTE OF AQUACULTURE

INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGY AND GENETICS

INSTITUTE OF INLAND WATERS

HYDROBIOLOGICAL STATION OF RHODES

CRETAQUARIUM “THALASSOKOSMOS”

1. INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY 

1.1. RESEARCH PROGRAMS 

1.1.1. New Research Programs 

PRINOS: Underwater Geological and Environmental Studies in the region of western basin 

of Prinos, Kavala (ΠΡΙΝΟΣ/764). * 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr E. Papathanassiou/ Dr G. Roussakis 

Funding: 

Aegean Energy SA. 

Starting Year: 2009 

Duration: 4 months (01/03/09-30/06/09) 

Total Budget: 255.850 € 

Study Area: 

Western basin of Prinos, Kavala. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr E. Papathanassiou, Dr G. Roussakis, Dr A. Tsangari, Dr Ch. 

Anagnostou, Dr V.A. Katsiki, Dr Ch. Kontoyannis, Dr E. Kaberi, Dr S. Zervoudaki, Dr Y. 

Xatzianestis, Dr A. Gogou, N. Streftaris, P. Georgiou, S. Maroulakis, P. Renieris, A. Morfis, P. 

Mandopoulos, Y. Pampidis, G. Pappas, Th. Fotopoulos, N. Kouerinis. 

Other Participants: Aarhus University. 

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. 

Development and pre-operational validation of upgraded GMES Marine Core Services and 

capabilities. (MyOcean/ 766). 

Contract Number: FP7-SPA.2007.1.1.01 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr G. Korres 

Funding: 

EU 




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, E. Papadopoulos 

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. 

1

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. 

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: 


Dr A. Karageorgis 

Lakonia Prefecture 



Study Area: 

Monemvasia Lakonia Prefecture. 

Scientific team (HCMR): Dr A. Karageorgis, Dr G. Rousakis, 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 


Funding: 





Study Area: 

EU – GSRT (the GSRT might contribute to the project the amount 

of up to 40% of the EU funding) 

Cretan Sea, Greece 

2

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. 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). 


Dr K.Nittis 

Funding: EEA/EFTA (50%) – Ministry of Economy & Finance (50%) 



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. 

3

Decadal scale Variability of the Mediterranean Ecosystem (MedEcos/ 779) 


Funding: 

Dr A. Gogou 

GSRT 




Study Area: 

Mediterranean Sea. 

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. 

UP-GRADE BLACK SEA SCIENTIFIC NETWORK (UP-GRADE BSS/ 791). 

Contract Number: 


Major Coordinator: 

Funding: 

226592 (FP7-INFRASTRUCTURES-2008-1, Combination of CP 

& CSA) 

A. Iona 

Peter Davis, Marine Information Service –MARIS BV, Netherlands 

EU 


Duration: 

36 months 


Study Area: 

Black Sea 

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 

4

(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 

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). 




Funding: 

MARE/2008/03 - Lot 3 (SI2.531432) 

A. Iona 


Alessandra Giorgetti, Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di 

Geofisica Sperimentale (OGS), Italy 

European Union 



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 

5

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 Hydrometeorological 

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. 

Towards an alliance of European Research Fleets (EUROFLEETS/ 793). 



Funding: 

6 

228344/ FP7 

Dr D. Georgopoulos 

EE 


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. 

The EUROFLEETS process is based on the recommendations of a recent MB-ESF report. It aims at

inging 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. 

Quaternary tsunami events in the eastern Ionian Sea- reconstructing and modelling extreme 

events based on interdisciplinary geo-scientific investigations (EAST IONIAN SEA 

TSUNAMIS). 


Funding: 


Dr D. Sakellariou 

Deutsche ForschungsGesellschaft (DFG) Germany 



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. 

7

Conservation of the Northern Cyclades Marine Ecosystem through the designation of a new 

NATURA-2000 marine site. 


Dr P. Panayotidis 

Funding: LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity 2008 

Starting Year: 2009 or 2010 

Duration: 

2 years 


Study Area: 

N. Cyclades isl. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr P. Panayotidis, M. Salomidi, K. Tsiamis, Dr D. Sakellariou, P. 

Georgiou, Dr G. Roussakis, P. Drakopoulou, H. Kyriakidou 

Other participants: Municipality of Korthi, MOm/The Hellenic Society for the Study and 

Protection of the Monk Seal, Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS) 

Brief Description of the Program: (1) Identification of marine NATURA Habitat Types (1120, 

1170, 8330). (2) Visual census of benthic communities on rocky substrata for the evaluation of the 

ecological status of the study area. (3) Visual Assessment of rare/endangered Species. (4) 

Monitoring of alien/invasive marine species. (5) Measurements of Posidonia shoots on quadrats. 

Monitoring of upper/lower limits of the meadows by the use of fixed quadrats. (6) Underwater 

photography/videography for the production of educational and awareness material. (7) Lectures 

for students.fishermen and the public. (8) Detailed bathymetric and geomorphological mapping of 

10 sites, by the use of multibeam and sidescan sonar. (9) Production of NATURA Habitat Types 

Maps. 


ATHENS/ 765). 




226354 (FP7) 

Prof P.Weaver 

Funding: EU (75%) & GSRT (25%) 


(HERMIONE-IO 

Dr V. Lykoussis (In collaboration with IO Crete and IMBG) 


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, M. Alexandri, 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 

8

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. 

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). 


Funding: 

Dr I.Siokou-Frangou 

GSRT 


Duration: 24 months (2009-2011 


Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr I. Siokou-Frangou, 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 

9

Other participants: Mara Paraskevi (University of Crete) 

Study Area: North east Aegean Sea 

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. 

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. 

10


(PHASE D) (ΕΣΩΤΕΡΙΚΟΣ ΣΑΡΩΝΙΚΟΣ – ∆΄ ΠΕΡΙΟ∆ΟΣ/ 802) 


Funding: 


Dr E. Krasakopoulou – Dr S. Zervoudaki (deputy coordinator) 

Company of water supply and sewerage (EYDAP) 

Duration: 18 months (11/2009-04/2011) 

Total Budget: 

Study Area: 

361.080 (+ 19% VAT) 

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-Frangou, Dr P. Panagiotidis, Dr A. Zenetou, Dr N. Symboura, Dr M.A. Pancoucci, 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. 

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. 


CRETE). 




226354 (FP7) 




(HERMIONE-IO 

Dr N. Lambadariou (In collaboration with IO Athens/Pr.765 & 

IMBG) 



Study Area: 



Mandalakis, Dr. H. Kontogiannis, S. Stavrakakis, , Dr. H. Kaberi, Dr. C. Zeri, Dr. Dr. I. 

Chatzianestis, Dr. D. Sakellariou, M. Alexandri, 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. 


site) 



either through the indirect affects of climate change or directly through exploitation of deep-sea 

11

esources. 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 














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. 




Regional Drivers of Ecosystem Change and its Influence on Deep-Sea Populations in the 

Mediterranean (ReDEco). 


Funding: 

Dr N. Lampadariou 

GSRT 




Study Area: 

Eastern Mediterranean 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr N. Lampadariou, B. Kalogeropoulou, D. Podaras, Dr V. Lykousis, 

Sp. Stavrakakis, Dr H. Kontogiannis, IMBG: P. Polymenakou 

12

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). 

Contract Number: 228224 


Funding: 


Dr P. Pitta 

EU & GSRT 



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. 

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 

13

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. 

1.1.2. Continuing Research Programs 

Study of the environmental impact of dumping metalliferous waste in N. Evvoikos gulf. 

(ΛΑΡΚΟ/ 126). 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr N. Simboura 

Funding: 

LARCO SA. 

Starting Year: 2004 

Duration: 

7 years (84 µήνες) 

12 µήνες (30/01/04-31/12/04) – 24 µήνες (01/01/05-31/12/06) - 12 

µήνες (01/001/07-31/12/07), 12 µήνες (01/01/08-31/12/08) – 24 

µήνες (01/01/09-31/12/10) 

Total Budget (2009-10): 52.000€ 

Study Area: 

N. Evvoikos Gulf. 

Scientific team (HCMR): Dr N. Simboura, Dr V.A. Catsiki, Dr M.A. Pancucci, 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: Dr D. Georgopoulos & Prof. G.Th. Chronis (till 13/04/09) 

Funding: 

GSRT 


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, L. Perivoliotis, A. Mallios (till 11/12/07), A. Niotaki 

(till 15/07/09) 

14

Other participants: 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. 

A Second Generation Monitoring and Forecasting system for the Eastern Mediterranean Sea: 

POSEIDON-II. (ΠΟΣΕΙ∆ΩΝ ΙΙ./ 558). * 

Project Coordinator: Prof. G.Th. Chronis (till 11/02/09), Dr K. Nittis (from 12/02/09) 

Deputy Coordinator: 

Funding: 


Dr E. Papathanassiou 

European Investment Bank, Ministry of National Economy 


Total Budget: 9.907.000 € 

Study Area: 

Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean. 

Scientific Team (HCMR): IO: Prof. G.Th. Chronis (till 13/04/09), Dr E. Papathanassiou, Dr K. 

Nittis, L. Perivoliotis, D. Ballas, Dr T. Soukissian, K. Tsiaras, Dr G. Korres, P. Pagonis, Dr G. 

Triantafyllou, Dr. D. Georgopoulos, Dr G. Petyhakis, K. Christodoulou, Dr A. Banks, E. 

Papageorgiou, S. Barbetseas (till 08/06/07), A. Lykiardopoulos, A. Mitrousis A. Mallios (till 

11/12/07), A. Pollani, A. Mavriki, IIW: Dr A. Papadopoulos 

Other participants: Univ. Athens, Univ. Aegean, Univ. Connecticut 

Brief Description of the Program: The overall aim of the project is to: Upgrade and extend the 

present operational monitoring and forecasting capacity of the POSEIDON system in the Eastern 

Mediterranean Sea in order to support the requests of environmental information for integrated 

marine ecosystem management and maritime safety on a national and regional scale. 

Specific Objectives: (1) Upgrade the existing buoy system in order to improve their functionality, 

operational capabilities and observing capacity, including new biochemical and deep sea 

observations. (2) Enrich the network with additional buoys and extend towards the Ionian and 

Levantine Seas. (3) Improve the quality of in-situ observations by introducing new calibration, 

maintenance and Q.C. procedures. (4) Upgrade the existing forecasting system by improving the 

model’s resolution, introducing non-hydrostatic models and developing assimilation schemes. (5) 

Develop a pre-operational capacity for ecosystem forecasting. (6) Integrate relevant remote sensing 

products to improve the overall system’s forecasting skill. (7) Improve the present data and 

information management capabilities and extend to all available operational products (including 

ongoing operational projects: MFSTEP, FerryBox,…). (8) Harmonize and coordinate with 

European and international initiatives of Operational Oceanography. 

Hotspot Ecosystem Research on the Margins of European Seas (HERMES/ 565). * 


GOCE-CT-2005-511234-1 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr V. Lykousis 

Funding: 

EU (50%) & GSRT (50%) (FP6) 




15

Study Area: 

Mediterranean, Black, North, NE Atlandic and Nordic seas. 

Scientific Team (HCMR): Dr V. Lykousis, Dr D. Sakellariou, Dr A. Karageorgis, Dr T. Alves, 

Dr P. Nomikou, Dr H. Kodogiannis, Dr H. Kaberi, M. Alexandri, S. Stavrakakis, Dr G. Rousakis, 

P. Georgiou, D. Balas, V. Papadopoulos, P. Mandopoulos, I. Pambidis, P. Renieris, G. Pappas, A. 

Morfis 

Other Participants: SOC (Main Coordinator), IGME, Univ. of Thessali (Greek Coordinators with 

HCMR) & 44 partners. 

Brief Description of the Program: HERMES will provide new insights into the biodiversity, 

structure, function and dynamics of ecosystems along Europe’s deep-ocean margin which will 

underpin future development of a comprehensive European Ocean and Seas Integrated Governance 

Policy. It represents the first major attempt to understand European deep-water ecosystems and their 

natural environment in an integrated way (geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and pan-European 

range), rather than at just one site or in one region alone. HERMES aims to compare and contrast a 

suite of key environments around the European margin from Norway to the Black Sea, which, by 

virtue of their geographic locations, experience quite different environmental settings. In particular, 

HERMES will focus on ecosystem “hotspots” that are strongly physically mediated and associated 

with dynamic geological and/or hydrogeological structures, including: unstable slope systems, 

canyons, deep-water coral habitats, cold seeps, gas hydrates, mud volcanoes and anoxic microbial 

systems. These important systems require urgent study because of their possible biological fragility, 

global relevance to carbon cycling and/or susceptibility to catastrophic events and to global change. In 

addition, the marine microbial habitats show unique biodiversity, potential coupling to geosphere 

energy sources and represent surface manifestations of the Deep Biosphere. The pressure to improve 

understanding of deep-water ecosystems is great because man’s exploitation of the deep European 

margin is progressing rapidly. Hydrocarbons are being extracted from deep-sea sediments, increasing 

numbers of communication cables are being laid and trawling now occurs as deep as 1500m because 

traditional shallow-water fish stocks have declined severely. To what extent do these activities 

interfere with ecosystems? How vulnerable are ecosystems to man’s intrusions and how quickly are 

they able to recover? How can we mitigate the negative environmental impacts of man’s activities and 

reach a sustainable balance in accord with the EU’s commitment to sustainable development and 

international treaties? What is the likely effect of global change on an ecosystem’s ability to provide 

'goods and services' and on our attempts to manage them? 

HERMES will address five main objectives: (1) To understand better the natural drivers that 

control ocean margin ecosystems. (2) To understand better the biodiversity and ecosystem function 

of “hotspot” ecosystems. (3) To forecast changes in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning linked 

to global change. (4) To develop concepts and strategies for the sustainable use of marine 

resources. (5) To provide an integrated framework for data management, training, education and 

outreach. 

Coordination of National and Regional Marine RTD Activities in Europe (MarineERA/567).* 



Funding: 

16 

Dr K. Nittis 

EU (FP6) 




Study Area: 

European Seas. 

Scientific Team (HCMR): Dr K. Nittis, Dr E. Papathanassiou, Dr C. Anagnostou, Dr V. 

Lykoussis, Dr D. Georgopoulos 

Other participants: 16 European Marine Research Funding & Management Agencies.

Brief Description of the Program: MarinERA is a partnership of the leading Marine RTD 

Funding Organizations from 13 European Member States, supported by the Marine Board of 

European Science Foundation (MB-ESF). Together, these Funding Agencies represent an 

investment of circa € 100 million/annum in marine research. In addition, amongst a range of 

Advisory Members, five international networks of research organizations (BONUS, EFARO, 

EuroGOOS, European Polar Board, IACMST), and international organization (OICES) and two 

further Member State funding agencies have associated themselves with the project. 

The MarinERA project will: (1) Map European marine RTD programmes and specialized 

infrastructures to contribute towards the development of the marine element of the European 

Research Area, facilitating the creation of an internal market and quantifying the existing European 

marine research capacity. (2) Facilitate the networking of Marine RTD Funding Agencies in the 

European Union, leading to a more cost effective and efficient use of Member State resources 

including scientific personnel, specialist infrastructures and planned investments. (3) Contribute to 

the development of a European Marine Research Policy, identifying future challenges and 

opportunities and the priority research programmes that need to be put in place to address/ benefit 

from them. (4) Provide a basis for sharing available resources to address priority issues which are 

beyond the capacities of individual member States. (5) Progress the reciprocal opening of Member 

State Marine RTD Programmes, which has been identifies as a key objective of the ERA. 

Design study for a Deep Sea Facility in the Mediterranean for Neutrino Astronomy and 

Associated Sciences (Km3Net/ 594). * 

Contract Number: GOCE-CT-2006-011937 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr V. Lykoussis 





Study Area: 

Capo Passero, Toulon, Pylos. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Lykousis, Dr E. Balopoulos, Dr D. Sakellariou, M. Alexandri, Dr 

A. Karageorgis, Dr H. Kodogiannis, Dr I. Papoulia, Dr N. Lambadariou, Dr P. Polymenakou, Dr I. 

Siokou, Dr A. Pavlidou, A. Asimakopoulou, S. Stavrakakis, Dr T. Alves, V. Papadopoulos, G. 

Rousakis, P. Georgiou, Dr P. Nomikou, Dr H. Kaberi, P. Mandopoulos, I. Pambidis, D. Balas, P. 

Renieris, G. Pappas, A. Morfis. 

Other participants: (1) University of Pireus, Prof. A. Tselepidis (till 29/03/06), (2) University of 

Erlangen (Overall project coordinator) & 24 partners. 

Brief Description of the Program: The primary objectives of the KM3NeT Design Study are the 

development of a cost-effective design for a cubic-kilometre sized deep-sea infrastructure housing a 

neutrino telescope with unprecedented physics sensitivity and providing long-term access for deepsea 

research, the evaluation of procedures for the assembly and construction of the infrastructure 

and the preparation of models for its operation and maintenance. 

General conditions: The combination of the relatively low flux of high energy cosmic neutrinos and 

their weak interaction with matter implies the need for a very massive detector (1012 kg, i.e. a 

cubic kilometre of water). The solution pursued is to instrument a large volume of deep-sea water 

with a three-dimensional array of photo-sensors (photomultiplier tubes, PMTs) detecting the 

Cerenkov light produced by charged particles emerging from neutrino interactions in the water or 

sea bed. In order to suppress daylight and background from muons produced in cosmic ray 

interactions in the Earth's atmosphere, the telescope must be operated at depths of several 

kilometres. In seawater, irreducible background light is emitted by decays of 40K nuclei and by 

bioactivity, and environmental processes such as sedimentation or bio-fouling affect the long-term 

17

performance of the KM3NeT infrastructure. 

Design goals: The technical design targets at an overall cost below 200Me per cubic kilometre of 

instrumented sea water; a gure which represents an improvement of cost per unit volume of more 

than two from the present generation of underwater neutrino detectors. The goal of the Design 

Study is to prepare the framework allowing for the construction of the KM3NeT neutrino telescope 

in time to take data concurrently with the IceCube neutrino telescope in the Southern Hemisphere. 

The KM3NeT infrastructure is foreseen to have an operational lifetime of at least 10 years without 

significant reduction in sensitivity due to environmental processes. 

Involvement of HCMR (WP5 and WP9) Specific objectives of WP5 and WP9: (1) Assess 

existing water, oceanographic, biological and geological data from candidate sites: All information 

available about optical and biological water properties, sea bottom surveys, environmental 

properties and geo-hazards at the three sites (Capo Passero, Toulon, Pylos) is collected and 

categorised. As a result of this preliminary study the experimental activities needed to complete the 

set of measurements are identified. (2) Perform missing measurements: on water, oceanographic, 

biological and geological properties of candidate sites. (3) Science reviews of candidate sites: The 

first step in the second objective is to prepare reports for each of the three candidate sites 

describing: Bathymetry, underlying geology, sedimentation regime, the sediment interface, water 

circulation, wave propagation, biological productivity regime, biodiversity, human impacts, 

resource issues and hazards. The reports conclude with an assessment of the main science issues to 

be addressed, e.g. seismcity, slope stability, tsunamis, flow, temperature, biological productivity 

and sedimentation. (4) Contribution to the design of the benthic observatory platform(s) and 

participation in the data acquisition. 

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: 


Prefectorial Administration of Messinia County (37,5%); Local 

Union of boroughs and of Messinia County (37,5%) and Kalamata 

Borough (25%) 



Study Area: 

Messiniakos Gulf. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): IO: Dr A. Pavlidou, Dr I. Chatzianestis, Dr O. Gotsi, Dr A. Karageorgis, 

Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr P. Panagiotidis, Dr A. Zenetos, Dr N. Sympoura, Dr M.A. Pancucci- 

Papadopoulou, Dr K. Pagou, V. Papadopoulos, M. Salomidi, N. Streftaris, P. Drakopoulou, S. 

Kioroglou, R. Psyllidou-Giouranovits, G. Assimakopoulou, N. Bellou, E. Tsougiopoulou P. 

Renieris, P. Zachioti, M. Anthula, G. Pappas, S. Iliakis, A. Konstantinopoulou, Th. Zoulias, A. 

Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarchi, Ch. Pyrgaki, A. Androni, G. Arvanitakis, P. Kouraklis, A. Zambelis 

IA: M. Giagnisi 

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. 

