Amvrakikos Alliance
Stronger Together for a Sustainable Future
The importance of Amvrakikos Gulf
The Amvrakikos Gulf is one of the most important ecosystems in Greece with a special ecological value both nationally and internationally. The north side is part of the Ramsar Network since 1975, while several development projects in the 1980s affected the ecological character of this wetland site and resulted in the inclusion of the site in the Montreux Record in 1990. It was only in 2008 that the Amvrakikos Wetlands National Park was founded (Government Gazette 123/D‘/21-03-2008).
In 2006 the Gulf and the wetlands were confirmed as a Site of Community Importance (SCI- GR 2110001) and in 2011 the lagoοns of the north coast were designated as a Special Area for Conservation for Birds (SPA- GR2110004) under national Law (3937/31-3- 11/OJ 60 A). In addition, Amvrakikos Gulf has been delineated as an Important Bird Area, an Important Marine Mammal Area and more recently as an Important Shark and Ray Area. Finally, the North part has been identified as a Key Biodiversity Area but an expansion is required at the borders of the National Park.
Biodiversity
Fisheries
Commercial fisheries operating in the study area include only small-scale fisheries working mainly with set nets (i.e., trammel and gill nets). According to the Royal Fishing Law 23.3/8-4-53 trawling and purse-seining have been prohibited within the Gulf all year round since 1953.
Despite the traditional importance of fishery in Amvrakikos Gulf, limited information on the official historical fisheries data is available.
Threats
By-catch
Bycatch in Amvrakikos Gulf affects sharks, rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. Proper handling reduces mortality, while fishers’ cooperation is crucial for conservation
Pollution
The water quality of Amvrakikos Gulf is rapidly declining due to agricultural runoff, sewage, and aquaculture. High DDT levels in dolphins indicate a toxicological issue, while trace elements pose risks to marine predators. Ongoing monitoring is crucial.
Hypoxia
Amvrakikos Gulf is a semi-enclosed embayment facing severe hypoxia and anoxia due to fertilizers, fish farming, and sewage. Deoxygenation limits marine life and forces fishers into shrinking fishing grounds, increasing competition.
Human pressure
Human activities in Amvrakikos Gulf threaten wildlife and fisheries. Habitat loss, illegal hunting, and power line collisions endanger waterbirds, while increasing boat traffic and unregulated dolphin-watching impact marine life. Illegal fishing and an aging fishing sector add further challenges.
Climate change
Climate change threatens Amvrakikos Gulf’s wildlife and fisheries. Rising sea levels, freshwater loss, and ocean acidification impact waterbirds, dolphins, and elasmobranchs, while warming seas disrupt fish stocks and local fisheries.
Amvrakikos Alliance partners