Projects
In addition to our primary objectives of outreach and education, we are dedicated to gaining a deeper understanding of the marine environment along the coastline of Plakias. Our approach involves daily data collection, monitoring and restoration efforts focused on local seagrass meadows, and the facilitation of Bachelor’s and Master’s theses.
Furthermore, we collaborate with scientists from around the world to organize sampling projects and share our valuable data. We take pride in our involvement in various publications and theses. If you share our passion for marine research and would like to explore collaborative opportunities, please feel free to reach out to us via email at crete(at)dive2gether.com.
Seagrass monitoring and restoration
One of our initial endeavours was the monitoring of the fascinating Neptune Grass (Posidonia oceanica), an endemic seagrass species. In the picturesque Souda Bay, we invite certified divers to join us in collecting valuable data on shoot density (shoots/m2). Ever dreamt of becoming a citizen scientist? Seize the opportunity by participating in our Marine Biology Activity! Seagrass meadows are not just ordinary habitats; they are crucial ecosystems globally. The Neptune Grass, in particular, plays a pivotal role in the Mediterranean Sea. These meadows serve a variety of functions, akin to a tropical coral reef.
In 2022, we were honoured with the Hans and Lotte Hass Preis from the Haus des Meeres in Vienna, kickstarting a critical restoration project. Following the method developed by Piazzi and colleagues, we strategically place geo-mats in degraded seagrass areas, replanting naturally uprooted fragments. We collect fragment data pre-planting and conduct regular monitoring each spring and autumn. In 2022, we planted 235 fragments across two patches (Mat A and B), and in 2023, with the addition of Mat C, we planted 240 fragments. A monitoring dive in October 2023 revealed that most fragments remain in place and are thriving, showcasing the success of our restoration efforts.
Alien vs. Native
Monitoring the Impact of Non-Indigenous Species in the Mediterranean Sea
Since the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, numerous species from the Red Sea and Indo-Pacific region have found their way into the Mediterranean Sea, earning them the label of non-indigenous or non-native species, commonly referred to as aliens. The influx of these species, particularly when their population increases dramatically, has the potential to reshape the marine environment. Altered food webs, local extinction of native species, and the complete grazing of algal cover to reveal bare rock are among the observable consequences. In response, our extensive diving team serves as ambassadors for the sea, utilizing their unique position to monitor population densities of both non-native and vulnerable native species. Each guide or instructor within our team conducts a species count during every fun dive, allowing us to track changes in the local species composition. This proactive approach helps us maintain a comprehensive overview of the delicate balance between alien and native species in the Mediterranean ecosystem.
Publications
2023
Gaining a (tube) foothold – trends and status following two decades of the long-spined echinoid Diadema setosum (Leske, 1778) invasion to the Mediterranean Sea.
Rotem Zirler, Lynn Angele Leck, Tamar Feldstein Farkash, Martina Holzknecht, Andreas Kroh, Vasilis Gerovasileiou, Mehmet Fatih Huseyinoglu, Carlos Jimenez, Vasilis Resaikos, Mehmet Baki Yokes and Omri Bronstein
Front. Mar. Sci. 10:1152584. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1152584
2022
The molluscan assemblage of a pristine Posidonia oceanica meadow in the eastern Mediterranean.
Martina Holzknecht & Paolo G. AlbanoMarine Biodiversity (2022) 52:59,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12526-022-01292-2
2021
Numerous new records of tropical non-indigenous species in the Eastern Mediterranean highlight the challenges of their recognition and identification.
Paolo G. Albano, Jan Steger, Piet A. J. Bakker, Cesare Bogi, Marija Bošnjak, Tamar Guy-Haim, Mehmet Fatih Huseyinoglu, Patrick I. LaFollette, Hadas Lubinevsky, Martina Mulas, Martina Stockinger, Michele Azzarone, Bruno SabelliZooKeys (2021) 1010: 1-95
2019
The rhizome layer of Posidonia oceanica: an important habitat for Mediterranean brachiopods.
Paolo G. Albano & Martina Stockinger
Marine Biodiversity (2019) 49:2467–2472
2018
New records of non-indigenous molluscs from the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Jan Steger, Martina Stockinger, Angelina Ivkić, Bella S. Galil and Paolo G. Albano
BioInvasions Records (2018) Volume 7, Issue 3: 245–257
2016
Der Schermesserfisch (Xyrichtys novacula) (GE)
Martina Holzknecht (former Stockinger)
Bachelor’s and Master’s theses
For further information or to request access to any of the theses below, reach out to us via email at crete(at)dive2gether.com. We welcome your inquiries and interest.
2023
Zagon, Pauline: Untersuchungen zur Mikroplastikkontamination beim Indischen Feuerfisch (Pterois miles) südlich von Kreta (2023).
Haugwitz, Antonia: Untersuchungen zur Mikroplastikkontamination bei Drachenköpfen (Scorpaena spp.) südlich von Kreta (2023).
2022
Seitz, Lilli: Fotoidentifikation des invasiven Rotfeuerfisches (Pterois miles) an der Südküste Kretas (Dragons Nose, Black Rock und Souda Rock) - Evaluation von Fotoidentifikation mit Hinblick auf Management Strategien (2022).
2021
Halt, Simon: Fotoidentifikation des invasiven Rotfeuerfisches (Pterois miles) an der Südküste Kretas (Paligemnos Wall & Grand Gate) - Eine Methodenevaluation von mit Bezug auf Management Strategien (2021).
Liese, Nadine: Untersuchung von Umweltproben auf Mikroplastikkontamination an der Südküste Kretas (2021).
2020
Niermann, Joshua: Videogestützte Erfassung von Flora und Fauna mit einem ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) im Mittelmeer - Eine Methodenevaluation (2020)
2019
Von der Eye, Maruschka: Untersuchungen zur Mikroplastikkontamination in Sedimenten und Meerbarben (Mullus sp.) an der Südküste Kretas (2019).