18

MARCOAST (MARine and COASTal environmental services) (MARCOAST/ 600). * 



Funding: 


19193/05/I-EC 

L. Perivoliotis 

ESA (European Space Agency) 


Total Budget HCMR: 126.200 € 

Study Area: 

Aegean Sea. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): L. Perivoliotis, Dr K. Nittis, Dr G. Korres 

Other participants: AAS (FR), CLS (FR), CEDRE (FR), BOOST (FR), MERCATOR OCEAN 

(FR), METEO FRANCE (FR), IFREMER (FR), TELESPAZIO (IT), PLANETEK (IT), JRC (IT), 

INGV (IT), MUMM (BE), DNV (Norway), GTD (Spain), STARLAB (Spain), SOS (UK), UK 

MET OFFICE (UK), NERSC (Norway), DLR (Germany), BfG (Germany), FIRM (Finland), BSH 

(Germany). 

Brief Description of the Program: MarCoast aims at scaling up services which have been 

previously consolidated in the frame of ROSES and COASTWATCH (both projects funded by 

ESA during 2003-2004). Services that were implemented in pilot phase in the framework of two 

previous projects will now be delivered in operational mode. HCMR will continue to provide the 

oil spill forecasting service for the Aegean Sea in real time, based on oil spills detected by the 

satellite SAR sensors. 

A Pan-European infrastructure for Ocean and Marine Data Management (SEADATANET/ 

610). 




Funding: 


Dr E. Balopoulos & A. Iona 

Dr Catherine Mallard, IFREMER, France. 

EU (87,7%) & GSRT (12,3%) (FP6) 



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, 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, 

19

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. 

Seismic and tsunami risk Assessment and mitigation scenarios in the western Hellenic Arc 

(SEAHELLARC/ 613). * 


GOCE-037004 (FP6). 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr I. Papoulia 

Funding: EU (55,61%) & GSRT (44,38%) 




Study Area: 

SW Ionian Sea. 

20

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Prof. G.Th. Chronis (έως 13/04/09), Dr J. Papoulia, Dr Ch. Anagnostou, 

Dr V. Lykousis, Dr A. Karagiorgis, Dr T. Soukisian, S. Alexandri, Dr G. Rousakis, P. Georgiou, D. 

Ballas, A. Likiardopoulos, P. Pagonis, E. Papadopoulos, Dr Ch. Tsambaris, P. Drakopoulou, L. 

Athineos, E. Pasalidou, M. Proimos, G. Pappas, P. Mantopoulos, C. Ballomenou 

Other Participants: (1) National Observatory of Athens, (2) DIC, (3) GEOAZUR, (4) OGS, (5) 

GEOPRO, (6) METU 

Brief Description of the Program: Aim of SEAHELLARC is to establish a real-time on/offshore 

network for simultaneous seismic and tsunami observations. We will consider on and offshore 

seismic observations and integrate offshore real time data transmission to the permanent 

seismograph network of Greece. Such technology is still missing in Greece or elsewhere in the 

Mediterranean countries. By observing seismicity in real-time, early warning scenarios will be 

considered and their possible application will be proposed to local authorities. As a final step we 

will propose a pilot study for the city of Pylos and create a GIDS data base for seismic and tsunami 

risk and mitigation scenarios. 

Design of an autonomous underwater vehicle using variable buoyancy navigation system - 

GLIDER (ΣΧΕ∆ΙΑΣΗ ΥΠΟΒΡΥΧΙΟΥ ΚΑΤΑΓΡΑΦΙΚΟΥ ΟΧΗΜΑΤΟΣ/ 616). * 



Funding: 

03Ε∆347 

Dr K. Nittis 

GSRT 



Total Budget: 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr K. Nittis. 

1.900 € (salary payments) 

Other participants: NTUA (Major Coordinator), AMTECH. 

Brief Description of the Program: A PhD study will be carried out on the design of a Glider: an 

autonomous underwater vehicle using variable buoyancy navigation system. Gliders are being used 

recently for autonomous measurements along transects and for 0-600 m depths in the framework of 

Operational Oceanography. Part of the project and the main contribution of HCMR is the 

definition of the requirements/ capabilities of the vehicle for both its functionality and the targeted 

oceanographic measurements (type of sensors, sampling frequency etc). 

Monitoring the quality of the Marine Environment of the Gulf of Thessaloniki during 2006 

(ΘΕΡΜΑΪΚΟΣ 2006/ 625). * 

Scientific Co-ordinator: 

Funding: 


Dr K. Pagou (assistant co-ordinator: Dr E. Krasakopoulou) 

EYDE Thes/nikis (Ministry of Environment, Planning & Public 

Works, General Secretariat of Public Works, Special Service of 

Public Works, Watering and Greater Thessaloniki Area Sewerage 

and Sewage Treatment). 



Study Area: 

Gulf of Thessaloniki. 

21

Scientific team (HCMR): IO: Dr K. Pagou, Dr Ch. Anagnostou, Dr P. Panagiotides, Dr V.Α. 

Catsiki, Dr I. Siokou, Dr I. Hatzianestis, G.Assimakopoulou, Dr S. Zervoudaki, Dr Ch. Zeri, Dr 

E.Kaberi, Dr E.Krasakopoulou, Dr A. Pavlidou, A. Androni, S. Iliakis, A. Papageorgiou, G. 

Pappas, Ch. Pyrgaki, M. Taxiarchi, P. Zachioti, Th. Zoulias, A. Konstantinopoulou, S. Nikoletaki, 

IA: M. Giahnisi 

Other participants: Division of Hydraulics & Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering 

Department, Aristotle Univ. of Thes/niki: Dr Y.N. Krestenitis (Professor of Coastal Engineering & 

Oceanography), other scientist. 

Brief description of the program: (1) To monitor, collect and analyze physical, chemical and 

biological data, as well as data regarding pollutants impacting the marine environment and marine 

organisms. (2) To study the pathogenic microbial populations in marine waters. (3) To 

continuously monitor and assess the quality and ecological sensitivity of the marine environment of 

the Gulf of Thes/niki, as well as to evaluate possible changes in the structure and function of the 

ecosystem, that can be related to the operation of the sewage treatment plant. (4) To study and 

report the possible occurrence and evolution of exceptional phenomena, as are the Harmful Algal 

Blooms. (5) The geochemical study of suspended particles. (6) To formulate proposals towards 

protection and sustainable management of the marine receptor. 

Objective of the program is the monitoring of characteristic parameters of the quality of the marine 

ecosystem of the Bay and Gulf of Thes/niki during an annual cycle (combination of monthly and 

seasonal sampling according to the parameter to be studied), by measuring, collecting and 

analysing samples from standard depths in a network of 20 stations. 

The documentation of the monitoring results through regular or special (in case of exceptional 

phenomena) technical reports. 

Southern European Seas: Assessing and Modeling Environmental Changes (SESAME/ 639). 



Funding: EU (66,21%) & GSRT (33,79%) 




Study Area: 

Mediterranean and Black Sea. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr E. Papathanassiou, Dr H. Kaberi, Prof. G.Th. Chronis, Dr N. Streftaris, 

Dr Ch. Tziavos (till 31/08/07), Dr D. Georgopoulos, Dr I. Siokou, 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, Dr B. Zannou, A. Zambelis, A. Mavriki, S. Fragou, 

E. Papadopoulos, Dr Ch. Zeri, Dr T. Zervoudaki, A. Theoharis (till 16/9/08), Dr A. Karageorgis, S. 

Kioroglou, Dr V. Kourafalou, 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. 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, A. Papageorgiou, Th. Zoulias, A. Androni, G. Kabouri IMBR: Dr A. Zenetos 

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, 

22

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 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. 

23

Development of electrochemical immunosensors for the detection of toxins present during 

harmful algae blooms (HABs/ 643). * 



Funding: 

ENTER 04ΕΡ92 

Dr K. Pagou 

GSRT (Operational Programme “Competitiveness”, for which the 

Public Expenditure is co-funded by 75% from European Social 

Fund (ESF) and by 25% by National/Public Funds). 




Study Area: 

Laboratory experiments, Field experiments (as in Thermaikos 

Gulf). 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr K. Pagou, Dr L. Giannoudi, I. Varkitzi, Dr Ι. Chatzianestis, Ch. 

Pyrgaki, P. Zachioti, Α. Constantinopoulou 

Brief Description of the Program: The aim of this project is the development and validation of 

innovative biosensors based in biological processes, in order to detect phytoplankton toxins in the 

seawater and thus to be used as a “real time” warning and monitoring system. The coupling of a 

natural bio-receptor along with an amperometric electrode will be attempted for toxicity 

assessment. 

The “ENTER” Programme aims to attract competent researchers from aboard and to recruit them 

into the national research network system. Guest researcher in the frame of the above programme 

(project code: 04EP92) is Dr L. Giannoudi, Chemical oceanographer/Biotechnologist. 

In addition, in the frame of this project the collaboration of HCMR.IO with an industrial partner 

(LinkLab) has been foreseen. The scope of this collaboration is on the one hand to implement 

environmental technology into the environmental monitoring, in order to attract customers both in 

public and private/industrial sector and on the other hand is the expansion of the national research 

area towards biotechnology. 

The development and testing of the biosensor, which will include the antibodies able to specifically 

bind the toxins of interest (Domoic acid and Okadaic acid). The biosensor will be optimized to real 

time environmental conditions and tested in the marine coastal environment(during HABs and non 

HABs periods probably in Thermaikos Gulf). In case of no revords of HABs in the field the sensor 

will be tested in the laboratory using toxic phytoplankton cultures in microcosms or mesocosms. 

Building Operational Sustainable Services for GMES (BOSS4GMES/ 651). * 

Contract Number: FP6-2005-SPACE-1-030-966 

Scientific Co-ordinator: Dr K. Nittis 

Funding: 

EU (FP6) 




Study Area: 


Scientific team (HCMR): Dr K. Nittis, Dr A. Banks, L. Perivoliotis, G. Korres 

Other participants: IFT-UK, AST-F, DLR, ITD, Mercator, ULP-SERTIT, TPZ, A.N., AAS-F, 

CLS, DDSC, DMI, DPC, EUSC, GAF, GeoVille, IFREMER, Indra, INGV, EC-DG JRC, LUISS, 

MetO(UK), MF, NERSC, ProDV, EuroGOOS/SMHI, SPACEBEL, SPOT, SQR, AUTh, UWE, 

VITO, EURIMAGE, ITF, CEH 

Brief description of the program: The BOSS4GMES project aims to provide the technical, 

financial and contractual foundations which will enable the transition of GMES from a concept to 

an effective, operational programme, and in doing so, to link GMES with key political decision 

24

makers, a broader sphere of users and the wider public. BOSS4GMES will mainly address the three 

fast-track services defined in 2005 (ocean, land and emergencies) to contribute to the success of 

their short term implementation and their integration with a wide set of specialized services. For the 

mid- and longer term, BOSS4GMES will support the definition of new services and address 

transverse issues. 

Development of a Framework for Data Harmonisation and Service Integration 

(HUMBOLDT/ 652). 



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 %) 




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 

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 

25

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. 

European COastal-shelf sea OPerational observing and forecasting system (ECOOP/ 653). 



Funding: 


036355-2 (FP6) 

Dr K. Nittis 

EU (50%) & GSRT (50%) {FP6} 


Total Budget: 461.436 

Study Area: 

European shelf seas – Aegean Sea (HCMR) 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr K. Nittis, L. Perivoliotis, Dr G. Korres, K. Tsiaras, Dr G. 

Triantafyllou, P. Gotsis (till 15/10/07), P. Tzimeas (till 15/03/07) 

Other Participants: AERO-OBS-MIP, ARPA-ER, AWI, AZTI, BBH, BIU, BSH, CEFAS, CLS, 

CLU. CMR, CNR_ISAC, CSIC, DMI, DMU-NERI, FIMR, GFZ, GKSS, HRW, IAMC-CNR, ICBM, 

IEO, SWE, IFREMER, GAS, IMC, IMEDEA-CSIC, MIG, IMR, IMS-METU, INAT, INGV, INRH, 

IO-BAS, IOI, IOPAS, IOW, IRB, ISMAR, IST, JRC, MARINE, MERCATOR, MEREINST, 

METEOGALICIA, MET-NO, METOFFICE, MF, MHI, MSI, MUMM-BMM, NERSC, NIB-MBS, 

NIVA , NOVELTIS, PML, POL, PUERTOS, RDANH, RIKZ, RSHU, SHOM, SMHI, SOI, SYKE, 

TECHWORKS, TUD, UCC, UCY, ULG, UNI-Alexandria, UNI-Athens, UNIBO, UNI-Sheffield, 

UNI-Thessaloniki, UNIV-GDA, UPC, USOF, VTPMML, WLDELFT, UREADES , IOLR 

Brief Description of the Program: The project aims to upgrade and integrate existing operational 

monitoring and forecasting systems of the European regional and shelf-coastal seas, into an 

integrated system with applications on climate change, environmental protection and crisis 

management. The main activities of the project are a) operational data collection and management 

at a European level b) development of operational forecasting models in European shelf and coastal 

seas c) development of an information management system and a decision support system and d) 

training and capacity building. HCMR contributes to the project on data management 

harmonization issues, development of hydrodynamic and ecosystem models as well as oil spill 

forecasting systems through development of integrated decision support tools. 

Study of inner Saronikos ecosystem, under the influence of Psittalia sewage treatment unit 

(Phase B) (ΕΣΩΤΕΡΙΚΟΣ ΣΑΡΩΝΙΚΟΣ ΙΙ.- ΚΕΛΨ/ 660). * 


Funding: 


Dr E.D. Christou, Dr E. Krassakopoulou (replacer and jointly 

responsible from 25/09/07) 




Study Area: 

Saronikos Gulf. 

26

Scientific team (HCMR): Dr E. Christou, Dr A. Banks, Dr A. Zenetos, Dr Ch. Zeri, Dr S. Zervoudaki, 

Dr E. Krassakopoulou, Dr H. Kontogiannis, Dr K. Pagou, Dr P. Panagiotidis, Dr A. Pancucci, Dr A. 

Pavlidou, Dr I. Siokou-Fragou, Dr N. Simpoura, Dr I. Hadzianestis, Dr S. Psarra, R. Psyllidou, Th. 

Morfis, P. Renieris, P. Zachioti, M. Anthoula, A. Androni, S. Iliakis, Ch. Pyrgaki, N. Kouerinis, G. 

Asimakopouou, A, Konstantinopoulou, Th. Zoulias, M. Salomidi, G. Arvanitakis, N. Bellou. 

Other participants: Company of water supply and sewerage. 


Saronikos (including Elefsis and Keratsini bays), during a 12 month period,(2007). (2) To study the 

ecosystem evolution of inner Saronikos from 1987 until 2007. 

Works: (1) Study of water column parameters: (a) temperature, salinity, turbidity, (b) oxygen, 

nutrients, particulate and dissolved phosphorus - nitrogen, POC, TOC, coprostanol, (c) biomass and 

communities of phytoplankton and zooplankton. (2) Study of benthic communities (phyto- and 

zoobenthos), (3) Satellite imagery. 

Tsunami Risk ANd Strategies For the European Region (TRANSFER/ 661). * 



Dr V. Lykousis 





Study Area: 

Mediterranean. 

Scientific team (HCMR): Dr V. Lykousis, Dr D. Sakellariou, Dr S. Alexandri, Dr G. Rousakis, P. 

Georgiou, Dr. P. Nomikou, Dr. Ι. Papoulia, S. Kiroglou, P. Mandopoulos, I. Pambidis, D. Balas, P. 

Renieris 

Other participants: DFUNIBO (Overall project coordinator), UCA, NMA, WAPMERR, METU, 

UB, DAPP, FORTH, INGV, UPPA, EC-JRC, GFZ, UniRoma1, IU, CNRS, GII, ICG, CGUL,UNU- 

EHS, IGN, NOAGI, OPPE, AMRA, CEA-DASE, NERC, IMOR, KOERI, ETHZ, NO Athens, U. 

Brief Description of the Program: The project main goal is to contribute to our understanding of 

tsunami processes in the Euro-Mediterranean region, to the tsunami hazard, vulnerability and risk 

assessment and to identifying the best strategies for reduction of tsunami risk. Focus will be posed 

on the gaps and needs for the implementation of an efficient tsunami early warning system (TEWS) 

in the Euro-Mediterranean area, which is a high-priority task in consideration that no tsunami early 

warning system is today in place in the Euro-Mediterranean countries. The main items addressed by 

the project may be summarised as follows. The present Europe tsunami catalogue will be improved 

and updated, and integrated into a world-wide catalogue (WP1). A systematic attempt will be made 

to identify and to characterise the tsunamigenic seismic (WP2) and non-seismic (WP3) sources 

throughout the Euro-Mediterranean region. An analysis of the present-day earth observing and 

monitoring (seismic, geodetic and marine) systems and data processing methods will be carried out 

in order to identify possible adjustments required for the development of a TEWS, with focus on 

new algorithms suited for real-time detection of tsunami sources and tsunamis (WP4). The 

numerical models currently used for tsunami simulations will be improved mainly to better handle 

the generation process and the tsunami impact at the coast (WP5). The project Consortium has 

selected seven test areas in different countries. Here innovative probabilistic and statistical 

approaches for tsunami hazard assessment (WP6), up-to-date and new methods to compute 

inundation maps (WP7) will be applied. Here tsunami scenario approaches will be envisaged; 

vulnerability and risk will be assessed; prevention and mitigation measures will be defined also by 

the advice of end users that are organised in an End User Group (WP8). Dissemination of data, 

techniques and products will be a priority of the project (WP9). 

27

Geological, geophysical and geochemical investigation of the red mud deposits of the 

Antikyra Gulf, Science and Policy Integration for Coastal Systems Assessment (SPICOSA/ 

665). 


Scientific Co-ordinator: Dr Ch. Anagnostou 





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. 

(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. 

A European Research Training Network on Key Technologies for Intervention Autonomous 

Underwater Vehicles (FREESUBNET/ 667). 



MRTN-CT-2006-036186-FREESUBNET (FP6) 

Dr P. Pavlakis, S. Sarantakos 





Study Area: 

The project is devoted to the development of technology. 

Scientific team (HCMR): Dr P. Pavlakis, Dr S. Alexandri, K. Sarantakos, A. Malios (till 11/12/07) 

Other Participants: The project is open to new participants depending on the necessities. 

Brief Description of the Program: The purpose of FREESUBNET is to provide a European-wide 

excellence in quality training to young researchers, in the emerging field of Cooperative 

Autonomous Intervention Underwater Vehicles (I-AUV). An intersectorial consortium, with 

expertise in different but complimentary disciplines (engineering, marine science, plysics and 

informatics) will carry out outstanding research, in the context of four strategic application fields 

(marine science, maritime security, archaeology and energy assessment). Autonomous Underwater 

28

Vehicles (AUV) with intervention capabilities are the successors of already widely used Remote 

Operated Vehicles (ROV). 

FREESUBNET will establish an interdisciplinary, intersectorial and international network of 

researchers and end-users that will design and develop the technological bricks, needed to allow for 

new applications and to assure the training of skilled researchers for the future. It is the intention, 

that this network will be a bridge between academia and industry, as well as promoting the 

integration of a fragmentation of research groups throughout Europe. 

Climate Change and Impact Research: The Mediterranean Environment- CIRCE (CIRCE/ 

676). 


Scientific Co-ordinator: A. Theocharis (till 16/09/08), A. Iona (from 17/09/08) 





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: Dr I. Hatzianestis 

Funding: 

Ministry of Mercantile Marine 



Total Budget: 220.000 € (40.000+110.000) 

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, V. Papadopoulos, L. 

Perivoliotis, Dr M. Korres, A. Morfis, P. Renieris, Dr O. Gotsi-Skreta, Dr S. Zervoudaki, G. 

Assimakopoulou, A. Konstantinopoulou, Ch. Pyrgaki, E. Plakidi, N. Kouerinis, Dr P. Panagiotidis, 

M. Salomidou, G. Arvanitakis, P. Zahioti, M. Anthoula 

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. 

29

European Seas Observatory Network (ESONET-NoE/ 691). 



