Stalk the Dolphin

This summer, while on the pier on the Greece island of Lipsi, a group of three volunteers strolled along introducing themselves as part of a non-profit organization local to the island. They were from Archipelagos, an institute for marine conservation aiming to defend and protect the biodiversity of the Northeastern Mediterranean, focusing especially on the Greek seas and islands. Their activities range from education, for instance through their Youtube Channel; over conservation community engagement, for instance through beach-cleanups; to applied scientific research, mainly on the interaction between fisheries and marine wildlife.

In addition to introducing themselves, they gave us a small card, explaining that if we saw some marine wildlife while sailing, we could report it on their website.

By scanning the QR-code on the card you will end up on their eco-navigation site, where Archipelagos gives tips to those vacationing in the area on how to do so while respecting the marine biodiversity. Additionally, and this is also the reason why they are featured on Green Mirror, you can report your observations in a "citizen science database". There you can fill out an online form with the description of the animals you observed, upload any photos you might have taken and report the coordinates of the sighting. You can also do this for things that can endanger the animals, such as oil spills or large amounts of plastic. Finally, Archipelagos gives plenty of information on what animal species to look out for (dolphins, seals, sea turtles, but also some invasive species such as the poisonous Golden Putterfish).

This kind of tool that helps conservationists keep track of their wildlife through non-scientists is a great example of how thanks to digital innovations many more people have a chance to play a part (even if small) in the conservation efforts. In fact, our second article was about a technique that helps identify wild cheetas thanks to the footprints photographed by tourists.

What is the impact of this?

• Well, using a citizen science tool such as Archipelago's eco-navigation, definitely helps those relying on up-to-date information on what they study. It also enables organizations with (probably) limited resources to focus on things other than

• Another cool side effect is that if you as a vacationer can see where many sightings have already been made, and go there to have a higher chance of seeing animals. On the bottom of the eco-navigation site you can find a map and details on every sighting made to date, publicly available for everyone.

Extract from the sightings map on the West side of Lipsi, Greece

What can you do?

• If you have a special connection to the (Greek) marine wildlife or simply want to support their work, you can of course donate to Archipelagos.

• And of course, if you happen to be around the Aegean sea, don't forget to look out for dolphins & Co.