The Research Centre for Cetacean Rescue and Care “ARION” and the “Ionian Environment Foundation” (IEF) joined forces for the implementation of the educational programme entitled: “Marine Mammal Strandings Responders: the Ionian Sea Network Project (MMSR)”.
The first training cycle of the project is in full swing with Corfu as a springboard. The training cycle marks the start of the operational phase of the MMSR project on the Ionian Islands with specific cetacean strandings management courses and field activities. The programme of each training includes theoretical and practical parts and is addressed to service managers, scientists, students and concerned citizens who wish to actively contribute.
These actions are part of a wider initiative that will be extended to Lefkada and Kefalonia, creating strategic pillars of trained local groups throughout the Ionian Sea.
The Corfu-based IEF, in particular, is expected to become a key reference pillar for the local Ionian Cetacean Pest Management Groups (IONG) in cooperation with “ARION” and the established National Network for Monitoring and Response to Marine Wildlife Spoilage by the Ministry of Environment.
The Ionian ODEKs will be created in accordance with the requirements of the current institutional framework of the Ministry of Environment (F.E.K. 3376/B’/19-5-2023) which concerns the “Measures for the operation of a nationally coordinated network for the monitoring and management of marine wildlife extinctions” and the current Cetacean Action Plans (Government Gazette 73/B’/17-1-2025
The first dates and locations of the two-day seminars are:
– North Corfu – 23 & 24 May 2025, at the Municipal Hall of Kouloura, Municipality of North Corfu
– Zakynthos – 30 & 31 May 2025, at the Department of Environment, Ionian University
We are proud to see the project taking shape, bringing together executives of relevant stakeholders, scientists, local MKOs and citizens in the effort to strengthen the National Network for Monitoring and Response to Marine Wildlife Extinctions and the protection and management of marine mammal species extirpated in our country.