GOCE-036851 

Dr V. Lykoussis 




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, Dr K. Nittis, Dr. I. Papoulia, Dr 

D. Sakellariou, N. Lambadariou, Dr S. Alexandri. 

Other Participants: IFREMER (Co-ordinator) 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. 

Global Ocean Observing Infrastructure (EURO ARGO/ 704). 


Funding: 

Dr G. Korres 

EU 




Study Area: 

Mediterranean – European Seas. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Korres, Dr K. Nittis, A. Theocharis, L. Perivoliotis, D. Balas, H. 

Kontoyiannis, E. Papadopoulos 

30

Brief Description of the Program: The main objective of the EURO-ARGO preparatory phase 

will be to undertake the preparatory work needed to ensure that by 2010 Europe will be able to 

deploy and operate an array of 800 floats and to provide world class services to the research and 

environment monitoring communities. The main expected outcome of the project is an agreement 

between member states and the EC for long term (>10 yrs) operation of EURO-ARGO. 

The preparatory phase proposal workpackages will focus on: (1) the consolidation and 

strengthening of existing national contributions to the infrastructure. (2) The development of a 

direct EC-wide contribution through GMES. (3) The development of legal and governance 

arrangements for the Euro-Argo infrastructure. (4) Evaluation and improvement of the European 

contribution to the Argo data management and delivery system. (5) Enhancing European float 

technological capabilities (performances, sensors, communication systems) and working towards 

using Argo to study aspects of ocean biogeochemistry (6) The development of a vigorous 

European Argo user community. (7) Exploiting the open access to Argo data as an educational 

“window” on the oceans and their role in climate. (8) Developing new partnerships between 

European Argo nations, new European countries and nations outside Europe. (9) Integrating the 

European observing array into the international system. (10) Developing a ten year implementation 

plan. 

CABLES OTE 2008 (ΚΑΛΩ∆ΙΑ ΟΤΕ 2008/ 712). * 


Funding: 


Dr G. Roussakis 

C. Liapakis-V. Balis Consultant Engineers 



Study area: Loutsa (Attica) - Marmari (Evoikos Gulf), Peflohori (Halkidiki) - 

N. Marmaras (Halkidiki), Trikeri - Pleleos (Magnisia), Kardamena (Kos) - Nisiros (SE Aegean), 

Karpathos (Arkasa) - Kasos (SE Aegean). 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): G. Rousakis, Dr D. Sakelariou, Dr V. Lykousis, P. Georgiou, Dr S. 

Alexandri, D. Ballas, S. Maroulakis, P. Mantopoulos, J. Pampidis, S. Stavrakakis, Dr A. 

Karageorgis, V. Papadopoulos, P. Renieris, Th. Morfis & 2 Divers of HCMR 

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: (1) a. Swath 

bathymetry (offshore) and bathymetry by single beam echo sounder (nearshore). (2) Sea bottom 

and sub bottom characteristics (3.5KHz & boomer profiler). (3) Geomorphology and nature of the 

sea bottom (Side scan sonar). (4) 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 10 Km (10 cores in total). (5) Detection of 

metal objects (Magnetometer). (6) Sea bottom and land temperature and seasonal variations (CTD 

at representative sites). (7) 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). 

31

Searching for Minoan shipwrecks south of eastern Crete (∆ΑΝΑΟΣ 2008/ 718). 


Funding: 


Dr. D. Sakellariou 

TEXAS A&M University, USA 



Study Area: 

South of Eastern Crete 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr D. Sakellariou, Prof. G.Th. Chronis, Dr V. Tsoukala, Dr G. 

Roussakis, Dr Th. Kanelopoulos, Dr C. Smith, P. Georgiou, I. Pampidis, P. Mantopoulos, S. 

Maroulakis, M. Kallergis, L. Manousakis, C. Katsaros, Th. Fotopoulos, V. Stasinos 

Other participants: (1) TEXAS A&M University, USA (2) Hellenic Institute of Ancient and 

Mediaeval Alexandrian Studies (3) Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities (Observer) 

Brief Description of the Program: The main objective of this study is to search the area south of 

eastern Crete for possibly locating ancient shipwrecks of Minoan age. One cruise of 14 days is 

foreseen in the frame of the project. The seafloor of the study area will be thoroughly investigated 

with side scan sonar and subbottom profiler. Dives of Max Rover and/or Thetis submersible will be 

performed to visually observe targets of possible archaeological interest. 

Investigation and determination of the environmentally most appropriate site for a 

construction which will harbor pleasure boats in the Porto-Rafti area of east Attica 

(ΕΛΛΙΜΕΝΙΣΜΟΣ ΣΚΑΦΩΝ ΣΕ ΠΟΡΤΟ ΡΑΦΤΗ/ 721). * 


Funding: 


Dr H. Kntoyiannis 

Prefecture of Eastern Attica (65%) and Municipality of 

Markopoulo (Eastern Attica) (35%) 

Duration: 9-10 months (01/05/08-28/02/09) 


Study Area: 

Porto-Rafti of East Attica 

Scientific team (HCMR): Dr H. Kontoyiannis, Dr A. Prospothopoulos, Dr A. Pavlidoy, Dr C. 

Zeri, P. Drakopoulou, C. Kyriakidou, P. Renieris, A. Morfis 

Brief Description of the Program: We investigate the existing hydrodymamic and water 

circulation conditions in the Porto-Rafti area with direct field measurements and we also 

investigate, via modelling experiments, the alterations in the circulation in the presence of a wavebreaker 

construction which in principle will harbor the pleasure boats in the study area. We also 

examine via field chemical data the existing conditions in the Vourkari area. 

(ΥΠΕΧΩ∆Ε Ο∆ΗΓΙΑ ΠΛΑΙΣΙΟ/ 722). * 

Scientific Coordinator 

Funding 

Starting Year 2008 


Hellenic Ministry for the Environmeant, Physical Planning and 

Publics Works. 

Duration 15 months (01/04/08-31/06/09) 

Total Budget 848.232 € 

Study Area: 

Greece. 

32

Scientific team (ΗCMR): IO: Dr P. Panayotidis, Dr V.A. Katsiki, Dr K. Pagou, Dr S. 

Reizopoulou, Dr N. Symboura, P. Drakopoulou, IIW: Dr A. Diapoulis, Dr A. Economou, Dr N. 

Skoulikidis, Dr M. Stoumboudi, G. Chatzinikolaou. 

Other Participants: (1) ΕΚΒΥ: V. Tsiaousi, Apostolakis A., Doulgeris Ch., Katsavouni S., 

Kemitzoglou D., Papadimos D., Chatziordanou E., Chrisopolitou V. (2) Univ. of Thessaloniki: M. 

Lazaridou, Moustaka M., Mbombori D. (3) Univ. of Athens: Montesantou Β., (4) Univ. of Patra: 

Iliopoulou I., Papastergiadou E. (5) ΙΝΑLE: Orfanidis S., Koutrakis E. 


(PHASE C) (ΕΣΩΤΕΡΙΚΟΣ ΣΑΡΩΝΙΚΟΣ Γ’ ΠΕΡΙΟ∆ΟΣ/ 737). * 


Funding: 


Dr E. Krasakopoulou (replacement: Dr E. Christou) 




Study Area: 

Inner Saronikos Gulf 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr E. Krasakopoulou, Dr H. Kontogiannis, Dr A. Pavlidou, Dr Ch. 

Zeri, Dr E. Christou, Dr I. Siokou-Frangou, Dr P. Panagiotidis, Dr A. Zenetos (IMBR), Dr N. 

Simboura, Dr A. M. Pancucci, Dr S. Psarra, Dr A. Banks, Dr A. Giannakourou, Dr K. Pagou, Th. 

Morfis, P. Renieris, R. Psillidou, P. Zachioti, M. Anthoulas, A. Androni, S. Iliakis, N. Kouerinis, G. 

Assimakopoulou, A. Konstantinipoulou, S. Zervoudaki, Th. Zoulias, M. Salomidi, G. Arvanitakis, 

K. Charalambous 

Other participants: Company of water supply and sewerage (EYDAP) 


Saronikos (including Elefsis and Keratsini bays), during a 12 month period,(7/2008-7/2009). (2) 

To study the ecosystem evolution of inner Saronikos from 1987 until now. 

Works: (1) Study of water column parameters: a) temperature, salinity, turbidity. b) oxygen, 

nutrients, particulate and dissolved phosphorus and nitrogen, POC, TOC. c) 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) Satellite imagery 

Study of environmental conditions in the region between the Bays Sourpi and Nies - 

Pagasitikos Gulf (ΠΑΓΑΣΗΤΙΚΟΣ- ΑΛΜΟΛΟΙΠΑ/ 739). * 


Funding: 


Dr M.A. Pancucci-Papadopoulou 

Golfing Developments A.E. 



Study Area: 

Pagasitikos Gulf 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Μ.Α. Pancucci-Papadopoulou, Dr Ν. Simboura, Dr S. Reizopoulou, 

Dr P. Panayotidis, K. Tsiamis, Μ.Salomidi, Dr Ε.Christou, S. Zervoudaki, G. Asimakopoulou Dr Ch. 

Kontogiannis, Dr Α.Β. Katsiki, Dr A. PavlidiouDr Α Souvermetzoglou, Dr Ε. Krasakopoulou, Dr 

Ch. Zeri, Dr Μ. Korres, P. Drakopoulou Κ. Tsiaras, G. Kabouri, K. Mabouroglou, M. Anthoula, A. 

Konstantinopoulou, Th. Zoulias, Ν. Kouerinis, G. Arvanitakis, P. Renieris, Th. Morfis 

33

Brief Description of the Program: The project deals with the study of physical, chemical and 

biological parameters in the area between the Bay of Nies and the Bay of Sourpi, Pagasitikos Gulf, 

in order to evaluate the environmental impact of seawater desalination. It aims in a thorough study 

of coastal ecosystem exploiting the existing data, detecting and recording probable impacts on the 

marine environment from desalination plants, with final objective the opportune but also suitable 

intervention for the improvement of disposal’s conditions. 

European Multi-seafloor Observatories (EMSO/ 751). 


Dr V. Lykousis 

Funding: GSRT (31%) & EU (69%) 




Study Area: 

Mediterranean, Black sea, North and NE Atlandic and Nordic seas. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): (not exhaustive) 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). 

34

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); 

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). 


Dr G. Triantafyllou 





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 

35

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. 

Caspian Sea environmental and industrial data & information service (CASPINFO/ 760) 




Funding: 

211288 (SP1-Cooperation, ENV.2007.2.2.1.8., CSA-SA) 

Dr A. Iona 

Peter Davis, Marine Information Service –MARIS BV, Netherlands 

EU 




Study Area: 

Caspian Sea 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr I. 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. 

36


monitoring and predictive modelling tools for ecosystem based management in the deep 

waters of Europe and beyond (CoralFISH/ 769). 




Dr G. Roussakis (In collaboration with IMBR/Pr.2020804) 



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, Dr A. Pancucci, 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. 

37

Integrated marine and land survey for the investigation of the quantity, quality and water 

collection of the submarine water discharges of Stoupa, Municipality of Lefktro, Messinia 

County (ΣΤΟΥΠΑ/773). 


Funding: 


Duration: 


Messinia County, Lefktro Municipality 

24 months 


Study Area: 

Stoupa Bay, Messiniakos Gulf 

Scientific team (HCMR): Dr A. Karageorgis (participation 50%), Dr E. Parathanassiou (15%), Dr 

D. Georgopoulos (20%) and more than 35 scientists and technicians of the Institute of 

Oceanography and the Centre. 

Other participants: Agricultural University of Athens, National Technical University of Athens, 

District of Peloponesse. 

Brief Description of the Program: The project aims at the assessment of the quantity and quality 

of the submarine water discharges of Stoupa and the evaluation of a potential exploitation of the 

freshwater resources for drinking water or irrigation. 

The objective of the project is the seabed mapping and sub-bottom mapping of the submarine 

discharges area and the materialization of 9 visits within one year, aiming at measurements, sample 

collection and laboratory analyses of all physicochemical and hydrological parameters which 

define the quantity, quality and intra-annual variability of the submarine groundwater discharges. 

After the first assessment, and if the results are encouraging, the NTUA will undertake a study 

targeting to the collection of the freshwaters and the construction/testing of a prototype device, 

with the support of the Centre’s divers. 

Study of the annual and biological cycles of plankton in a coastal area (PLANKTON IN 

COASTAL AREA). 


Funding: 

Dr E.D. Christou 

UNEP 


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 

38

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). 

Nutrient tunnelling” and other alternative pathways for mineral nutrients through the 

microbial food web to copepods (NUTRITUNNEL/ 30.20901). 

Contract Number: 186369/V40 


Funding: 


Dr P. Pitta 

Norwegian Research Council 

Duration: 36 months (01/03/08-28/02/11 


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. 

Integration and enhancement of key existing European deep-ocean observatories 

(EuroSITES/ 30.20801). 


Dr G. Petihakis 





Study Area: 

Stations: POSEIDON-E1-M3A, POSEIDON-Πύλος 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Petyhakis, Dr K. Nittis, Dr V. Lykoussis, Dr Ch. Kontogiannis, 

Dr G. Roussakis, Dr D.Sakellariou, Dr. I. Papoulia, L. Perivoliotis, D. Ballas, K. Christodoulou, S 

Stavrakakis, Dr S. Alexandri, P. Georgiou, P. Renieris, A. Morfis, P. Mantopoulos, I. Mapmidis 

Other Participants: (1) National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK. (2) University of 

Bergen, Norway (3) OGS, Trieste, Italy (4) ISSIA/CNR, Genova,Italy (5) IFM-GEOMAR, Kiel, 

Germany (6) OceanLab, Aberdeen, UK (7) Observatoire Oceanologique de Villefranche. (8) 

IFREMER, France. (9) Universite de la Mediterranee, France. (10) ICCM, Las Palmas. (11) 

Instituto Nacional de Desenvolvimento das Pescas, Cape Verde. (12) Univ. of Las Palmas and 

ICCM, Las Palmas 

Brief Description of the Program: EuroSITES will integrate the existing fixed-point deep ocean 

observing systems around Europe. At present the observatories autonomously measure biological, 

chemical and physical variables significant to out climate and the oceanic ecosystem. This is 

carried out at various levels of sophistication but in a largely uncoordinated and fragmented 

manner. There is no agreed set of basic variables which should be measured at every location and 

common data protocols are not followed. The effect of this disorganization is that the observing 

systems fail to provide a coherent monitoring network that is able to provide a clear and relevant 

description of the time varying properties of the ocean system. EuroSITES will address two main 

objectives: 

39

To integrate and enhance the existing deep ocean observatories into a coherent European network 

and 2. To perform specific science missions that will, in the future, form the basis for sustained 

monitoring of key environmental features. 

Fish farming effects on benthic biogeochemical processes (ΙΒΙΣ/ 30.30502). * 


Dr E. Tsapakis 

Funding: GSRT (PENED 2003) 


Duration: 36,5 months (01/01/06-15/01/09) 

Total Budget for 2005: 21.202,53 € 

Study Area: 

Saronikos Gulf and Siteia Bay. 

Scientific Team (HCMR): Dr E. Tsapakis, E. Apostolaki, T. Tsagaraki 

Other participants: (1) Ass. Professor I. Karakassis, Biology Dept., University of Crete, (2) 

Marianne Holmer, Insitute of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, (3) KASTELLORIZO 

Fish Farm. 

Brief Description of the Program: The project aims at studying the effect of dissolved and 

particulate matter released during aquaculture activity on benthic biogeochemical processes. 

Environmental Impact Assessment System for Fish-farms (AQUA-PLANNER/ 30.20601). * 


Dr G. Petihakis 





Study Area: 

Mytilini in Greece and Vasilikoy Lemesos in Cyprus 

Scientific team (HCMR): IO: Dr G. Petihakis, Dr G. Triantafyllou, M. Korres, A. Pollani, K. 

Nittis, M. Tsapakis, E. Apostolaki, T. Tsagaraki, IMBG: S. Zivanovich, E. Dafnomili 

Administration: A. Koloutzakis 

Other participants: Division of Hydraulics & Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering 

Department, Aristotle Univ. of Aegean: Dr Y.N. Krestenitis (Professor of Coastal Engineering & 

Oceanography), other scientist. 

Brief description of the program: The aim of the proposal is the development of an analytic 

operational system for the integrated planning and control of fishfarms. The up-today technology 

requires the development of this activity in semi-enclosed and protected coastal areas, which often 

creates significant disputes between the different stakeholders (tourism, urban development etc) 

with major argument the protection of the environment. This is a crucial issue for the decision 

makers as coastal areas are very important systems requiring integrated management solutions. The 

existence of rules based on subjective tools is a requirement for the governmental bodies 

responsible, for the local communities as well as the producers themselves as they are the first to be 

impacted by an environmental degradation. The realization of the project will follow four major 

directions: (1) The first will include the collection and analysis of existing field data for both areas. 

(2) The second includes the pilot modeling of the circulation fields and the simulation of an inert 

pollutant. (3) The third includes the development of the integrated management tool which will 

include the coupling of four different mathematical models. (4) The final direction includes the 

information activities of the relative to fish farming governmental and private bodies. 

40

1.2. STUDIES 

1.2.1. New Studies 

Metal levels in superficial sediments of Pagassitikos Gulf and impact study on marine biota 

(PAGMET) (ΕΠΙΠΕ∆Α ΜΕΤΑΛΛΩΝ ΣΕ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΕΙΑΚΑ ΙΖΗΜΑΤΑ Β. 

ΠΑΓΑΣΗΤΙΚΟΥ/ 727). * 

Scientific Coordinator 

Funding 

Starting Year 2009 

Dr V.A. Catsiki 

Magnisia Perfecture 

Duration 6 months (05/03/09-05/09/09) 

Total Budget 30.854 €. 

Study Area: 

North Pagassitikos Gulf 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V.A. Catsiki V.A., Dr J. Hatzianestis, Dr H. Camberi H., N. 

Kouerinis, Ch. Pyrgaki, E. Plakidi, A. Papageorgiou, G. Pappas, M. Taxiarhi 

Wind and wave climate analysis in the coastal area of Paralio Astros Kynourias and 

estimation of wave run-up (ΑΣΤΡΟΣ ΚΥΝΟΥΡΙΑΣ/ 754). * 


Funding: 


Dr T. Soukissian 

Individuals 

Duration: 3 ½ months (01/01/09-15/04/09) 


Study Area: 

Coastal area of Paralio Astros Kynourias, NE Peloponnese 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr T. Soukissian, P.-F. Antoniou, Dr V. Kapsimalis, V. Drakopoulou, 

H. Kyriakidou, Dr I. Panagiotopoulos, Dr A. Prospathopoulos, Dr Ch. Anagnostou, Dr A. 

Papadopoulos, M. Hatzinaki. 

Brief Description of the Study: The aim of the project was to provide an estimate of the wind and 

wave climate, the wave filed and the maximum wave run-up, under specific meteorological 

conditions within the coastal area of Paralio Astros Kynourias in the NE Peloponnese. The data 

used was: i) wind data for the year 1990 and the decade 1995-2004, ii) open sea data, and iii) in situ 

observations. The study of wave run-up was performed with the aid of a numerical wave model 

which solves the Boussinesq-type equations. The results of the wave run-up study are to be further 

used by the employer during the process of re-designation of the sea shore. 

Environmental control of the water quality in Ermioni coastal area (Argolida) (ΕΛΕΓΧΟΣ 

ΠΟΙΟΤΗΤΑΣ ΠΑΡΑΚΤΙΑΣ ΖΩΝΗΣ ΕΡΜΙΟΝΗΣ/ 781). * 

Scientific Coordinator : 

Funding: 


Duration: 

Dr O. Gotsis 

Municipality of Ermioni 

2 months 


Study Area: 

Ermioni Argolidos 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr O. Gotsis, Dr Ι. Hatzianestis, Dr Α. Pavlidou, Dr Ch Kontogiannis, 

S. Kioroglou, G. Pappas, P. Renieris, Ε. Rouselaki, Α. Konstantinopoulou 

41

Brief Description of the Study: The aim of the program is the examination of the quality and of 

the ecological status of the Ermioni sea area (through the analyses of the basic chemical and 

biological parameters in function with the water circulation and the concentrations of dissolved 

oxygen) in order to check its suitability for the deposition of Ermioni waste treatment effluents for 

some periods to the sea area. 

