Following the completion of the Paralimni marina Environmental Impact Assessment (see previous EIA project), MER prepared a monitoring plan that could be used evaluate the project effects in the marine environment, ensuring that unforeseen, significant and adverse environmental impacts are identified and mitigated. We were happy to be informed that MER was trusted again and […]
Invasions by non-indigenous species (NIS) are rapidly changing the Mediterranean marine ecosystems, with the number of established species exceeding the 600, since 2017. Some NIS become invasive when they cause negative ecological effects. Invasive NIS have also become a major social issue impacting human health and interacting with recreational activities and aesthetic values. A number […]
Seagrass species, such as Posidonia oceanica, are particularly susceptible to ocean warming and have undergone extensive thermal stress, mortality, and range contraction over recent decades. The Mediterranean has experienced rapid warming, 2–3 times faster than the average global ocean over the past three decades. Marine heatwaves have impacted central populations of P. oceanica and studies […]
The Indo-Pacific origin lionfish Pterois miles has invaded the Mediterranean Sea in 2012 through the Suez Canal. The limited natural predators of lionfish in its newly introduced habitats, naïve prey, generalist predation and adaptability, and rapid growth rates, have led to a rapid population spread and expansion of its distribution to the entire eastern basin. […]
MER is looking for an ambitious individual who wants to become part of our team and work hard together to achieve a better understanding of the marine ecosystems. The individual needs to be fluent in both Greek and English and hold several skills that can allow him/her to succeed in a demanding but exciting work […]
MER continue increasing awareness and educating the public about the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS), their impacts, and the role of citizens in helping monitor and combat invasive species. Specifically, on September we met with Telegraph journalist, Mr Nick Squires, in Cyprus and we discussed the problem of invasive species spread, met with fishers and […]
Posidonia oceanica at Amathounta ancient port The work activities at Amathounta ancient port, as part of the Interreg EU project ΑνΔιΚαT (https://andikat.eu/), have been subject to discussion and scrutiny over the recent months, and as MER we feel obligated to state our opinion and role in the matter. When we first found out about the […]
The first reports from Cyprus in 2012-2013 marked the beginning of the uncontrolled invasion that we have been witnessing ever since. A ferocious invader with venomous spines that protect it from predators, rapid reproduction, early maturity, rapid growth, huge appetite and generalist behaviour, the lionfish is becoming alarmingly abundant in the eastern Mediterranean; threatening […]
Elective affinities or random choice within the seagrass holobiont? The case of the native Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile and the exotic Halophila stipulacea (Forssk.) Asch. from the same site (Limassol, Cyprus) Seagrasses provide many benefits to our ecosystems, they effectively capture and store carbon, act as wave breakers, and produce huge amounts of oxygen […]
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been widely promoted as an essential tool for preserving fisheries resources, recovering marine biodiversity and ecosystem properties. The EU Biodiversity Strategy targeted a 30% of the EU Sea to be protected by 2030 including a 10% of strictly protected areas (no fishing allowed). However, little is known about the […]