Save the Seagrass:Lemnos Marine Conservation PHASE 2 PLANS!

Phase I Goal Achieved! Research vessel was launched and completed in November!

News and Updates on https://lemnosmarineconservation.org/

Donations are now needed for our awareness campaign with the local and global community and preparing us for Phase II. We are seeking $10,000.

Lemnos Marine Conservation (LMC), https://lemnosmarineconservation.org/ , a nonprofit org. is seeking an additional $10,000 to complete Phase I of the 'Save the Seagrass' marine program and move to Phase II.

The program's initial goal (for which LMC has already raised $33,000 for a research vessel and team, and fuel from Samos to Lemnos round trip) is focused on recording the health of our precious seagrass, a global resource, measuring water temperatures which reflect the health of the seas, collecting data, monitoring marine mammals and documenting coralligenous reef. We are meeting with Lemnos fishermen to hear their valuable observations to create protection and prevention measures in the North Aegean.

Photo: Sea Urchin shell in a seas grass habitat



Starting the week of November 17th, 2024 for 10 days, we will begin the research expedition with our scientific partner, the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation. AIMC, https://archipelago.gr. This will include the community’s input. We are expanding our meetings with interested locals, schools, a workshop for teachers and an overall awareness campaign. We do this to allow the locals, especially the fishermen who have key ecological knowledge, to have their opinions heard and to play a role in their future.

Why seagrass?

Posidonia Oceanica, or Neptune seagrass meadows, the Mediterranean's underwater forests, are crucial ecosystems facing extinction. They shelter over 1,000 marine species, support 300 plant species, and combat climate change by absorbing carbon 35 times faster than tropical rainforests! However, these fragile meadows have declined by 34% in 50 years, threatened by boat anchors and erosion. It can take up to 100 years to regenerate, if at all. With AIMC we will suggest ways to preserve these vital ecosystems.

The Lemnos project will assess the health of existing marine forests to begin the process of creating public moorings so boats know where to anchor safely, avoiding seagrass, and provide guidance to communities on protecting their biodiverse sea life.

We can do this.

You can make a difference.

The data will result in protocols and best practice recommendations for all LEMNOS island residents and visitors of all ages. LMC will work to introduce them to secure a sustainable future.

Photos: A school of fish and the protected Giant Sea Tun in Lemnos favor a seagrass habitat

Where does the money go?

The additional funding we are seeking will help us with our non profit organization to pay for a continued awareness campaign in the community and globally.

Photo: The "Aegean Explorer", the research vessel of Archipelagos Institute

Who are our partners?

Educating our local communities on our coastal ecosystems and engaging our youth comes with a cost. With your help we can continue with our awareness campaign. Please donate.

No amount is too small for our $10,000 goal.

Corporate sponsors, family offices or private organizations will be offered involvement with our subject matter experts AIMC and/or LMC principles.

LMC is a 501c3. Donations are tax deductible in the US.

Thank you in advance for your participation!

Photo: Lemnos underwater

Our US LMC members include Claudia Sherwood-Servidio, Peter Zaharatos, Debra Apruzzese, Despina Pantelias Angelo Zaharatos, George Zaharatos, Chris Zaharatos. Our LMC, Lemnos, Greece marine consultant is Dimitri Tsouvalas.

We are working with the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology and Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University in New Jersey to develop exchange programs for interns to learn about oceanographic research and guest speakers to advocate for marine science research.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and national shrine at the World Trade Center, honors all faiths and has a history of environmental advocacy and will work with us on climate mitigation and understanding the spiritual connection between man and nature.

LMC will provide consumer engagement in the USA on social media, and also on Lemnos.

We are grateful that Web2Learn is supporting this crucial conservation effort! Web2Learn is crafting the communication strategy, creating promotional materials, and coordinating campaign activities in Lemnos.