Updating the inventory of Marine Invasive Alien Species across European Seas (MIAS 2009/ 

782) 



Funding: 


Duration: 

3401/B2009/EEA.53716 

Dr Α. Zenetos 

European Environment Agency – EEA 

1 year 


Study Area: 

Εuropean Seas 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Α. Ζenetos, N. Streftaris 

Brief Description of the study: HCMR for the EEA will a) update and verify MIAS (Marine 

Invasive Alien Species) related data, and b) proceed to their assessment -Assessment Report- be 

used as part of both the SEBI2010 Report and the ‘Marine system’ assessment in Part B of the 

SoER2010 to be produced by the EEA. 

HCMR will update its existing Marine Invasive Alien Species data base (HCMR database) based 

on new publications and updated national and regional websites (Cross-check MIAS databases and 

data archived in NOBANIS, and NEMO (Baltic Sea countries), DAISIE (Pan European excluding 

however the Black Sea) and the Black Sea MIAS list produced by the Black Sea Ecosystem 

Recovery Programme). This is to include resolution of initial significant disparities among data 

presented in the countries’ and regional websites on alien biota and those archived in the 

aforementioned databases. 

The updated data will then analysed, validated (via expert workshops organised by HCMR) and 

assessed by HCMR. HCMR will prepare a short Assessment Report (AR) to be used as part of both 

the SEBI2010 Report and the ‘Marine system’ assessment in Part B of the SoER2010 of the EEA. 

The AR should be both about ‘state of the environment and trends/Outlooks’ and also ‘state of 

action’. The report will link the ‘state/impacts’ to the relevant EU policies, evaluate policy 

effectiveness and progress towards the 2010 CBD objective of halting biodiversity loss and will 

include the socio-economic dimension of the alien species issue. Finally the Assessment Report 

will have a 2020 Outlook on ‘Future marine invasions in the main 4 European seas and why’, 

taking also into account climate change impacts 

Heraklion basin offshore active faults (ΕΝΕΡΓΑ ΡΗΓΜΑΤΑ ΗΡΑΚΛΕΙΟΥ/ 783). 


Funding: 


Duration: 

Dr D. Sakellariou 

University of Athens 

6 months 


Study Area: 

Cretan Sea, North of Heraklion Basin 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr D. Sakellariou, Dr G. Rousakis, Dr V. Lykousis, D. Ballas, Dr S. 

Alexandri, P. Georgiou, E. Tripsanas, I. Pampidis, P. Mantopoulos, S. Maroulakis, Th. Fotopoulos 

42

Other participants: University Athens 

Brief Description of the Study: The main objective of the project is the marine geologicalgeophysical 

investigation of the subseafloor of the Cretan Sea, north of Heraklion Basin, in order to 

map and study the offshore active faults and other marine geological hazards. 

Study of the foaming in the seawater close to the Power Industry in Lavrio (ΑΗΣ ΛΑΥΡΙΟΥ/ 

784). * 


Funding: 

Dr. A. Pavlidou 

DEI 


Duration: 

3 months 


Study Area: 

Lavrio, seawater close to DEI 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr. A Pavlidou, Dr. Μ. Στουµπούδη, Dr. H. Kontoyiannis, Dr. I. 

Hatzianestis, Dr. Α. Giannkourou, G. Assimakopoulou, Dr. Ch. Zeri, P. Renieris, S. Iliakis, A. 

Morfis, G. Pappas, E. Rouselaki, I. Georgakakis, A. Konstantinopoulou, Ch. Pyrgaki, E. Plakidi 

Brief Description of the Study: This is a program for the study of the foaming problem at the 

seawater close to the Power Industry in Lavrio 

Salamina Port (ΛΙΜΕΝΑΣ ΣΑΛΑΜΙΝΑΣ/ 788). 



Funding: 


Duration: 

Cooperation Agreement between HCMR and the Municipal Port 

Fund of Salamina 

Dr V. Kapsimalis 

Municipal Port Fund of Salamina 

4 months 


Study Area: 

Salamina Port 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr.V. Kapsimalis, Dr I. Hatzianestis, Dr I. Panagiotopoulos, Al. 

Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarhi, G. Kabouri, Elb. Plakidi, Ch. Pyrgaki 

Brief Description of the Program: Study of the surficial sediment quality (grain size and 

geochemistry) within the Salamina Port, Saronikos Gulf sediments and determination of the 

environmental impact on the adjacent marine ecosystem due to the possible dumping of the 

dredged materials. 

Control of contaminant concentrations in biological components of GIALOVA lagoon 

(GIALOVA). * 



Funding: 

Starting year: 2009 

Duration: 


Messinia Perfecture 

5 months 

43


Scientific Team: 

Dr V.A. Catsiki, N. Kouerinis, G. Pappas 

Study arae: 

Gialova lagoon. 

Brief Description of the Study: It concerns the levels of metals in 3 species in the lagoon. 

Wave climate and wave power estimation at the location 21Ο 00' 33" Ε - 37 Ο 54' 51" Ν. * 


Funding: 


Duration: 

Total Budget: 

Study Area: 


VENERGIA SA 

2 months 

1.785 € (Incomes went to 705 program) 

Ionian Sea 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr T. Soukissian 

Brief Description of the Study: In this study, the wind climate analysis in the area 21 Ο 00' 33" Ε - 

37 Ο 54' 51" Ν of the Ionian Sea is performed. The analysis is based on the wave and wind 

hindcasts provided by the WAM wave model for a period of 10 years (1995-2004). The data are 

obtained from the recently published Wind and Wave Atlas of the Hellenic Seas. Furthermore, the 

estimation of the available wind power at 80 m above the sea surface is made. 

Baseline study and monitoring of the ecological quality on the north-eastern coasts of Elefsis 

bay (ΧΑΛΥΒΟΥΡΓΙΚΗ – ΑΛΜΟΛΟΙΠΟ/ 798. 

Coordinator: 

Financed by: 


L. Perivoliotis 

Xalivourgiki 

Duration: 6 months (01/12/09-30/05/10 

Total budget: 35.700 € 

Study area: 

North Eastern costs of Elefsis bay. 

Scientific Team (HCMR): Dr P. Panayotidis, Dr Ch. Anagnostou, Dr A.V. Catsiki, Dr N. 

Symboura, L. Perivoliotis, Dr M. Salomidi, Dr I. Varkitzi 

Brief Description of the project: 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) 

Basic environmental study for two docking jetties Kanava and Abourdehtaki, at Adamantas 

Bay, Milos Isl. (ΣΚΑΛΕΣ – ΜΗΛΟΣ/ 804). 


Funding: 

Dr Ch. Zeri 

S & B Industrial Minerals S.A. 

Starting Year: December 2009 

Duration: 6 months (01/12/09- 30/05/10) 

Budget: 11.900 € 

Study area: 

Kanava and Abourdehtaki sites at Adamantas Bay, Milos isl. 

44

Scientific Team (HCMR): Dr Ch. Zeri, Dr P. Panagiotidis, Dr M. Salomidi, Dr N. Simboura, Dr 

A. Pancucci, Dr S. Reizopoulou, G. Arvanitakis, Dr A. Karageorgis, A. Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarhi, 

Dr H. Kontogiannis, P. Renieris, A. Morfis, G. Pappas, S. Iliakis 

Brief Description of the project: The work that will be done includes: (Α) Optical recording and 

assessment of phtyobenthos communities (Β) Surface sediment sampling for the assessment of the 

zoobenthos communities (C) Sampling of surface sediments and waters for heavy metal 

determination (D) Turbidity (Ε) Proposal for a monitoring of the marine environment based on the 

results obtained from A B C D. 

All of the above will be conducted once at the sites of the two docking jetties and at one reference 

site. 

Region of Organised Growth of Aquacultures (R.O.G.A.) in the Gulf of Argostoli N. A. 

Cephalonia – Ithaca. 


Funding: 


Duration: 

Dr Em. Tsapakis 

APC ADVANCED PLANNING - CONSULTING 

1 year 


Study Area: 

Cephalonia 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Em. Tsapakis 

Brief Description of the Study: The object of work is the writing of part of the studies that are 

required for arrangement of Region of Organised Growth of Aquacultures (P.O.A.Y.) in the Gulf 

Argostoli N.A. Cephalonia – Ithaca. The main part of work concerns the writing of chapter 

regarding the description of natural environment of region. 

1.2.2 Continuing Studies 

Control of environmental state of a miticulture in Loutropyrgos- Nea Peramos 

(ΜΥ∆ΟΚΑΛΛΙΕΡΓΕΙΕΣ/ 713). 


Funding: 


Private 




Study Area: 

Saronikos gulf: Loutropyrgos- Nea Peramos 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V.A. Catsiki, Dr N. Simboura, S. Reizopoulou, N. Kouerinis, M. 

Anthoula, G. Arvanitakis, A. Androni, M. Taxiarhi 

Brief Description of the Program: Preventive control of the environmental state of a miticulture 

in Loutropyrgos- Nea Peramos. 

45

Master plan of aquaculture development at Peloponnese coasts (ΠΟΑΥ ΠΕΛΟΠΟΝΝΗΣΟΥ/ 

714). 


Funding: 



LAMANS SA 



Study Area: 

Coastal zone of Peloponnese 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): IO: Dr P. Panayotidis, M. Salomidi, Dr D. Georgopoulos, Dr Ch. 

Anagnostou, B. Papadopoulos, Dr Α. Pavlidou, IMBR: Dr C. Papaconstantinou, Dr Α. Κonidis 

Other participants: 

Ergasteria SA (F. Papatheodorou & G. Karka) 

Brief Description of the Study: (1) Study of coastal morphodynamic, hydrological and 

hydrodynamic features of the study area. (2) Study of the meteorological parameters and the wave 

climate based on ECMWF models of the HCMR and “Poseidon” data. Evaluation of the trophic 

status and the pollution sources. (3) Description of the habitat types according to the Annex I of the 

Habitat Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Ecological Status according to the WFD Directive 

(2000/60/EE). (4) Study of the coastal fisheries. (5) Integrated coastal management plan. 

Sovel-2008 (SOVEL/ 716). * 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr V. Kapsimalis 

Funding: 

SOVEL S.A. 


Duration: 

4 months 


Study Area: 

Industrial area of Almyros Port. Pagasitikos Gulf 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Kapsimalis, Dr I. Hatzianestis, Dr I. Panagiotopoulos, A. 

Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarhi, G. Kabouri, E. Plakidi, Ch. Pyrgaki. 

Brief Description of the Study: Study of the surficial sediment quality (grain size and 

geochemistry) within the Sovel Port, Almyros Volou. 

Kifissos River bed (ΚΟΙΤΗ ΚΗΦΙΣΟΥ/ 725). * 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr V. Kapsimalis 

Funding: 

Ministry of Enviroument, Physical Planning and Public Works 


Duration: 

8 months 


Study Area: 

Artificial river course of Kifissos River, Saronikos Gulf. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Kapsimalis, Dr I. Hatzianestis, Dr I. Panagiotopoulos, G. Pappas, 

A. Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarhi, G. Kabouri, E. Plakidi, Ch. Pyrgaki 

Other participants: Scientific Partner, contractor 

Brief Description of the Study: Study of the surficial sediment quality (grain size and 

geochemistry) within the artifical course of the Kifissos River, Saronikos Gulf sediments and 

determination of the environmental impact on the adjacent marine ecosystem due to the possible 

dumping of the dredged materials. 

46

Quality of dredged material from the Katelio Port, Cephallinia (ΒΥΘΟΚΟΡΗΜΑΤΑ 

ΚΑΤΕΛΕΙΟΥ/ 738). * 

Scientific Coordinator: P. Georgiou 

Funding: 

POLYTROPOS A.T.E. 




Study Area: 

Katelio, Cephallinia 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): P. Georgiou, Dr Gr. Rousakis, Dr I. Hatzianestis, Dr V. Kapsimalis, Al. 

Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarhi, G. Kabouri, Ch. Pyrgaki 

Brief Description of the Study: Study of the quality of the dredged materials derived by the 

project: “Deeping of the Katelio Port” due to deposition of coastal sediments and determination of 

the environmental impact on the adjacent marine ecosystem due to the possible dumping of these 

dredged materials. 

CABLE DEH 2008 (ΚΑΛΩ∆ΙΟ ∆ΕΗ 2008/ 742). * 


Funding: 


Dr. G. Roussakis 

C. Liapakis-V. Balis Consultant Engineers 


Total Budget HCMR: 28.786 € 

Study Area: 

Keramoti Kavalas (N. Greece) – Thassos I. (North Aegean) 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Rousakis, Dr D. Sakellariou, Dr V. Lykoussis, P. Georgiou, P. 

Mantopoulos, J. Pampidis, S. Maroulakis, two drivers of HCMR 

Brief Description of the Study: 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: (a) Geomorphology 

and nature of the sea bottom (Side scan sonar), (b) Detection of metal objects (Magnetometer), (c) 

Nearshore (-10m to 0m) video and photographs of the sea bottom on the final cable route. 

Ecological monitoring of the National Park of Sxinias-Marathon (ΟΙΚΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ 

ΠΑΡΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΗΣΗ ΠΑΡΚΟΥ ΣΧΙΝΙΑ, ΜΑΡΑΘΩΝΑ/ 744). * 


Funding: 



National Park Authorities 



Study Area: 

National Park of Sxinias-Marathon 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr P. Panayotidis, S. Zogaris, Ε. Apostolaki, Β. Gerakaris, K. Tsiamis 

Other participants: Alexios Vlamis (Biologist, PhD) (Bird fauna). 

Brief Description of the Study: Seasonal monitoring of the trophic status and the biological 

quality elements as described in the Water Feamework Directive (WFD, 2000/60/EC), as well as 

the bird fauna. 

47

Oceanographic Study in Alivery Bay related to AGET HERACLES Cement Industry 

(ΩΚΕΑΝΟΓΡΑΦΙΚΗ ΜΕΛΕΤΗ ΟΡΜΟΥ ΑΛΙΒΕΡΙΟΥ/ 745). * 


Funding: 


Duration: 

Dr A. Pavlidou 

AGET HERACLES 

12 months 


Study Area: 

Aliveri Bay 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr A Pavlidou, Dr H. Kontoyiannis, P. Renieris, A. Morfis, G. Pappas, 

M. Anthoulas, S. Iliakis, Dr A. Karageorgis, Dr Th. Kannelopoulos, A. Papageorgiou, M. 

Taxiarchi, Dr I. Hatzianestis, Ch. Pyrgaki E. Plakidi, Dr P. Pnagiotidis, M Salomidi, Dr N. 

Sympoura, Dr A. Pancucci-Papadopoulou, Dr S. Reizopoulou, N. Streftaris, N. Kouerinis, G. 

Arvanitakis 

Brief Description of the Study: This is a program for the evaluation of the quality of Aliveri Bay, 

which aims to record the environmental status of the study area in relation in relation to the AGET 

HERACLES Cement Industry and the hot spots in the area. 

Control of environmental state of the shooting range of Shiza (ΣΧΙΖΑ/ 746). 


Funding: 

Dr V.A Catsiki 

Private 




Study Area: 

Shiza Island, Messinia 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V.A Catsiki, N. Kouerinis, G. Pappas, Dr E. Kamberi, A. 

Papageorgiou, Μ. Taxiarhi 

Brief Description of the Study: Study of the impact of metals in a shooting range 

The Geomorphology and submarine environment of the Epirus coasts – Possible 

envirnonmental implications from the marine proceedings of the Natural Gas Pipeline 

Greece to Italy (ASPROFOS- IONIO/ 753). * 


Funding: 



ASPROFOS SA 

Duration: 3,5 months (01/10-15/01/09) 


Study Area: 

Ionian Coastal zone from Parga to Igoumenitsa 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr P. Panayotidis, M. Salomidi, K. Tsiamis, Dr D. Georgopoulos, Dr 

Ch. Anagnostou 

Brief Description of the Program: a) In situ description of the study area b) Under water photos 

at c) Modeling of the wave climat d) Description of the coastal geomorphology and the marine 

sediments e) Description of the benthic biodiversity f) Report on the eventual environmental 

impact. 

48

Analysis of wave climate in the area of Pylos (V-ENERGIA/ 758). * 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr T. Soukissian 

Funding: 

V-ENERGIA 


Duration: 

12 months 

Total Budget: 714 € 

Study Area: 

Pylos area. 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr T. Soukissian 

Brief Description of the Study: Feasibility study for exploitation of wave potential in Ionian Sea. 

Study of the ecological status of the marine environment at the sites Tsigrado and Voudia, 

Milos Isl. (ΜΗΛΟΣ Sand B/ 761). * 


Funding: 


Dr Ch. Zeri 

S & B Industrial Minerals S.A. 



Study area: 

Tsigradio and Voudia sites at Milos isl. 

Scientific Team (HCMR): Zeri Christina, Dr D. Sakellariou, Dr G. Roussakis, P. Georgiou, P. 

Mantopoulos, G. Pampides, Dr P. Panagiotidis, M. Salomidi, N. Simboura, Dr A.M. Pancucci, Dr 

S. Reizopoulou, G. Arvanitakis, Dr A. Karageorgis, A. Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarhi, G. Kambouri, 

Dr H. Kontogiannis, P. Renieris, A. Morfis, K. Tsangari, E. Strogiloudi, G. Pappas, S. Iliakis, D. 

Raitsos, Dr N. Streftaris, N. Kouerinis 

Short Description of the Program: The scope of the present study is to record the ecological 

status of the two marine sites, Tsigradio and Voudia which are affected by the long term discharge 

of ultra fine particles from perlite processing. This will be accomplished through the 

implementation of the most appropriate methodology in order to acquire quantifiable results in 

accordance to the WFD 2000/60/EC. 

Taking into consideration the specific features of the discharge material the following tasks will be 

carried out: (1) Seafloor mapping with parallel recording of the thickness of perlite layer. (2) 

Assessment of phytobenthic communities (3) Assessments of zoobenthic communities (4) 

Chemical analyses for heavy metals (5) Seawater turbidity (6) Influence of perlite on filter feeding 

species (Mytilus galloprovincialis) (7) Current measurements 

Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rocks. * 


Funding: 


Duration: 

Dr I. Hatzianestis 

Quarry companies & IGME 

1 year 


Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr I. Hatzianestis, Ch. Pyrgaki, E. Plakidi 

Brief Description of the Study: The aim of the program is the examination of the concentrations 

of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rocks from various areas in order to check its suitability for 

use. 

49

Study of metal concentrations in fish catches from Patraikos & Korinthiakos gulfs. * 

Scientific Coordinator Dr V.A Catsiki 

Funding 

Prefecture of Achaia 

Starting Year 2008 

Duration 

10 months 

Total Budget 4.760 € 

Study Area 

Patraikos & Korinthiakos gulfs. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V.A Catsiki, N. Kouerinis, G. Pappas 

Brief Description of the Study: Preventive control of fish catches for metals. 

1.3. FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMS 

1.3.1. Continuing Fellowship Program 

Experimental settlement study (Epi- and Endoliths) in the Eastern Mediterranean (Ionian 

Sea). 


Funding: 


Duration: 

Total Budget: 

Study Area: 


IKY & DAAD 

2 years 

Direct payment to the participants 

Eastern Mediterranean (Ionian Sea). 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr E. Papathanassiou, N. Bellou, K. Tsiamis 

Other Participants: Dr. M. Wisshak, I. Pylo (Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen / 

Nürnberg / Institute of Palaeontology) 

Brief Description of the Program: The scientific aim of this German-Greek research project is to 

deploy along a complete bathymetrical transect a marine settlement experiment for the qualification 

and quantification of epi- and endoliths and as well on monitoring bioerosion and carbonat 

accretion. 

This interdisciplinary research (Biology and Geology Science) will give the young scientists the 

possibility to work with expertise on macroepibionts and biofilmanalyses (N. Bellou) and on 

bioerosionstudies and monitoring carbonatecycle (Dr. W. Wisshak). Furthermore they will 

exchange there knowledge on sampling methods and they will be trained in analyses methods that 

are used in both research fields. 

50

1.4. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS 

1.4.1. New Educational Program 

Biofouling Potentials under extreme oligotrophic conditions in the Ionian Sea 

(BIOFOULDING IONIAN SEA/ 774). 


