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Sailing Yacht Charter in Greece

Marine Life in the Greek seas

The Greek seas are perhaps not as abundant in sea life as one would expect. This is mainly because the Mediterranean is not tidal, and therefore there is a dearth of plankton which feeds and sustains most marine life. Also, Greek fishing practices, such as the use of dynamite (now heavily penalised), have seriously depleted fish stocks, and the innocent dolphin and seal have often been forced to carry the blame. However, there's still a good chance that you may catch a glimpse of any of the following: Dolphins, whales, turtles, seals, flying fish, swordfish, tuna and sunfish.

Marine mammals
Stories of dolphins abound in Greek mythology and since. Sacred ancient sites, like the Oracle at Delphi, are said to have been built in honour of the dolphin. And while most yachtsmen can expect to be greeted by a school of dolphins at some point during his travels, sadly, there are no longer as many as there used to be. One of the main reasons is that the striped dolphin in the Aegean has recently become the victim of murbilivirus, which affects the immune system. You can get more information about dolphins from the Greek Society for the Prtoection & Study of Dolphins & Cetaceans (tel: 0210 4223305, email: delphis@hol.gr)

If you're lucky you may even get to see a small whale. They do occasionally come into Greek waters. I saw one myself a few years ago on a delivery from Skiathos to Athens. We were going down the outside of Evia when suddenly I heard this huge noise. At first I thought we must have hit a rock and then I saw a spout of water rising barely five meters ahead of us. Of course, the whale meant us no harm and I immediately reported its sighting through Hellas Radio. Over the next few weeks, quite a few whales managed to get themselves beached in various parts of Greece. I believe most were successfully returned to the sea.

Europe's most endangered mammal, and the twelfth most endangered animal in the world, the monk seal, (monachus monachus) was once very common but is now on the brink of extinction in Europe, where there are about 400 left. Half of these live in Greece, mainly in the Aegean. There is a rescue centre in Alonissos and the islands of Piperi and Gioura in the Northern Sporades have been converted into sea park, where people and boats are not allowed to go. The main threat to their survival is the destruction of their habitat and occasional accidental trapping in fisherman's nets.

Contact the Hellenic Society for the Study & Protection of the Monk Seal or visit their website if you wish to make a contribution to their cause. (Email: info@mom.gr Tel: 0030 10 5222 888)

Dangerous marine life
Sharks do appear from time to time in Greece, but not the dangerous Great White type. I've seen a couple of small ones myself, and fisherman have been known to bring them in, but there hasn't been a single recorded case of fatal shark attack on a human being, and on the whole, they are shy and avoid people. Still, I can't imagine there are many of us who would feel comfortable swimming in waters where sharks have been sighted. Their rarity shouldn't put you off swimming in Greece though.

Jellyfish are perhaps the biggest problem to swimmers, although only some of them sting and only very few are dangerous. The most common jellyfish, transparent and round, often found near beaches in late summer, can have a light sting and put you off swimming. Other kinds of jellyfish which can inflict severe and painful stings are thankfully, rarely seen

Sea Urchins are another problem in rocky areas or in some shallow areas, to swimmers. Although they do not jump out and grab you, and they contain no poison as such, if you step on their spines, it's very difficult to get them out and the wounds may become infected.

Stingrays and Weever fish - perhaps the worst case scenario if you happen to step on one of these could be death, apparently, or even local paralysis. I've never heard of anyone being a victim of one but the guide books all mention them. They apparently hide in the sand with their fins protruding. These fins are covered in spines which can inject the venom. If infected bathe the foot in hot water and seek medical help immediately.

Octopus - These are not dangerous at all. They are shy. But they go very nicely grilled with a bit of tsipouro or ouzo!

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