Ionian Archipelago IMMA
Area Size
9 606 km2
Qualifying Species and Criteria
Common dolphin – Delphinus delphis
Criterion A; B (1); C (1, 2)
Mediterranean monk seal – Monachus monachus
Criterion A; C (1)
Marine Mammal Diversity
Balaenoptera physalus, Tursiops truncatus, Ziphius cavirostris
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Summary
Within the Ionian Archipelago, Endangered Mediterranean common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) suffered a dramatic decline between 1995 and 2007. Monitoring done in subsequent years, together with numerous reports of opportunistic sightings provided by collaborating partners and researchers, has shown that they likely roam across a much wider area around the Archipelago. This area also features one of the most important areas globally for the Endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), with an estimated 5.7% to 9.2% of the global population. Breeding habitats used for pupping have been well documented in the area.
Description of Qualifying Criteria
Criterion A – Species or Population Vulnerability
The Mediterranean subpopulation of common dolphin is classified as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The species is also listed in Appendix I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), in Appendix II (Strictly Protected Fauna Species) of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention), and in Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC).
The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus is a pinniped assessed as Endangered [EN C2a(i)] in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Previous monitoring surveys have provided a population estimate between 30 and 40 individuals for the Ionian islands. However, more recent studies provide a higher population estimate around 37 to 60 individuals in the area. Surveys have been carried out on mapping and assessing the Mediterranean monk seal shelter/marine caves that constitute the main terrestrial habitat of the species, in terms of suitability as a breeding areas by many collaborating organisation and researchers.
Criterion B: Distribution and Abundance
Sub-criterion B1: Small and Resident Populations
There is strong evidence of common dolphins being regularly present, showing various degrees of site-fidelity, within the limits of the area described. Photo-identification effort conducted in the Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago between 1995-2015 resulted in 205 photo-identified common dolphins. Of those, 69 individuals were seen only once. From the remaining 136 dolphins, 64 showed a relatively strong site-fidelity. Eleven individuals were newly identified during the last decade. Only 61 common dolphins that were regularly identified throughout the period 1995-2003 were also occasionally identified in the Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago in subsequent years. The last two surveys conducted beyond the Inner Ionian Sea Archipelago have resulted in more than 20 recaptures of dolphins firstly identified in the Archipelago and a few dozens of new individuals not previously known.
Criterion C: Key Life Cycle Activities
Sub-criterion C1: Reproductive Areas
Presence of calves has been regularly observed in the common dolphin groups. Over 25 years of photo-identification effort have provide insight into the life cycle and reproductive rates and success of identifiable individuals.
The Ionian Archipelago is an area where breeding of the local population of Mediterranean monk seal is well observed and documented. According to recent reports the Ionian islands have at least 194 resting and 2 breeding shelters recorded for the species. The area including the IMMA has been assessed on its significance by Archipelagos since the early 90’s. Surveys have been carried out on mapping and assessing the Mediterranean monk seal shelter/marine caves that constitute the main terrestrial habitat of the species, in terms of suitability as a breeding areas. Previously a pup that was found orphaned in Cephalonia was rescued, rehabilitated and released in 2009.
Sub-criterion C2: Feeding Areas
During group-follows of behavioural data collection, common dolphin groups have been frequently observed surface-feeding. Published research studies have looked at the competition for fish resources between locally abundant common dolphins and the active fishing fleet. Fisheries management measures have been proposed not only to protect an increasingly fragile common dolphin population but also to try to benefit a significant part of the local community in this largely fisheries-dependent region.
Supporting Information
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