Funding: 

N. Bellou 


GKSS (Γερµανία) 



Scientific Team: 

Study arae: 

N. Bellou, Prof. F. Colijn 

Ionian Sea 

Brief Description of the Programm: The main objective of this study is to analyze water 

samples as well as samples taken from artificial substrata that were deployed and retrieved in 

the framework of our cooperation within KM3NeT. 

1.5 PROGRAMS FOR OFFERING SERVICES 

1.5.1. New Program for Offering Sercices 

Current measurements in aquaculture areas (ΡΕΥΜΑΤΟΜΕΤΡΗΣΕΙΣ ΣΕ 

Υ∆ΑΤΟΚΑΛΛΙΕΡΓΕΙΕΣ/ 778). * 


Funding: 


Duration: 

Total Budget: 

Study Area: 

Dr D. Georgopoulos 

Aquaculture corporations 

3 months 

~ 3.270 €/ deployment 

Costal zone 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Athens: Dr D. Georgopoulos, S. Kioroglou, I. Pneumatikatos, P. 

Renieris, P. Mantopoulos, A. Morfis, Crete: Dr M. Tsapakis, D. Podaras, N. Kouerinis, H.S.R.: G.A. 

Hatiris 

Brief Description of the Program: For the better application of policy that is related with the 

environmental authorization of aquacultures as this is reported by the recent Common Ministerial 

Decision (KYA 121570/1866, 12.06.2009) it is essential the measurements of the marine currents. 

The methodology of measurement of currents, the frequency and the depth have been described by 

the mentioned before KYA. The level of the marine currents is decisive for the calculation of 

carrying capacity of each region. Objective of this program is the creation of suitable infrastructure 

(inquiring personnel and equipment) for the successful correspondence of HCMR in the 

applications of various aquaculture companies for the current measurements. 

51

Current measurements in aquaculture areas (FARMCURRENT/ 30.70901). * 


Funding: 


Duration: 

Total Budget: 

Study Area: 

Dr M. Tsapakis, Dr D. Georgopoulos (leader) 

Aquaculture corporations 

3 months 

~ 3.270 €/ deployment 

Costal zone 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Crete: Dr M. Tsapakis, D. Podaras, N. Kouerinis, Athens: Dr D. 

Georgopoulos, S. Kioroglou, I. Pneumatikatos, P. Renieris, P. Mantopoulos, A. Morfis, H.S.R.: G.A. 

Hatiris 

Brief Description of the Program: For the better application of policy that is related with the 

environmental authorization of aquacultures as this is reported by the recent Common Ministerial 

Decision (KYA 121570/1866, 12.06.2009) it is essential the measurements of the marine currents. 

The methodology of measurement of currents, the frequency and the depth have been described by 

the mentioned before KYA. The level of the marine currents is decisive for the calculation of 

carrying capacity of each region. Objective of this program is the creation of suitable infrastructure 

(inquiring personnel and equipment) for the successful correspondence of HCMR in the 

applications of various aquaculture companies for the current measurements. 

1.5.2. Continuing Programs for Offering Sercices 

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 

Total Budget: Expected budget ~ 240.000 € 

Scientific Team (HCMR): Technicians of the Institute of Oceanography. 

Poseidon System Models (ΠΩΛΗΣΗ ΜΟΝΤΕΛΩΝ ΣΥΣΤΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΠΟΣΕΙ∆ΩΝ/ 391). 

Scientific Coordinator: Prof. G.Th. Chronis (till 13/04/09) 

Funding: 

Private Sector 


Income from the analysis and modelling of data included in the “Wind and Wave Atlas of the 

Hellenic Seas”/ 705. 




52

ELMIN-Training in bauxite analysis with X-Ray Fluorescence methods (ΕΛΜΙΝ 2008/ 723). 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr A. Karageorgis 

Funding: 

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) 

Total Budget: 1 st contract: 29.430 € 

2 nd contract: 24.395 € 

Study Area: 

Agia Marina, Fthiotidos 

Scientific team (HCMR): Dr A. Karageorgis, A. Papageorgiou, M. Taxiarhi 

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. 

HELCYP/ 70.70301 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr E. Tsapakis 

Funding: 

AP Marine Environmental Consultancy 

Starting Year: 2003 (from 15/07/03) 

Duration: 

Continuing 

1.6. SELF FINANCED PROGRAM 

1.6.1 Continuing Self Financed Program 

Permanent Station for Satellite Altimetry Calibration and Sea Level Monitoring. 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr A.C. Banks 

Funding: 

Institute of Oceanography 


Duration: 

Continuing 

Total Budget: 

15.000 €/ year 

Study area: 

Mediterranean / Remote Sensing / Oceanography 

Brief Description of the Program: This project is a continuation of the EU funded GAVDOS 

project (please see previous report) and is intended to provide the maintenance of the HCMR part 

of the permanent satellite altimetry calibration and sea level monitoring station on the island of 

Gavdos (South of Crete). Included in this is the continued research collaboration with many of the 

original EU project partners and NASA. 

53

2. INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 



Metiers in Small Scale Fisheries (ΤΕΧΝΙΚΕΣ ΕΝΑΣΧΟΛΗΣΗΣ ΣΕ ΠΑΡΑΚΤΙΑ ΑΛΙΕΙΑ/ 

759). 

Contract Number: Service Contract n o 254114 


Funding: 


Duration: 

G. Petrakis 

European Commission, Join Research Centre, Ispra, Italy 

18 months 


Study Area: 

Limnos, Lesvos Islands 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): G. Petrakis, S. Kavadas, A. Siapatis, S. Katsanevakis 

Other participants: The Fisheries Research Institute will participate as sub-contractor with a 10% 

of the E.E. contribution (5.500 Euros). 

Brief Description of the Program: The Mediterranean fishing sector is characterized by the large 

number of small vessels engaging in coastal fisheries. These vessels use various gears, mainly on a 

seasonal basis, and target a large variety of species. Fish are landed mostly in small ports without 

the necessary infrastructure for official recording and are usually distributed straight to the market. 

Estimating fishing effort and production from these vessels is difficult and risky. The aim of this 

research project is to investigate the various coastal fishery métiers in the area of Lesbos and 

Limnos islands, and to estimate the métier-specific fishing effort and production. The results of this 

project will be useful in designing the sampling scheme for coastal fisheries in Greece. 

Evaluation of the state of benthic communities subjected to impact of trawling and marine 

debris as a tool for the ecosystem management (COMSOM/768). 




Funding: 


Duration: 

CTM2008-0461/MAR 

Ch. Mytilineou 

Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM-CSIC), Dr. M. Demestre 

Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (España) 

36 months 


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. 

55

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). 



Dr C.-Y. Politou 

Dr Pascal Lorence, IFREMER, France. 



Duration: 

36 months 


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. 

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. 

56

Monitoring and Evaluation of Spatially Managed Areas (MESMA/ 785). 




Funding: 


ENV-2008-2-2-1-1 

Dr V. Vassilopoulou 

Wageningen IMARES (NL) 

EU & GSRT 



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, 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. 

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. 

The 20th Century evolution of Mediterranean exploited demersal resources under increasing 

fishing disturbance and environmental change" n° MARE/2008/11 (Call for Tenders) 

(EVOMED/ 790). 




Funding: 

n° MARE/2008/11 

Dr Ch. Maravelias 

CIBM (Centro Interuniversitario di Biologia Marina ed ecologia 

applicata Viale Nazario Sauro, Italy) 

EU 




Study Area: 

Mediterranean Sea 

Scientific team (HCMR): Dr C. Maravelias, Dr C. Papaconstantinou, Mr S. Kavvadas 

Other participants: 1) CIBM, Livorno, Italy, 2) ICM-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain, 3) HCMR, 

Athens, Greece, 4) UNIMAR, Rome, Italy 

Brief Description of the Program: Exploited fish and shellfish communities and populations in 

the Mediterranean have been constantly changing over times due both to increasing disturbances 

and stresses from fisheries and other anthropogenic sources like pollution, nutrients enrichments 

57

and habitats deteriorations. Moreover, changes of the exploited populations have been occurring in 

parallel to possible more general changes of the marine biota and marine environment as a 

consequence of global warming and introduction of invasive alien species. Most of these alterations 

have been so gradual and subtle that their effects, partially also masked by the high diversity of 

Mediterranean fish and shellfish communities, have occurred practically unnoticed until recently. It 

is widely recognised that all these different sources of disturbances and stresses may have 

determined directional unknown changes in the marine ecosystem and in the biological parameters 

of the different populations, even on a decadal timescale, with possible regime shifts and shifting 

baselines. Fisheries management deals with evolving stocks and ecosystems. Though long-time 

series of scientific quantitative data may be lacking or are geographically scattered, applying of 

historical, empirical and anecdotal evidences may help to make some worthy statements about 

recent past times both of Mediterranean fisheries and marine exploited populations and ecosystems. 

The aim of the study is to undertake an evaluation of past ecosystems and populations, over the last 

100 years, by using scientific, commercial and anthropological information in order to set up 

restoration goals and designing rebuilding strategies with the view not only to preserve the 

biological and ecological assets but also to identify strategies for the restoration of economic and 

social benefits. The final objective of the study is to track the quantitative and qualitative “history” 

of demersal fisheries and exploited marine animal populations and communities from the early 20th 

century in the Western, Central and Eastern Mediterranean Sea both in EU, international and non- 

EU waters. 

Bycatch and Discards: Management indicators, trends and location (BADMINTON/ 797) 



Funding: 


Duration: 

Total Budget: 

Study Area: 


IFREMER (FR) 

MariFish Common Pot / GSRT-Greek Ministry of Education 

35 months 

362.233,9 € (MariFish Common Pot: 245.000 €; Own Funding: 

117.233,9 €) 

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. 

58

Developing fisheries management indicators and targets (DEFINELT MARIFISH–Αθήνα/ 

811). 



Funding: 

Dr C. Maravelias (In collaboration with IMBR of Crete & IMBG) 

Technical University of Denmark, National Institute of Aquatic 

Resources 

GSRT 




Study Area: 


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 

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. 

Developing fisheries management indicators and targets (DEFINELT MARIFISH - Κρήτη). 


IMBG) 


Funding: 

Dr G. Tserpes (In collaboration with IMBR of Athens/Pr.811 & 


Resources 

GSRT 




Study Area: 


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 





Assessing the causes and developing measures to prevent the escape of fish from sea-cage 

aquaculture (PREVENT ESCAPE) 



KBBE-2B-226885 

Dr S. Somarakis 





Study Area: 

Europe 

59

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. 


including the Inventory of Relevant Marine IBAs (ConShagAudMIBAGR). 



EP-08-01-005 

P. Peristeraki (In collaboration with IMBG) 





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. 

60

Strengthening Public Participation for water protection and management 

(U@MARENOSTRUM). 



Funding: 

EP-08-01-005 

V. Valavanis 

EU 



Total Budget: 96.300 € (EU Contribution: 72.225 €) 

Study Area: 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): V. Valavanis 


Other Participants: 1 Biologist with expertise in spatial analysis and 1 Sociologist-Anthropologist 

with expertise in the dissemination of scientific results. 

Brief Description of the Program: The pilot project entitled U@MARENOSTRUM aims to 

involve, thanks to ICT and GIS, citizens and local actors (association) from the Mediterranean 

coastal zones in decision-making processes for the adoption and implementation of water and 

marine environmental protection policies and legislations in the Mediterranean region in 

accordance with the EU environmental legislation. Public Participation GIS is defined as the use of 

geographic information systems to broaden public involvement in policymaking. 

Thus, the project will support the citizens and local actors to identify environmental problems that 

need to be solved immediately in order to result in positive development in the French Riviera, 

Valencia and Ionian Islands regions as well as providing a way to solve them. 

Κατανόηση των διαδικασιών στρατολόγησης µε χρήση συνδεδεµένων βιοφυσικών µοντέλων 

του πελαγικού οικοσυστήµατος (REPROdUCE). 





Funding: GSRT: 290000 € (92%) – HCMR (Own funding): 24986 € (8%) 




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. 

61


PRONE: Risk in Fisheries (ΑΛΙΕΥΤΙΚΟ ΡΙΣΚΟ/ 595). * 


Funding: 


Dr A. Conides 

Prof. Sakke Kuikka (University of Helsinki, Finland) 

EU (52,7%) & GSRT (47,2%) - (FP6-STREP). 



Study area: 

Thermaikos and Amvrakikos Gulf. 

Scientific team (HCMR): Dr A. Conides, Dr K. Kapiris, Dr C. Papaconstantinou 

Brief Description of the Program: The main objective of the project is to investigate how risk 

analysis theory can be adapted to European fisheries management, embracing the full process form 

stock assessment, projection and advice, via management decisions, to the practical implementation 

of the management measures, including control. 

Improved communication of such information to stakeholders and fisheries management will make 

it easier to achieve the long term goals of fisheries management, which ultimately aim to impact 

human behavior and through this to modulate human impacts on nature. 

The components to be incorporated include risk identification and probabilistic evaluations of the 

potential consequences of alternative management actions (risk assessment), the formulation of 

tools to manage the risks (risk management), and the development of mechanisms to ensure that the 

outputs of risk assessment and the risk management options available are adequately understood by 

stakeholders (risk communication). A variety of potential formal approaches to risk management 

that have been applied in other relevant fields will be compiled and ones that may have 

considerable merits for European fisheries management will be identified. The current risk methods 

are tested and compared to alternative methods. Recruitment models are developed to improve the 

predictability of future productivity of the stocks. Game theory will be applied to study how 

international agreements should deal with risk management. The risks caused by dioxin for 

consumers are studied in Baltic herring case study. 

Capacity, F and Effort (CAFE/ 618). 






Dr C. Maravelias (till 20/02/08), Dr C. Papaconstantinou 

(21/02/08-31/01/09), Dr C. Maravelias (from 01/02/09) 

Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine. 



Study Area: 

Aegean Sea. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr C. Maravelias, Dr C. Papaconstantinou, J. Haralabous 

Brief Description of the Program: Capacity reduction and effort limitation are major tools in 

fisheries management. CFP reform aims to match European fleet capacity to resource availability. 

Links are assumed between these and fishing mortality, but the scientific basis for these has not 

been fully established, particularly for pelagic fisheries. The project will examine the relationship 

between these factors for six case studies. 

62

Main Uses of the Grey Mullet as Indicator of Littoral environmental changes (MUGIL/644).* 



Funding: 

EU/ Research DG/06/026180/06 


EU 




Study Area: 

Littoral ecosystems in Europe, Asia, Africa, USA 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr V. Vassilopoulou, Dr C. Maravellias, Dr Α. Αnastasopoulou, S. 

Kavvadas, Ι. Charalambous, IMBG: Dr C. Tsigenopoulos, Dr G. Kotoulas 

Other participants: 13 Institutes of Marine Research in various areas of the world. 

Brief Description of the Program: The program aims to organize a number of workshops (WS) to 

propose the development of suitable indicators to monitor the status of littoral ecosystems in 

various areas of the world, using the cosmopolitan species Mugil cephalus which exhibits a wide 

spreading in such ecosystems. The indicators that will be selected for future development will be 

related to particular biological and ecological parameters, as well as others derived from genetic 

studies in the various regions, identifying at the same time the gaps in knowledge. The final aim 

will be the construction of a STREP proposal that will then offer the possibility to test the 

effectiveness of those indicators and in particular their sensitivity, robustness and reliability in 

tracking environmental changes, in order to be used as management tools in such ecosystems. 

A framework for fleet and area based fisheries management (AFRAME/ 669). * 


Scientific Coordinator: Dr Ch. Maravelias (till 20/2/08), Dr C. Vassilopoulou (21/02/08- 

31/01/09), Dr Ch. Maravelias (from 01/02/09) 

Main Coordinator: 

Fundacion AZTI, Spain 





Study Area: 

Aegean Sea. 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr Ch. Maravelias, Dr V. Vassilopoulou, Dr C. Papaconstantinou, Dr 

M. Lambropoulou, I. Charalabous, S. Kavadas, A. Kapadagakis 

Other Participants: Major Coordinator: FUNDACION AZTI, Spain 

Brief Description of the Program: The move towards and ecosystem approach to fisheries 

management requires that the ecosystem, rather than single fish stocks, is the focus for 

management. The reform of the Common Fisheries Policy also includes a regional approach to 

management. However, multi-fleet and mixed-species fisheries management is currently based on 

single-species assessment and advice, with some adjustments based on other information to take 

into account the mixed nature of the fisheries. Thus, there is only limited integrated advice given 

for an area, and well-defined targets for the management of such fisheries are also largely missing. 

Management need to address directly the fleets and fisheries in an area. Management shall ensure 

that these human activities are within sustainable bounds defined by the productivity of the 

ecosystem in general and in particular of the fish stocks. The objective of the project is to develop 

an area- and fleet- based framework that integrates single-species assessment and advice. 

63

The framework must be robust to uncertainty caused by lack of discard data. The task also includes 

development of reference points as a basis for setting management targets. Case studies comprise 

regions in the Northeast Atlantic (e.g. the North Sea) and the Mediterranean, and focus on areas 

where the need for a fleet-based management is most urgent. 

Framework contract for the promotion of the dissemination of Scientific information 

(FISH/2006/16) (FISH-DIS/ 706). * 


n° FISH/2006/16 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr Ch. Maravelias (till 20/02/08), Dr A. Conides & Dr S. 

Katsanevakis (from 21/02/08) 




IΜARES Wageningen, Institute for Marine Resources and 

Ecosystem Studies, P.O.Box 68, 1970 AB Ijmuiden, The 

Netherlands. 



Study area: 

Aegean Sea 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr C. Maravelias, Dr S. Katsanevakis, Dr C. Papaconstantinou, Dr C. 

Vassilopoulou 

Brief Description of the Program: The European Commission in particular the Directorate 

General for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs wishes to implement a first set of three activities under 

the framework service contract for carrying out strategic and promotional activities with the aim of 

disseminating results from research activities and studies undertaken in the framework of Council 

Regulation N°1543/20001 and raise debate on other actions to be promoted in the future. 

In order to obtain the goal the following actions are envisaged: (1) - Identification of relevant 

stakeholder target groups and their expressed needs for output of DCR (Data Collection 

Regulation) and the identification of current output of the DCR (2) Based on this inventory of 

available and requested information designing a communication strategy (3) Based on the 

identified needs and the communication strategy organise and implement a series of interactive 

activities (workshops, seminars) on specific requested topics. 

Web services for support of growth and reproduction studies (WebGR/ 749). * 


SI2.507686 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr A. Anastasopoulou 

Major Coordinator: Laboratorio Nacional de Recursos Biologicos (IPIMAR), Portugal. 

Funding: 

EU 




Study Area: 


Scientific team (ΗCMR): The IMBR personnel. 

Other Participants: Dr A. Anastasopoulou, Dr V. Vassiolpoulou, Dr C. Mytilineou, Dr J. Dokos 

64

Brief Description of the Program: Τhe project focus to develop web services to help fisheries 

scientists to organize calibration workshops for otoliths and gonads classification, and provide 

means to analyse the results of such exercises. The final product will be an Open Source software 

package. The contribution of HCMR is consisted of providing the necessary information (features, 

parameters, analyses) for the development team to design the system, the provision of otolith or 

gonad images, and to take part in an intensive number of tests of WebGR application in order to 

identify possible bias in the software. Also, HCMR will organize a training workshop where 

scientists will test the system in relation to the features requested. 

Study for the construction of an artificial reef in the coastal area of Litochoro (Pieria 

Prefecture) (ΤΥ ΠΙΕΡΙΑΣ/ 755). * 

Contract Number: WITH NIK. ANAGNOPOULOS from 15/12/08 


Scientific Responsible: 

Funding: 


Duration: 

Dr D. Klaoudatos 

Dr A. Conides 

NIK. ANAGNOPOULOS 

8 months 


Scientific team (H.C.M.R.): Dr D. Klaoudatos, Dr A. Conides, Dr C. Papaconstantinou, Dr G. 

Rousakis, P. Georgiou 

Other participants: South Thermaikos Gulf, coastal zone of Litochoro, Pieria Prefecture. 

Brief Description of the Program: The objective of the study is to conduct a fisheries, 

environmental and geological survey of the coastal area of Pieria for the design of the construction 

of an artificial reef in the area of Litochoro. 

