Research Directions:
Ecology and ecosystem management
Description:
At the Pylos site measures were undertaken to restore habitats and control tourist and visitor access along the sand dune system, as well as to prevent catastrophes in the event of oil spills in Navarino Bay. The project was to improve habitat quality by reducing disturbance and illegal hunting pressure. Populations of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) were to be conserved by protecting and managing nesting areas. The project worked for the benefit of waterfowl by restoring prime threatened habitat and preventing nesting failures caused by changing water levels. It also tried to alleviate the effects of cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) on fisheries and prevent negative public reaction towards fish-eating birds. At the Evrotas site the LIFE project was to protect and restore sand dunes from erosion and habitat destruction, and monitor agricultural activity in order to prevent any further reduction in the area and quality of waterfowl habitat through the expansion of cultivated land at the expense of wetland. It also tried to maintain the loggerhead turtle population and to bring about its long-term increase.