HELMEPA: New ‘Sea Guardians’ Program to Protect Marine Life, Prevent Pollution

The Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA) is coordinating the new Sea Guardians program, a new initiative aiming to protect the seas and collect data on marine protected species and pollution hot spots.

The program is implemented in collaboration with the Aenaos Thalassa organization and the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (N.E.C.C.A) with the scientific contribution of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

The aims of the program will be pursued through the training on marine environmental awareness, fishing and sea tourism of those involved in maritime activities, professionals and amateurs, including fishermen, skippers, crews and other boat users, Hellenic Coast Guard officers etc.

The program includes:

– webinars on the marine environment, fishing and sea tourism
– a laboratory (e-lab) for targeted groups
– an interactive two-day training event for fishermen with seminars, workshops and underwater cleanup activities
– a two-day conference to take place at the National Marine Park of Alonissos in  Northern Sporades.

HELMEPA to launch e-Observatory for marine life

Meanwhile, HELMEPA has announced the launch of an e-Observatory with the aim to collect valuable scientific data for the protection of marine life and prevent pollution.

More specifically, the program foresees the development of a mobile app that will be available for free to fishermen, Coast Guard officers, pleasure craft users and passengers. The app will enable them to identify and record marine protected species and / or sources of pollution and forward the information to the scientists in charge of the project.

More information on the program is available at www.sea-guardians.gr.