Evaluation of the impact boat seine fishery in the fish stocks (BOAT SEINR/ 762). * 

Scientific Coordinator: G. Petrakis 

Funding: 

Ministry of Agriculture 


Duration: 

10 months 


Study Area: 

Ionian and Aegean Sea 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Petrakis G., Kavadas S., Siapatis A., 2 technicians. 

Brief Description of the Program: The Ministry of Agriculture, in order to form an opinion with 

regard to the future of fishing gear boat seine (which according to the regulation of 1967/2006 

council of EU will be suppressed in 2010), decided the implementation of inquiring program with 

object the action of gear and the impact in the reserves. The call became in the frames of action of 

4.4 of the Operational Program for Fisheries Sector 2000 – 2006. At the duration of program 

samplings will take place in professional ships and will be recorded the fish catches that are landed 

and discarded. 

65

ECOsystem approach to Sustainable Management of the Marine Environment and its living 

Resources (ECOSUMMER/ 20.20601). * 



Funding: 

MEST-CT-2005-020501 (Marie Curie) 

V. Valavanis 

EU 




Study Area: 

European Seas 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): IMBR: V. Valavanis, Dr K. Papaconstantinou, Dr A. Machias, Dr G. 

Tserpes, IMBG: Dr A. Magoulas, Dr Ch. Arvanitidis, Dr G. Kotoulas, IA: Dr N. Papandroulakis 

Brief Description of the Program: The aim is to support research in MSc and PhD lever related to 

the title of the project. 

Improving assessment and management of small pelagic species in the Mediterranean 

(SARDONE/ 20.20701). 

Contract Number: SSP8 No 44294 


Dr A. Machias 





Study Area: 

Thracian Sea. 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr A. Machias, Dr C. Papaconstantinou, Dr M. Giannoulaki, Dr G. 

Tserpes, Dr M. Labropoulou, Dr Ch. Maravelias, Dr G. Triantafyllou, A. Siapatis, L. Manousakis 

Other Participants: ISMAR INSTITUTO DI SCIENZE MARINE (Major Coordinator), Univ. of 

Crete, S. Somarakis. 

Brief Description of the Program: The project aims at developing a series of tools which will 

enable a better understanding, stock assessment and fishery management of small pelagic fish 

resources (anchovy and sardine) of the Mediterranean. The three major stocks and fisheries i.e. the 

NW Mediterranean, the Adriatic and the Aegean have been chosen. Investigations will aim at 

detecting nursery areas, at developing echo-surveys for recruitment strength estimation, at filling 

the gap in knowledge on the ecology af late larvae and juveniles, at improving the selectivity of 

current fishing gear, at assessing the impact of fry fisheries on the stocks, at exploring the 

application of novel stock assessment methodologies to Mediterranean small pelagic stocks. 

Definition of data collection needs for aquaculture (AQUA DATA/ 20.20703). * 

Contract Number: EU DG FIsh 

Scientific Coordinator: A. Kapantagakis 

Funding: 

EU 




Study Area: 

Greece. 

66

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): A. Kapantagakis, J. Laurijsen, E. Palikara 

Other Participants: External data collectors. 

Brief Description of the Program: Specification of the data needs for the assessment of the 

economic performance of the aquaculture sector in European Union. Investigation of the optimum 

data collection method. 

National Fisheries Data Collection Project for the 2008 period (ΕΠΣΑ∆/ 20.70802). * 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr C. Papaconstantinou, Dr G. Tserpes 

Funding: 

Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food 




Study Area: 

Eastern Mediterranean. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): The IMBR personnel. 

Brief Description of the Program: To collect biological, fisheries and economic information 

from the Greek fishing sector in order to assure rational exploitation of the marine fisheries 

resources. 

Mitigating adverse ecological impacts of open ocean fisheries (MADE/ 20.20801). 


Dr G. Tserpes 





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/ 20.20802). 


Dr G. Tserpes 





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 

67


monitoring and predictive modelling tools for ecosystem based management in the deep 

waters of Europe and beyond (CoralFISH/ 20.20804). 


Dr C.J. Smith (In collaboration with IO/ Pr.769) 





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, Dr A. Pancucci, 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. 

68

Marine Ecosystem Evolution in a Changing Environment (MEECE/ 20.20803). 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr C.J. Smith 





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. 

SuSY: Surfacing System for Ship Recovery. 


234151 proposal number (FP7) 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr Ch.J.Smith 

Funding: EU (75%) % GSRT (25%) 




Study Area: 

Aegean Sea 

69

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. 

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. 

2.2. STUDIES 

2.2.1 New Studies 

Master plan of aquaculture development in Greece* 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr C. Papaconstantinou 

Funding: 

APC SA 


Duration: 

3 months 


Study Area: 

Greek coastal zone 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): IMBR: Dr C. Papaconstantinou, Dr Α. Κonidis, IO: Dr P. Panayotidis, 

M. Salomidi 

Other participants: Ergasteria SA (F. Papatheodorou & G. Karka) 

Brief Description of the Program: Study of coastal morphodynamic, hydrological and 

hydrodynamic features of the study area. Study of the meteorological parameters and the wave 

climate based on ECMWF models of the HCMR and “Poseidon” data. Evaluation of the trophic 

status and the pollution sources. Description of the habitat types according to the Annex I of the 

Habitat Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Ecological Status according to the WFD Directive 

(2000/60/EE). Study of the coastal fisheries. Integrated coastal management plan. 

70

Fishing vessels in fire. 


Funding: 


A. Kapantagakis 

Latsis Foudndation 



Study Area: 

Greece. 

Scientific team (HCMR): A. Kapantagakis, J. Laurijsen, L. Lioudakis, E. Palikara 

Brief Description of the Study: Investigation of the retirement-destruction of fishing vessels in 

the framework of the multi annual guidance programs applied in Greece for the restructuring of the 

Geek fishing fleet. 

Oceanographic and fisheries data from Alexadropolis area. * 


Funding: 


Dr A. Machias (In collaboration with IMBR Athens/Pr.770) 

ILF Consulting Engineers 

Duration: 1 month (21/04/09-20/05/09) 

Total Budget: 

Study Area: 

30.000 € (IMBR Athens & IMBR Crete) 

Alexadroupolis 

Scientific team (HCMR): ΙMBR: Dr A. Machias, Dr Κ. Papaconstantinou, Dr Μ. Giannoulaki, S. 

Kavadas Ι.O: Dr P. Panayitidis, Dr P. Antoniou, Dr G. Rousakis, Dr D. Georgopoulos. 

Brief Description of the Study: Provision of oceanographic and fisheries data from 

Alexadropolis area to ILF Consulting Engineers 

2.2.2 Continuing Studies 

Status of ray population in the Mediterranean Sea. (ΚΑΤΑΣΚΕΥΗ ΜΕΣΟΓΕΙΑΚΟΥ 

ΣΑΛΑΧΙΟΥ/ 703). * 



Funding: 

FISH72004703-41 

Dr C. Papaconstantinou 

EU 


Duration: 

6 months 


Study area: 


Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr C. Papaconstantinou 

Brief Description of the Study: The project focus on the estimation of the abundance of the 

Mediterranean rays, based on the data which have been collected during the MEDITS program 

between 1994-2001. The contribution of HCMR is consisted of the provision of necessary data of 

the abundance of rays in the Greek Seas and to the control of their analysis. 

71

2.3. CONSULTANCES 

2.3.1 New Consultances 

Ad hoc study of the current state of the artificial reef of Preveza (Τ.Υ. ΠΡΕΒΕΖΑΣ/ 794). * 


Scientific Responsible: 

Funding: 


Dr A. Conides 

Dr D. Klaoudatos 

Duration: 1 month (09/11-09/12/09) 


Study Area: 

Management agency of the operational plan for fisheries, Ministry 

of Agricultural Development and Food of Greece 

Ionian Sea 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr D. Klaoudatos, Dr A. Conides, Dr C. Papaconstantinou, HCMRs 

Divers. 

Brief Description of the Program: Objectives of the study are to examine the current state of the 

artificial reef in terms of structure as well as the concentration of benthic organisms and 

fish/crustaceans/cephalopods. The work will be based on underwater video, photography and 

selective sampling of benthic organisms. 

72

3. INSTITUTE OF AQUACULTURE 



An International Research Consortium for promoting and developing Integrated Multi- 

Trophic Aquaculture (IRC-IMTA) (MARIE CURIE IRSES/ 806). 

Contract Number: Grant Agreement No 230803 


Funding: 

Dr Y. Kotzamanis 

EU 


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. 

73


On Farm Assessment of Stress leve in fish (FAST FISH/ 60.20601). * 


SSP8-022720 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr P. Divanach 





Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr P. Divanach, Dr N. Papandroulakis, I. Papadakis, E. Sfakaki, M. Asderis 

Sustainable extensive and semi-intensive coastal aquaculture in Southern Europe 

(SEACASE/ 60.20602) * 



Funding: 

Dr P. Divanach 

EU 




Study Area: 

Crete, Athens 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr P. Divanach, Dr P. Makridis, E. Sfakaki, N. Nomikos, S. Sfakianakis 

Brief Description of the Program: The final goal of the SEACASE project is to develop effective 

tools for maintenance of competitiveness, productivity, profitability and thus sustainability of 

extensive and semi-intensive aquaculture production in Southern Europe, while minimizing its 

environmental impacts and improving the quality and public image of its products. The project will 

be based on case studies covering a wide variety of production systems and geographical locations 

(Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Greece), although some basic technological improvements will 

also be studied. Environmentally friendly farming protocols will be analyzed and/or developed and 

certification possibilities will be assessed and proposed for voluntary use by the industry. Quality 

markers will be studied in order to be able to differentiate aquaculture products from extensive and 

semi-intensive systems from the ones produced in intensive systems. Some of such markers may 

also facilitate product traceability. A socio-economic assessment of the production systems used in 

the case studies will be produced. Where possible this analysis will be completed by an assessment 

of potential non-market benefits and costs, including social and patrimonial aspects. 

Set up of an Integrate System for the Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus L.) farming in the Gulf 

of Taranto (ALLOTUNA/ 60.20701). 



Funding: 


BURP n.44 of06.04.2006 

Dr C. Mylonas 

Ministry of Finances (Italy), Ministry of Education, Universities 

and Scientific Research and Technology (Italy) & Region of Puglia 

(Italy) 


74


Study Area: 

Region of Puglia, Italy & Heraklion, Crete. 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr C. Mylonas, M. Papadaki, I. Sigelaki, I. Papadakis 

Brief Description of the Program: The transition of the bluefin tuna industry from a capturebased 

industry to a traditional aquaculture industry necessitates the development of (a) broodstock 

management methods for the production of fertilized eggs and (b) larval rearing techniques for the 

production of fingerlings for the stocking of grow-out cages. Development of captive broodstocks 

should be easier to accomplished using juvenile fish collected from the wild. Juveniles will be (a) 

easier to handle and transfer to rearing facilities, be it sea cages or land-based tanks, (b) more cost 

effective to maintain since they are much smaller than mature fish captured by the purse seine 

fishery, and (c) could be easier to adapt to captivity conditions, thus being easier to mature 

reproductively and perhaps spawn spontaneously in captivity. In order to use juvenile fish for the 

development of captive brooodstocks, it is important to investigate (a) if juvenile fish do reach 

reproductive maturity in culture conditions and (b) at which age/size they do so. 

In the present proposal, immature fish will be placed in cages and will be reared for 3 consecutive 

years, under common bluefin tuna rearing conditions. At the time of capture, 12 individuals will be 

sacrificed in order to obtain blood, which will be used to measure the concentration of important 

reproductive hormones, such as the steroids 17b-estradiol, Testosterone and 11-keto Testosterone, 

and 17a-20b-dihydroxyprogesterone. Gonads will also be collected in order to evaluate the 

gonadosomatic index (gonad weight/body weight) and to determine the sex and reproductive stage 

of the fish using histological processing. Thereafter and until the conclusion of the experiment, 12 

individuals will be randomly sacrificed from the population during the annual reproductive season 

of bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean. This occurs in June-July. Again, blood and gonads will be 

collected in order to determine the reproductive status of the fish and determine the age/size of first 

maturity, as well as the appropriateness of the fish for reproduction in captivity. 

In addition, 20 mature bluefin tuna collected during the natural spawning season with a purse seine, 

will be placed in a cage and reared using standard bluefin tuna rearing conditions. During the 

reproductive season, and once water temperatures reach appropriate levels (>22 C), fish will be 

treated with GnRHa implants in order to induce spawning and the production of fertilized eggs 


Thunnus Thynnus (SELFDOTT/ 60.20801). 


Scientific Coordinator: Dr C. Mylonas (In collaboration with I.A. Athens/Pr.728 & IMBG/ 

Pr.4020801) 





Study area: 

Cartagena, Murcia, Spain, Marsaxxlock, Malta, Vibo Valentia, 

Italy 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): IA Crete: Dr C. Mylonas, M. Papadaki, I. Syggelaki, I. Papadakis, Dr Ν. 

Papandroulakis, Dr P. Divanach, Dr P. Makridis, K. Kokari, N. Kopidakis, S. Stefanakis, G. 

Vardanis, E Vasilakis, G Strakadounas, IA Athens: Dr I. Negas, Dr M. Alexis, Dr E. Fountoulaki, 

Dr K. Grigorakis, Dr I. Kotzamanis, Dr G. Rigos, Dr M. Henry, D. Nikolopoulou, M. Yagnisi, E. 

Papoutsi, IMBG: Dr A. Magoulas, Dr G. Kotoulas, Dr P. Kasapidis, Dr E. Sarropoulou, S. Kollias, 

A. Antoniou, E. Economaki, V. Terzoglou 

Other Participants: (1) Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), Spain. (2) Institut Français de 

Recherche pour l’Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER), France (3) Heinrich Heine University of 

75

Düsseldorf (UDUS), Germany (4) Tuna Graso S.A. (TG), Spain (5) Malta Centre for Fisheries 

Science (MCFS), Malta (6) Israel Oceanografic and Limnological Research, National Centre for 

Mariculture (IOLR-NCM), Israel (7) University of Cádiz (UCA), Spain (8) University of Bari 

(UNIBA), Italy (9) Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), France (10) Skretting 

Aquaculture Research Centre (SARC), Norway (11) Université Montpellier 2 (UM2), France (12) 

Malta Fishfarming Ltd (MFF), Malta. 

Brief Description of the Program: SELFDOTT proposes to implement knowledge already 

obtained on the artificial control of reproduction of the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT), Thunnus 

thynnus, to obtain viable eggs, and study embryonic and larval development for the production of 

fry (juveniles). At the same time, suitable and environmentally performing feeds for the growout of 

BFT will be developed, thus reducing or eliminating the practice of raw fish importation and 

feeding by the fattening industry. Wild juvenile and mature BFT will be reared in captivity at two 

sites in the Mediterranean, and will be used to study puberty, gametogenesis, and the influence of 

diet on reproductive maturation and gamete quality. Mature fish will be induced to spawn using 

hormone implants and the eggs will be collected using devices designed specifically for cages. A 

population genetic analysis will be conducted to identify the origin of the broodstock in relation to 

known wild stocks. Parentage analysis will allow estimating the contribution of successful 

spawners to the reproduction, and the use of many markers on the resulting crosses will allow the 

creation of a genetic map. To establish the knowledge-base for controlled development of BFT 

larvae, the mesocosm and artificial larval rearing methods will be employed. The ontogenesis of 

essential biological functions will be studied, including environmental perception, digestion, 

immunity and behaviour. A protocol for the commercial-scale larval rearing of BFT will be 

recommended at the end of the project. Whole body and stomach composition of wild fish will be 

analyzed and serve as a guide to formulate nutritionally complete artificial feeds for BFT. 

Juveniles will be captured from the wild, adapted to captive conditions and used to carry out 

weaning and feeding experiments, using moist and dry pelleted diets. The environmental impact of 

the formulated feeds will be examined and compared to existing raw-fish practises. SELFDOTT 

will produce the basic knowledge necessary for the development of a self-sustained aquaculture 

industry for the BFT in the Mediterranean, thus enhancing the competitiveness of the EU 

aquaculture industry, while at the same time reducing the pressure on the wild BFT stocks and 

ensuring the conservation and recovery of this magnificent fish. 

Contract between the Laboratory of fish nutrition and pathology (HCMR) and ASTREA SA. 

(ΑΣΤΡΑΙΑ/ 634). * 


Funding: 


Dr I. Nengas 

ASTREA SA 



Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr I. Nengas, Dr M. Alexis, Dr E. Foundoulaki, Dr K. Grigorakis, D. 

Nikolopoulou, P. Arvanitis, L. Kyriakakos 

Other participants: S. Anastasiou, Dr G. Rigos 

Brief Description of the Program: HCMR will execute according to the contract between the 

laboratory of fish nutrition and ASTREA analyses for the determination of standards for the 

production of organic fish feeds and fish. Furthermore, HCMR will undertake biochemical analyses 

as well as rearing trials to determine the nutritional value and performance of the produced fish and 

feeds. 

76

Sustainable Aquafeeds to Maximise the Health Benefits of Farmed Fish for Consumers 

(AQUAMAX/ 636). 

Contract Number: 016249-2 


Major Sc. Coordinator: 

Dr M. Alexis 

Prof O. Lee, NIFES, Norway 





Study Area: 

Aghios Kosmas, Attiki 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr M. Alexis, Dr I. Nengas, Dr E. Fountoulaki, Dr I. Kotzamanis, Dr E. 

Kotou, Dr K. Grigorakis, M. Giagnisi, D. Nikolopoulou, Dr M. Henry, E. Papoutsi, P. Arvanitis, P. 

Kougioufas 

Other participants: Dr G. Rigos Also: (1) NIFES, Norway (2) INRA, France, (3) UoS, UK (4) 

IATS, Spain (5) HAKI, Hungary, (6) BRC, Hungary, (7) ARC, Norway, (8) IMR, Norway, (9) 

ICAR, India, (10) JRC, Spain, (11) Usoton, UK, (12) INFS, China, (13) KCL, UK, (14) UG, Spain, 

(15) Uau, France, (16) UU, Sweden, (17) Uread, UK, (18) ISS, Italy, (19) CTC, Estonia, (20) SEL, 

Greece, (21) Halandor, Hungary, (22) G Barka, Hungary, (23) Alpha Mos, France, (24) WOW, 

Greece, (25) LNS, UK, (26) TCL, UK, (27) VdF, France, (28) Teuto, Germany, (29) Caditec, 

Spain, (30) MH, Netherlands, (31) FEAP, Belgium 

Brief Description of the Program: AquaMax will (a) develop feeds based largely on sustainable 

alternatives to fish meal and fish oil to produce fish that are highly nutritious, health - beneficial 

and acceptable to consumers, consistent with optimising the health and welfare of the farmed fish; 

(b) advance analytical methodology to detect very low levels of contaminants in feeds to ensure 

farmed fish are as low in contaminants as possible; (c) assess health benefits of fish produced on 

new diets by conducting studies in pregnant women focusing on predictors of atopic disease and on 

the development of immune competence and atopic disease in early infancy; (d) assess the safety of 

fish farmed on the new diets by developing new molecular methods to complement existing 

traditional methods to evaluate the safety of farmed fish, taking full account of interactions 

between toxic contaminants and beneficial nutrients; (e) assess consumer acceptance of fish farmed 

on the new diets by conducting taste panel trials and objective electronic sensory evaluations of the 

final products; (f) assess consumer perception of farmed fish and formulate proactive strategies to 

communicate to the public and other stake holders the risks and benefits of consuming fish farmed 

on the new diets; (g) assess responses of consumers purchasing the new fish in retail outlets, and 

(h) conduct socio-economic analyses of farming fish on the new diets. 

Environmental and product quality monitoring of fish farm sites in the Aitoloakarnania 

prefecture. Introduce possible actions for the improvement of the aquaculture practices in 

this area (ΣΥΣΤΗΜΑ ΒΕΛΤΙΩΣΗΣ Υ∆ΑΤΩΝ Ν. ΑΙΤΩΛΟΑΚΑΡΝΑΝΙΑΣ/ 715). * 


Funding: 



Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food 



Study Area: 

Aitoloakarnania, Attiki. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Y. Kotzamanis, Dr M. Alexis, ∆. Tsironis, M. Yiagnisis 

Other participants: SYDNA, University of Athens 

77

Brief Description of the Program: Since mariculture production increases a lot in Mediterranean 

area and in Greece during the last years its conflict with other marine activities such as tourist and 

other environmental services, becomes ever greater. Fish farming is an industry that requires a 

healthy environment in which to carry out its operations and therefore its is crucial that the impact 

on the environment does not reduce the industry’s potentialities and the supervision of the 

environment is well organized. Thus, the monitoring and careful environmental management of 

aquaculture practices should be considered. 

The goal of this project is the monitoring of the environmental impact for fish farm operations as 

well as the product (fish) quality in the Aitoloakarnania prefecture. 

The monitoring will be performed on the three main groups of sources which are responsible for 

environmental pollution: (1) pollution originating from feed and thereby also the faeces from the 

fish (organic matter, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates) (2) pollution originating from substances used for 

the preparation of farm equipment (copper) (3) pollution in connection with the use of medicines 

and chemicals (antibiotics disinfecting agents). 

Possible actions and proposals for the decrease of the environmental impact and improvement of 

product quality will be undertaken. 


Thunnus Thynnus (SELFDOTT/ 728). 


Scientific Coordinator: Dr I. Negas (In collaboration with I.A. Crete/Pr.6020801 & 

IMBG/Pr.4020801). 





Study area: 


Italy 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): IA Crete: Dr C. Mylonas, M. Papadaki, I. Syggelaki, I. Papadakis, Dr Ν. 

Papandroulakis, Dr P. Divanach, Dr P. Makridis, K. Kokari, N. Kopidakis, S. Stefanakis, G. 

Vardanis, E Vasilakis, G Strakadounas, IA Athens: Dr I. Negas, Dr M. Alexis, Dr E. Fountoulaki, 

Dr K. Grigorakis, Dr I. Kotzamanis, Dr G. Rigos, Dr M. Henry, D. Nikolopoulou, M. Yagnisi, E. 

Papoutsi, IMBG: Dr A. Magoulas, Dr G. Kotoulas, Dr P. Kasapidis, Dr E. Sarropoulou, S. Kollias, 

A. Antoniou, E. Economaki, V. Terzoglou 
















78



















3.2. STUDIES 

3.2.1. New Studies 

Πειραµατική εκτροφή ιχθυονυµφών λαβρακιού. * 


Scientific coordinator: 

Funding: 


Duration: 

08-Ε-2721 και 08-Ε-2721-Α 

Dr N. Papandroulakis 

Centro de Ciencias do Mar do Algarve. 

2 months 


Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr N. Papandroulakis, M. Vasilakis, G. Strakantounas, S. Stefanakis, K. 

Kokari. 

Testing of attractant in feed for Mediterranean aquaculture fish (60.70601). * 


Funding: 


Dr S. Chatzifotis 

Laboratoires PHODE. 



Study area: 

Crete. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr S. Chatzifotis 

Other participants: N. Mitrizakis, A. Vicente 

Brief Description of the Study: Investigation of the effectiveness of three compounds with 

attractant characteristics on growth, feed utilization and attractiveness on sea bream. 

79

Study on the possible side effects of perlite pollution on the benthic fauna in the island of 

Milos (ΒΑΡΥΤΙΝΗ/ 763). * 


Funding: 


Duration: 

Dr G. Rigos 

S & B Industrial Minerals SA 

12 months 


Study Area: 

Mylos Island. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Rigos, Dr E. Cotou, Dr I. Nengas, Dr M. Giagnisi, Ch. 

Nicoloudaki 

Brief Description of the Program: Measurement of the possible side effects of perlite pollution 

on the health of benthic fauna in Milos island. 

Oral vaccination and Biomos (ORAL VACCINATION/ 787). * 


Funding: 

Dr G. Rigos 

Alltech 


Duration: 

6 months 


Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr I. Nengas, Dr E. Foundoulaki, Dr M. Henry, M. Yiagnisi, P. 

Arvanitis. 

Brief Description of the Study: To evaluate the efficiency of oral vaccination in relation to the 

use of dietary mannan oligosaccharides. 

The scope of the Study is to conduct an efficacy feeding trial to investigate the possible adjuvant 

activity of Bio-Mos as a co-admininstration to oral vaccination against significant bacterial 

pathogens of Sea bass (Dicentrachus labrax). 

Digestibility of two protein concentrates by sea bass (SYRAL/ 799). 


Funding: 

Dr. M. Alexis 

SYRAL 


Duration: 

Total Budget: 

Study Area: 

6 months 

9.400 euros 

Aquaculture, Fish nutrition 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr M. Alexis, Dr Y. Kotzamanis, E. Papoutsi, P. Arvanitis, M. Yiagnisi, 

P. Arvanitis. 

Brief Description of the Study: Evaluation of the nutritional value of alternative raw materials as 

fish feed ingredients. 

Determination of the digestibility of two raw materials by sea bass 

80

3.2.2. Continuing Studies 

Food testing ALLTECH INC (60.70801). * 



Funding: 


08-Ε-2721 και 08-Ε-2721-Α 

Dr Papandroulakis, Dr Negas 

ALLTECH INC 



Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr N. Papandroulakis, Dr I. Negas, Dr G. Rigos, Dr M. Henry, M. 

Asderis, Ch. Aggelis 

Brief Description of the Study: Objective of the project is testing new feeds in bass during ongrowing 

Collaboration for the rearing of juveniles with “Ελληνικά Ψάρια ΑΕΒΕ” (ΦΟΡΚΥΣ/ 

60.70803). 


Funding: 


Dr Papandroulakis 

GREEK FISHES ΑΕΒΕ 



Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr N. Papandroulakis, G. Bardanis, S. Stefanakis & 2 Technicians 

Brief Description of the Program: 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 

A) Aquaculture SBM inclusion rates with Specialty Soybean Process through Extrusion. B) 

EU Demonstration Feeding Trials-SBM-Aquaculture (SBM/ 729). 


Funding: 



LAMANS ΥΠΗΡΕΣΙΕΣ MANAGEMENT AE 

Duration: 1 st phase: 8 months (01/06/08-31/01/09) 

2 nd phase: 10 months (01/05/09-28/02/10) 

Total Budget: 1 st phase: 16.660 € 

2 nd phase: 29.000 € 

Study Area: 

Aitoloakarnania- Attiki 

Scientific team (HCMR): Dr Y. Kotzamanis, Dr M. Henry, I. Basiliki, D, Tsironis 

Brief Description of the Study: The aim of the this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing 

50% of the fish meal (FM) by soybean meal (SBM) supplemented with a synthetic slow –release 

amino acids feed supplement (FRB-XL) in the diets of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) 

and sea bream (Sparus aurata) being reared in sea cages in a commercial fish farm. 

The objectives of the present research are: (1) To identify the palatability of the sea bass-sea bream 

feeds which contain high soybean dietary levels (2) Examine the effects of this inclusion to the 

growth and health of the sea bass and sea bream fish. 

81

Evaluation of the effects of the commercial feed additives LYSOFORTE BOOSTER DRY 

and LYSOFORTE SPECIAL on growth performance of juvenile European sea bass 

(Dicentrarchus labrax) and on digestibility of macronutrients and amino acids (LYSO 

FORTE LABRAX/ 732). * 

Scientific Co-ordinator: Dr Υ. Kotzamanis 

Funding: 

KEMIN S.A. 




Study Area: 

Attiki 

Scientific team (HCMR): Dr Υ. Kotzamanis, D. Tsironis, I. Basiliki 

Brief Description of the Study: The incorporation of new dietary supplements into fish feeds has 

been drawn a lot of attention the last decades due to the great interest on finding factors that could 

potentially enhance fish growth. The goal of the present study is to examine the effects of the 

dietary inclusion of two dietary products Lysoforte Booster and Lysoforte Special, provided by 

KEMIN on growth performance and health of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles. 

The objectives of the present research are: (1) To identify the palatability of sea bass feeds which 

contain the Lysoforte Booster and Lysoforte Special (2) Examine the effects of the inclusion of 

two products on the growth performance and health of sea bass. 

The determination of the effect of diet composition on the growth of gilthead sea bream fries 

(ΣΥΓΚΡΙΣΗ ΤΡΟΦΩΝ ΓΟΝΟΥ ΤΣΙΠΟΥΡΑΣ/ 736). * 

Scientific coordinator: Dr G. Rigos 

Funding: 

BIOMAR 




Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr G. Rigos , Dr I. Nengas, Dr E. Foundoulaki, Μ. Panagiotidou, Α. 

Vasilaki 

Brief Description of the Study: The determination of the effect of diet composition on the growth 

of gilthead sea bream fries 

Determination of the nutritional value of HP340 as fish feed ingredient for gilthead sea 

bream (AMLET 340/ 757). * 

Scientific coordinator: Dr M. Alexi 

Funding: 

HAMLET PROTEIN 




Study Area: 

Aquaculture, Fish nutrition 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr M. Alexis, Dr G. Rigos, Dr M. Henry, F. Kokou, M. Yiagnisi, P. 

Arvanitis. 

Brief Description of the Study: Evaluation of the nutritional value of alternative raw materials as 

fish feed ingredients. 

The study of the effects of different dietary levels of a soy product, HP340, which has been 

subjected to a specific treatment to reduce antinutritional compounds, to the growth and feed 

utilization of gilthead sea bream. 

82

3.3. PROGRAMS FOR OFFERING SERVICES 

3.3.1. New Programs for Offering Services 

Collaboration for the rearing of juveniles with Greek Fish AEBE. 


Funding: 


Dr N. Papandroulakis 

GREEK FISH AEBE 

Duration: 1 month (15/12/09-15/01/10) 


Study Area: 

Aquaculture. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr N. Papandroulakis, P. Anastasiadis, S. Stefanakis 

Brief Description of the Study: The objective of the project is the training in the larval rearing 

procedures of sea bass at the installations of the institute. 

3.3.2. Continuing Programs for Offering Services 

IMPLANTS/ 60.70101 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr K. Mylonas 

Funding: 

Private individuals 


Duration: 

not fixed 

Total Budget: 

not fixed 

ΠΑΡΑΓΩΓΗ/ 63.70000 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr P. Divanach 

Funding: 

Private individuals 


Duration: 

not fixed 

Total Budget: 

not fixed 

Provision of consulting services for broodstock management for a private aquaculture 

company (IRIDA A.E.) 


Funding: 


Dr C. Mylonas 

IRIDA AE 



Study Area: 

Sterea Ellada, Greece. 

83

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). 


Funding: 


Duration: 

M. Giagnisi 

HCMR {50% IMBR, Aquaculture, programme: Quality and 

Diseases of Fish (Dr M.Alexi) and 50% IO, programme: EU 

directive (Dr E. Papathanassiou)} 

ongoing 

Total Budget: 691 € 

Study Area: 

Water Microbiology. 

Scientific Team (HCMR): IA: M. Giagnisi, Dr M. Alexi, 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. 

84

4. INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGY AND GENETICS 



Developing fisheries management indicators and targets (DEFINELT MARIFISH – IMBG). 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr K. Tsigenopoulos (In collaboration with IMBR of 

Athens/Pr.811 & IMBR of Crete) 


Funding: 


Resources 

GSRT 




Study Area: 


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 





Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man’s Impact On European Seas (HERMIONE- IMBG). 




226354 (FP7) 




Dr P. Polymenakou (In collaboration with IO Athens/Pr.765 & IO 

Crete) 



Study Area: 



Mandalakis, Dr. H. Kontogiannis, S. Stavrakakis, , Dr. H. Kaberi, Dr. C. Zeri, Dr. I. Chatzianestis, 

Dr. D. Sakellariou, M. Alexandri, 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. 


site) 



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 

85

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 














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. 




Contaminant-specific isotope analyses as sharp environmental-forensics tools for site 

characterisation, monitoring and source apportionment of pollutants in soil (ISO-Soil). 


Scientific Coordinator: P. Polymenakou 

Project Coordinator: Orjan Gustafsson (Sweden: Stockholm University) 

Funding: 

EU (75% of 164.413 & 100% of 13.945) & GSRT (25% of 

164.413) 


Duration: 

36 months 

Total Budget HCMR: 178,358.00 

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 

86

Scientific team (ΗCMR): 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”. 


including the Inventory of Relevant Marine IBAs (ConShagAudMIBAGR) 



EP-08-01-005 

Dr P. Kasapidis (In collaboration with IMBR) 





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. 

87


Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (MARBEF/ 11.20402). * 

Contruct Number: 

GOCE-CT-2003-505446 

Scientific Coordinator Dr G. Arvanitidis 

Funding: 

EU (50%) & GSRT (50%) (FP6) 

Year Started: 2004 



Study Area: 

Europe. 

Genomics in fish and selfish: Integration from research to aquaculture (AQUAGENOME/ 

40.20702). * 


Scientific Coordinator: Dr G. Kotoulas 

Major Coordinator: Dr P. Prunet, INRA-Rennes, France 





Study Area: 

E.U. 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr A. Magoulas, Dr G. Kotoulas, Dr C. Mylonas, Dr K. 

Tsigenopoulos, Dr E. Sarropoulou, Dr P. Kasapidis. 

Other Participants: (1) Institue National de la Recherche Agronomique, INRA, France. (2) 

Institute of Marine Research, IMR, Norway. (3) Algarve University, UALGP, Portugal. (4) Genesis 

Faraday, GFP, UK. (5) Zoological Institute of Goteborg University, GU, Sweden. (6) University of 

Stirling, STIR, UK. (7) Syndicat des Selectionneurs Avicoles et Aquacoles Francais, SYSSAF, 

France. (8) Instituto Investigaciones Marines, CSIC, Spain. (9) Russian Federal Institute of 

Fisheries and Oceanography, VNIRO, Russia. 

Brief Description of the Program: In recent years, a relatively large number of projects 

investigating the biology of aquaculture species through genomic approaches have been funded 

both at European levels and national levels. These have generated an extensive core of genomic 

tools and expertise that is spread among European research laboratories. However, this scientific 

resource is not coordinated within research and transfer to the European aquaculture industry is still 

in its infancy. In this context, the objectives of AWUAGENOME are (i) to coordinate the ongoing 

and future national and international research projects in the field of genomics in fish and shellfish 

European aquaculture and support diffucsion of genomic approaches within research laboratories 

(ii) to enhance the transfer of information and knowledte towards the aquaculture industry. 

In order to reach these objectives, the aims of this project will be: (1) To inventory existing 

genomic resources and identify and evaluate new bioinformatics resources, genomic information 

and tools that are vital for the development of European aquaculture. (2) To identify specific 

research domains in which genomic approaches should be developed in order to support the 

European aquaculture industry. (3) To support exchanges of scientists and genomic resources 

between members of the AQUAGENOME Associated Partner Network created. (4) To detertmine 

the required actions to apply genomic tools and knowledge in an effective and sustainable manner 

in aquaculture, by interacting with producers and stakeholders. 

These achievements will require the use of a number of instruments, e.g. working groups to gather 

88

experts in specific domains, organizations of workshops where aquaculture industryu will meet 

research and construct a roadmap for genomic transfer to industry, creation of a website to share 

information and provide links, development of a database and software to broaden access to 

genomic resources and the distribution of grants to support exchanges. 

Ecologie Chimique Marine: Indicateur de Biodiversite et Valorisation (ECIMAR/ 40.70701). 


Funding: 


Dr C. Dounas 

CNRS & Mediterranean University, Marseille 



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. 


Thunnus Thynnus (SELFDOTT/ 40.20801). 


Scientific Coordinator: Dr G. Kotoulas (In collaboration with I.A. Athens/Pr.728 & I.A. 

Crete/ 6020801) 





Study area: 


Italy 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): IMBG: Dr A. Magoulas, Dr G. Kotoulas, Dr P. Kasapidis, Dr E. 

Sarropoulou, S. Kollias, A. Antoniou, E. Economaki, V. Terzoglou, IA Crete: Dr C. Mylonas, M. 

Papadaki, I. Syggelaki, I. Papadakis, Dr Ν. Papandroulakis, Dr P. Divanach, Dr P. Makridis, K. 

Kokari, N. Kopidakis, S. Stefanakis, G. Vardanis, E Vasilakis, G Strakadounas, IA Athens: Dr I. 

Negas, Dr M. Alexis, Dr E. Fountoulaki, Dr K. Grigorakis, Dr I. Kotzamanis, Dr G. Rigos, Dr M. 

Henry, D. Nikolopoulou, M. Yagnisi, E. Papoutsi 









89


























Research for the support of commercial juvenile fish habitats in the coasts of Lasithi 

Prefecture (40.70801). 


Funding: 


Dr C. Dounas 

Prefecture of Lasithi, Region of Crete 



Study Area: 

Crete – Lasithi coastal zone 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr C. Dounas, Dr. Κ. Tsigenopoulos, Dr. P.Koulouri, Μ. Μaidanou, Α. 

Κrystalas, Θ. Dailianis, Γ. Chatzigeorgiou, V. Plaiti, Ε. Daphnomili, Σ. Ζιvanovic, Κ. Oikonomaki, 

Ε. Vogiagi 

Other participants: University of Thessaly 

Brief Description of the Program: Research related with the environmental condition of coastal 

habitats of commercially important juvenile fish populations will be performed around Lasithi 

Prefecture coastal zone. Emphasis will be given on Mullus surmuletus (striped red mullet) 

populations. In situ measurements and sampling for physico-chemical water and sediment 

parameters as well as quantitative sampling for macro- and megabenthos will be also performed. 

Final aim of the project is the recommendation to the authorities of specific technical measures 

concerning the management of the coastal zone (e.g. deployment of productive artificial reefs) 

especially for the protection of commercially important fish populations in the area. 

90

A Pan-European Species-directories Infrastructure (PESI). 


Sc. Responsible for HCMR: Dr Ch. Arvanitidis 


Funding: 

Starting Year: 

Dr Yde de Yong, UvA, The Netherlands 

EU 

2008 (May) 

Duration: 3 Years (till 2011). 

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. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Christos 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). 



International Research Project 

Sc. Responsible for HCMR: Dr Ch. Arvanitidis 

Funding: 


Duration: 36 months (till 2010). 

Total Budget HCMR: 

Study Area: 

Dr Mark Costello, University of Auckland, New Zealand. 

Various Charity, Academic and Research Establishments from EU 

and USA (e.g. 7 th EU RTD Framework, Sloan Foundation και 

Lounsbery Foundation) 

Null. Funds will be provided in the form of refunding for travelling 

expenses directly from the General Coordinator (University of 

Auckland). 

Globe. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Ch. Arvanitidis 

Other participants: More than 50 Academic and 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. 

91

4.2. STUDIES 


Study in Atzikiari embayment, Lasithi Prefecture. * 


Funding: 


Duration: 

Dr C. Dounas 

Prefecture of Lasithi 

6 months 


Study Area: 

Lasithi, Crete 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr K. Dounas, Ch. Zivanovits, Th. Dailianis, M. Leibadara, P. Vavilis. 

Brief Description of the Study: Field sampling for the collection of water column and sediment 

samples for the analysis microbiological and physicochemical parameters. The underwater video 

inspection of the seabed will be also performed. 

4.3. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM 

4.3.1. Continuing Educational Program 

BIOlogical quality of MArine waters (BIOMA). * 



Project Coordinator: 

Funding: 

27949-IC-1-2005-1-FR-ERASMUS-IPUC-6 

Dr Ch. Arvanitidis 

Universite Pierre et Marie Curie (France), Dr P. Conan 

EU 


Duration: 1 year with the potential to be funded for another 2 years (till 2009) 

Total Budget: 

~5.000 € in the form of reimbursing of traveling expenses. 

Study Area: 

Study of the marine recreational water quality and the biological 

quality of marine waters using benthic indicators. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr Ch. Arvanitidis (IMBG), Dr S. Reizopoulou (IO) 

Brief Description of the Program: For the year 2007, the activities of the Project include 

seminars offered by the Partner Institution to the students. The main objective of the project is to 

train students in the skills required for cinducting environmental impact assessment studies and the 

analysis of water quality for marine recreational waters in Europe. The Project will focus on 

priorities established at the national and EU levels. 

92

4.4. PROGRAM FOR OFFERING SERVICES 

4.4.1. New Program for Offering Services 

Supply of Genetic Services 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr A. Magoulas 

Funding: 

Private 


Duration: Continuing (from 01/02/03) 

Total Budget: 

None 

4.5. SCOLARSHIP 

4.5.1. Continuing Scolarship 

Πληθυσµιακή διαφοροποίηση και βιογεωγραφία του µπαρµπουνιού (Mullus surmuletus 

Linhnaeus 1758). 

Contract Number: Contract n°28 



Funding: 

Dr C. Tsigenopoulos 

Prof. Dr. Hanel Reinhold, Leibniz-Institute of Marine Sciences, 

IFM – GEOMAR 

ΙΚΥ 


Duration: 


Study area: 

24 months (01/01/08-31/12/09), with possibility of renewal for an 

extra year 

European Union 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr C. Tsigenopoulos, E. Vogiatzi, C. Antoniou 

Other Participants: - Leibniz-Institut für Meereswissenschaften (IFM-GEOMAR) an der 

Universität Kiel, Forschungsbereich Marine Ökologie – Fischereibiologie, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 

24105 Kiel Germany 

Brief Description of the Program: The genetic diversity, population structure and 

phylogeography of striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus), one of the most high-priced and 

appreciated demersal fishes in the Mediterranean Sea shall be determined by investigating 

mitochondrial control region sequences and microsatellite markers in parallel. A comparative 

investigation using different markers can be achieved by combining the competence of the two 

partner labs. The independent development of new mitochondrial control region primers at IFM- 

GEOMAR and the development of microsatellite markers at HCMR allows a close cooperation in 

terms of cross-laboratory research with the goal of a joint data set for a better understanding of the 

genetic structure of striped red mullet populations throughout the distribution range of the species. 

Whether or not there is substantial genetic structure is of particular importance not only in the 

management of striped red mullet fisheries and the traceability of fisheries products but also for a 

better understanding of evolutionary pathways like the influence of geography, hydrography and 

reproduction mode on dispersal and speciation in the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean 

environment. 

93

5. INSTITUTE OF INLAND WATERS 



Mediterranean Intermittent River ManAGEment (MIRAGE/ 767). 

Conrtact Number: 


Funding: 

FP7-ENV-2007-1 

Dr N. Skoulikidis 

ΕU 


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, 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. 

Environmental monitoring in N. Plastiras reservoir (ΠΕΡΙΒΑΛΛΟΝΤΙΚΗ 

ΠΑΡΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΗΣΗ ΤΑΜΙΕΥΤΗΡΑ ΠΛΑΣΤΗΡΑ/ 777). 


Funding: 


Duration: 

Dr E. Dimitriou 

DEH S.A. 

15 months 


Study Area: 

N. Plastiras reservoir, Karditsa Prefecture. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr E. Dimitriou, I. Bertahas, Dr N. Skoulikidis, Dr A. Diapoulis, 

I. Karaouzas, K. Akepsimaides, E. Colobari, E. Moussoulis 

Other Participants: Dr. H. Daoulas, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki 

Brief Description of the Program: The project includes the environmental monitoring of N. 

Plastiras reservoir according to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) provisions for the 

ecological quality assessments. A representative sampling network will be developed in 

which bimonthly water sampling, seasonal biological monitoring for phytoplankton, 

macroinvertebrates and macrophytes will occur while one or two (depending on the identified 

pressures) benthic soil sampling effort will be attempted. All the acquired measurements and 

chemical analyses will be imported in a specially designed database and in a GIS package to 

produce thematic maps depicting the environmental status of the study area. 

95

The measured parameters will be compared with water quality limits and with respective 

measurements in other similar environments in Greece and the chemical quality of the 

particular reservoir will be assessed based on the requirements of the WFD. 

Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Rainfall (ACOUSTIC RAINFALL/ 795). 



Funding: 


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) 


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 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr A. Papadopoulos, Dr J. Nystuen, Dr E.N. Anagnostou, Dr A. 

Diapoulis, P. Griva. 


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 highquality 

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. 

96

Assessment of the environmental status of Evros river catchment. Pressures mapping and 

analysis (ΡΥΠΑΝΤΙΚΕΣ ΠΙΕΣΕΙΣ ΕΒΡΟΥ/ 803). 


Funding: 


Duration: 

Dr E. Dimitriou 

Trans-Balkan Pipeline B.V. 

10 months 


Study Area: 

Evros river catchment. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): IIW: Dr. E. Dimitriou, I. Bertahas, Dr. N. Skoulikidis, Dr. M. 

Stoumboudi, K. Gritzalis, I. Karaouzas, E. Colobari, E. Moussoulis, IO: Dr Ch. Zeri 

Brief Description of the Program: The project includes the assessment of the environmental 

status of Evros river catchment and the essential next steps for the sustainable environmental 

management and preservation of the area. The project will contribute to the collection, archiving 

and processing of past studies and data regarding the ecological quality in Evros river catchment 

(Greek part) and protected biotopes of the river delta. The pollution pressures of the Evros river 

catchment will be recorded and analysed using land use maps, satellite images and aerial 

photographs. The current environmental status of the river will be estimated (from upstream to the 

Delta and the coastal area), the most important environmental problems of the area will be 

examined and the next steps required to solve these problems will be described in detail, aiming at a 

sustainable management and protection of the river and the coastal area. 


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 


Duration: 

96 months 

A phase: 10/12/01-30/06/06 

B phase: 01/07/06-31/12/08 

G phase: 12 months (01/01/08-31/12/09) 


A phase: 78.972,85 € 

B phase: 27.573,49 € 

G phase: 22.500 € 

Study Area: 

Rhodes Island, Greece. 

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. 

97

Environmental friendly technologies for rural development (LIFE-ΕΥΡΩΤΑΣ/ 592). * 



LIFE05 ENV/GR/000245 

Dr N. Skoulikidis 

Funding: EU (50%) & Greek Contribution (50%) 




Study Area: 

Evrotas River Basin – Lakonia Prefecture 

Scientific Team (HCMR): Dr A. Economou, Dr E. Dimitriou, E. Bertahas, K. Gritzalis, G. 

Amaxidis, S. Lashou, I. Karaouzas, S. Zogaris, Th. Koubarda, E. Kolobari, A. Andriopoulou, M. 

Koutsodimou 

Other participants: Technical University of Crete, National Centre for Social Research, 

University of Athens, University of Ioannina, JRC-ISPRA, IGME, Scientact SA 

Brief Description of the Program: The aim of the project is the selection, design and 

implementation of environmental friendly technologies for the minimization of non-point source 

pollution from agricultural lands in conjunction with the development of watershed management 

plans. In the framework of the project a “toolbox” of environmental friendly technologies will be 

demonstrated and integrated in the Evrotas river basin management plan, in line with the Rural 

Development Policy of EU. 

Hydrometeorological data resources and technologies for effective flash flood forecasting - 

HYDRATE (HYDRATE/ 648). 



Funding: 


Dr A. Papadopoulos 

EU (50%) & GSRT (50%) (FP6-STREP) 



Study Area: 

Europe. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr A. Papadopoulos, Dr E. Anagnostou, Dr I. Vamvakas, Dr E. 

Dimitriou, Dr A. Diapoulis 

Other participants: 16 European Research Institutes, NASA (USA) Dr. Th. Chronis (Analysis of 

the meteorological patterns associated to major flash flood events based on remotely sensed data) 

Brief Description of the Program: This project belongs to the category of Specific Targeted 

Research Projects of FP6 and its goal is to improve the scientific basis of flash flood forecasting, 

through understanding of the main flash flood generating processes and their dynamics at the 

regional scale, advancing and harmonising across Europe a common flash flood observation 

strategy and developing and validating a coherent set of technologies and tools for effective early 

warning systems. HCMR is involved in research effort concerning the assessment and improvement 

of radar-based estimation of flash flood generating rainfalls, analysis of the meteorological patterns 

associated to the major flash flood events based on satellite infrared images and high resolution 

radar-based rainfall estimates and the development and assessment of a region-wide dataintegrative 

distributed flash flood forecasting framework. HCMR will also contribute to the 

activities of disseminating the project results. 

98

Advancing the predictability of water cycle through an improved understanding of land 

surface and coastal water processes and optimal integration of models with observational 

data (PreWEC/ 649). 

Contract Number: MEXT-CT-2006-038331 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr A. Papadopoulos 

Funding: 

EU (71,43 %) GSRT (28,57 %) {FP6} 




Study Area: 

Europe 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr A. Papadopoulos, Dr A. Diapoulis, Dr N. Skoulikidis, Dr E. 

Dimitriou, E. Mousoulis, P. Griva 

Brief Description of the Program: This project belongs to the category of Marie Curie Excellence 

Grants (EXT) of FP6 and its goal is to support the establishment of an excellence research team at 

Hellenic Centre for Marine Research. HCMR and the team leader Prof. Emmanouil Anagnostou 

(returning from USA) is to establish a research team aimed at advancing predictability of water 

cycle and coastal ecosystem/pollution and improving the consistency of climate change simulations 

and consequently of our understanding in terms of impacts on water resources. The research team 

will focus on three major thrust areas: (1) hydro-meteorology/water cycle where the team will seek 

to address deficiencies in predictability by building an integrative data-modeling system for the 

simulation of hydrologic quantities and characterizing their uncertainty; (2) coastal 

ecosystem/pollution where the team will research innovative approaches connecting the water cycle 

predictions with soil erosion, wetland discharges, terrestrial inputs of inorganic and organic matter 

in coastal areas, water pollution, and effects on coastal ecosystem structure and dynamics; and (3) 

climate change where the team will seek to enhance the ability of Global Climate Models (GCM) to 

simulate vegetation-atmosphere water flux exchanges, thus improve GCMs’ skill to predict the 

impact of surface hydrological processes on the Earth’s climate system. 

Study of the ichthyofauna and recommendations for its conservation at the development area 

of the hydroelectric dam Skopos-Papadias (ΦΡΑΓΜΑ ΣΚΟΠΟΥ-ΠΑΠΑ∆ΙΑΣ/ 654). * 

Scientific Co-ordinator: Dr M.Th. Stoumboudi 

Scientific Responsible: Dr E. Kalogianni 

Funding: Public Power Corporation, S.A., Generation Division, 

Hydroelectric Projects’ Development Department 




Study Area: 

Geropotamos river, Boras Mountain, Northern Greece. 

Scientific Team: Dr M. Stoumboudi, Dr E. Kalogianni, R. Barbieri, Dr A. Economou, S. 

Giakoumi, S. Zogaris, K. Akepsimaidis, K. Gritzalis, Dr E. Dimitriou, Dr N. Skoulikidis, E. 

Bertahas, S. Laschou 

Other Participants: Y. Chatzinikolaou, Environmentalist, Uwe Dussling and Klaus Blasel, experts 

on fish-based ecological quality assessments 

Project Summary: The project aims at proposing conservation actions for the ichthyofauna of 

Geroporos river, at the Development Area of the Hydroelectric Dam Skopos-Papadias and will 

entail: (1) Collection of all available ichthyological, hydrological, physicochemical and biological 

data and data on human impacts on the study area. (2) Preliminary sampling for the establishment 

of a network of stations, upstream and downstream of the dam. (3) Seasonal fish sampling for one 

99

year, coupled with recording of abiotic parameters. (4) Assessment of fish species’ composition, 

distribution and abundance and the study of their biological and ecological attributes. (5) 

Assessment of the current ecological status of the river in the wider area of the dam construction, 

and the prediction of its status. (6) Identification of the ecological parameters that will be affected 

by the dam construction and formulation of measures for the mitigation of its negative impacts. (7) 

Formulation of proposals for the utilization of fisheries resources. (8) Drafting of a monitoring plan 

for the ecological status of the system. 

Study of the ichthyofauna and recommendations for its conservation at the development area 

of the hydroelectric dam Ilariona (ΕΤΜΕ ΙΛΑΡΙΩΝΑ/ 656). * 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr. A.N. Economou 

Scientific Responsible: S. Zogaris 

Funding: Public Power Corporation, S.A., Generation Division, 

Hydroelectric Projects’ Development Department 




Study Area: 

Aliakmonas River, Northern Greece. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr A. Economou, S. Zogaris, S. Giakoumi, Dr E. Kalogianni, Dr M. 

Stoumboudi, R. Barbieri, Dr E. Dimitriou, E. Kolobari, Dr N. Skoulikidis, G. Amaxidis, A. 

Andriopoulou, T. Kouvarda, M. Koutsodimou, Dr A. Diapoulis, K. Gritzalis, E. Bertahas, S. 

Laschou 

Other participants: Y. Chatzinikolaou, Environmentalist, Uwe Dussling and Klaus Blasel, 

experts on fish-based ecological quality assessments 

Brief Description of the Program: The project aims at proposing conservation actions for the 

ichthyofauna of Aliakmonas river, at the Development Area of the Hydroelectric Dam Ilarionas and 

will entail: (1) Collection of all available ichthyological, hydrological, physicochemical and 

biological data and also data on human impacts on the study area. (2) Preliminary sampling for the 

establishment of a network of stations, upstream and downstream of the dam. (3) Seasonal fish 

sampling for one year, coupled with recording of abiotic parameters. (4) Assessment of fish 

species’ composition, distribution and abundance and the study of their biological and ecological 

attributes. (5) Assessment of the current ecological status of the river in the wider area of the dam 

construction, and the prediction of its status. (6) Identification of the ecological parameters that will 

be affected by the dam construction and formulation of measures for the mitigation of its negative 

impacts. (7) Formulation of proposals for the utilization of fisheries resources. (8) Drafting of a 

monitoring plan for the ecological status of the system. 

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%) 




Study Area: 

Europe 

100

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). 



MIRG-CT-2007-210011 

Dr Th. Chronis 

Funding: EU (71%) & GSRT (28,58%) 




Study Area: 

Europe. 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): Dr T. Chronis, Dr M. Grecu (re-integrating scientist), Dr A. 

Papadopoulos, Dr Ε.Ν. Anagnostou, Dr A. Diapoulis, P. Griva 


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. 

101

5.3. STUDIES 


Wildfire, soil erosion and the risk to aquatic resources: evidence from the burnt Evrotas 

River basin, southern Peloponnese, Greece (ΠΑΡΝΩΝ) (WILD FIRE/ 701). * 

Contract Number: University of Plymouth 0001242 (Blake) 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr N. Skoulikidis 

Funding: 

British Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) 




Study Area: 

Parnon hydrologica basin. 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr N. Skoulikidis, Y. Amaxidis, I. Karaouzas, Th. Kouvarda, Dr E. 

Dimitriou, E. Kolobari, E. Bertahas, S. Lashou, K. Akepsimaidis, IO: A. Papageorgiou. 

Other Participants: (1) University of Plymouth, (2) NAGREF. 

Brief Description of the Study: Study of the effects of wildfires on soil erosion and quality of 

streams. In the framework of the project, erosion and leaching experiments will be carried out with 

a rainfall simulator and the possible effects of ash on water and sediment quality and benthic fauna 

will be assessed. Stream water monitoring will be carried out manually and with the use automatic 

monitoring system to assess the effects of floods on aquatic quality. Sediments will be analyzed for 

their chemical quality and macroinverebrate sampling will be carried out. The results will be 

compared with respective data that our Institute collected before the fires. 

5.4. PROGRAM FOR OFFERING SERVICES 

5.4.1. New Program for Offering Services 

Support Services for Wetland management on Cyprus (ΥΓΡΟΤΟΠΟΙ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ/ 789). 


Funding: 


Dr S. Zogaris 

G. Karabokyri & Associations 



Study Area: 

Selected wetlands on Cyprus 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): Dr S. Zogaris, Dr. A. Diapoulis, Dr. Y. Chatzinikolaou 

Brief Description of the Program: Karavokyris and coworkers A.E., invited HCMR personnel to 

provide advice on management issues concerning selected wetlands on Cyprus, within a larger 

study conducted by the above mentioned company, in order to implement Articles 11, 13, and 15 of 

the Water Framework Directive for the Water Development Department, Ministry of Agriculture, 

Natural Resources and Environment, Republic of Cyprus Water. The result is an advisory 

consultation by selected HCMR personnel for specific wetland biodiversity management issues. 

102

5.5. CONSULTANCE 

5.5.1. New Consultance 

Preliminary assessment of the impacts of an Aeolian park construction in Ag. Dynati, 

Kefalonia, on the Flood risk of the respective catchment (ΑΙΟΛΙΚΟ ΠΑΡΚΟ 

ΚΕΦΑΛΟΝΙΑΣ/ 747). 

Scientific Coordinator: Dr E. Dimitriou 

Funding: 

Elliniki Technodomiki Anemos SA 


Duration: 

2 months 


Study Area: 

Ag. Dynati, Kefalonia. 

Project Participants (ΗCMR): Dr E. Dimitriou, Dr E. Anagnostou, E. Colobari, E. Moussoulis 

Brief Description of the Program: The project constitutes a preliminary investigation for the 

impacts of an Aeolian park in Ag. Dynati, Kefalonia, on the Flood risk of the respective catchment. 

Initially, the current geomorphologic conditions will be studied and mapped while the contribution 

of roads and air generators’ foundation surfaces in the disturbance of the natural landscape will be 

recorded. The hydrologic catchment will be delineated and the current land uses will be mapped. 

The water budget before and after the constructions will be estimated and the hydrographic network 

affected by the constructions will be identified. The amount of surface runoff created by the 

constructions will be estimated and compared with the respective natural values. 

103

104

6. HYDROBIOLOGICAL STATION OF RHODOS 

6.1. RESEARCH PROGRAM 

6.1.1. Continuing Research Program 

Preliminary study on the alien fauna in the marine ecosystem of the south-eastern Aegean 

Sea (ΜΕΛΕΤΗ ΤΗΣ ΠΑΝΙ∆ΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΙΓΑΙΟΥ/ 733). * 


Funding: 


Duration: 

M. Corsini-Foka 

Regional Government of the Dodecanese 

1 year 


Study Area: 

Rhodes 

Scientific team (ΗCMR): HSR: M. Corsini-Foka, Dr A. Sioulas, G.A. Hatiris, S. Kalogirou, G. 

Kondilatos, IO: Dr M.A. Pancucci-Papadopoulou, Dr P. Panayotidis, M. Salomidi, E. Santorinios, 

IMBR: Dr C. Papaconstantinou 

Scientific Consultant Commission: Dr. A. Sioulas, Director of the Hydrobiological Station of 

Rhodes/HCMR, Research Director, Dr. C. Papaconstantinou, Director of the Institute of Marine 

Biological Resources/HCMR, Research Director, Emeritus Prof. P. S. Economidis, Aristotle 

University of Thessaloniki. 

Other participants: Degree and post-degree students. 

Brief Description of the Program: The marine area around Rhodes is representative and is 

considered to be of major importance for all the Mediterranean in relation to the qualitative and 

quantitative study of the alien fauna and also of its impact on the structure and function of the 

coastal ecosystem. Due to the enhancement and expansion of Lessepsianism observed in the 

Dodecanese area the last decade, as well as in all the Levantine, along with the large interest of the 

scientific community of understanding the phenomenon, its extension and effects on the 

equilibrium and productivity of the Mediterranean ecosystem, it is urgent to carry out a preliminary 

study on the alien biota, with emphasis on alien fishes and benthic organisms in the Rhodes region. 

The purpose of the study is to first evaluate the impact of recent and older colonizers on the 

distribution and abundance of native ichthyofauna. The program will create a background of 

knowledge on the actual situation useful for future monitoring and evaluation of quantitative and 

qualitative changes in fish catches and analysis of the interactions between alien and native species. 

Object of the preliminary study here proposed, is the registration of the ichthyofauna and the study 

of the qualitative and quantitative composition of the fish catches in two coastal regions of Rhodes 

island, the Gulf of Trianda, NW coasts, and the area Haraki-Lindos-Pefkoi, SE coasts. Together 

with the fishery activities, it will be studied also the benthic community, which is in large part 

usually discarded, and poorly known, although it plays an important role in the marine food web 

and in the maintenance of equilibrium in the marine ecosystem. 

105

106

7. CRETAQUARIUM – “THALASSOKOSMOS” 

7.1. STUDY 

7.1.1. Continuing Study 

Study of feasibility – viability for founding of Aquarium* 

Scientific Coordinator: M. Papadakis 

Funding: 

Prefecture of Achaia 


Duration: 

6 months 

Total Budget: 30.000€ 

Study Area: 

Achaia 

Scientific Team (ΗCMR): M. Papadakis 

Other Participants: “ETAM A.E.” with the sum of 10.000€ + VAT 

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. 

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2009 Research Programmes of the HCMR - Hellenic Centre for ...

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