AP Marine is undertaking the next phase of the MPA4Change programme with the implementation of robust monitoring protocols at Cavo Greco MPA, Cyprus. These monitoring efforts aim to contribute tracking and enhancing the resilience of Mediterranean MPAs to climate change, fostering long-term sustainability.
As part of the ongoing MPA4Change project, AP Marine Environmental Consultancy Ltd. has started the implementation of specialized monitoring protocols across Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Focusing on Cavo Greco MPA in Cyprus, AP Marine is actively working to track the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems and gather valuable data to inform conservation strategies.
In an ongoing effort to better understand and manage the marine ecosystem of the Cavo Greco MPA, a series of comprehensive monitoring programmes have been implemented. These initiatives focus on five distinct protocols aimed at capturing crucial environmental data and assessing the impacts of climate change on local biodiversity.
MPA4Change Monitoring Protocols
Deployment of loggers in Cavo Greco MPA – Photo by AP Marine.
The deployment of water temperature loggers facilitates continuous data acquisition on thermal variability, enabling researchers to analyse seasonal and interannual temperature fluctuations within the MPA. This data is critical for detecting oceanographic trends that may influence species distribution and ecosystem stability.
Additionally, standardized fish census surveys are conducted using statistically rigorous sampling techniques to assess the abundance and diversity of key indicator species. These species act as biological sentinels, responding to environmental changes in ways that can signal broader ecosystem shifts. By monitoring these populations, scientists can detect early signs of climate-induced stressors, such as habitat degradation, food web disruptions, and altered reproductive cycles.”
Another crucial aspect of marine conservation involves assessing sponge mortality rates. Researchers from AP Marine have conducted surveys across three distinct sites within the MPA, utilizing quantitative methods to document mortality patterns. These findings play a key role in establishing long-term ecological baselines for Cyprus and the wider Mediterranean basin, contributing to a broader understanding of sponge population dynamics and their response to environmental changes.
The monitoring programme also comprises a protocol focusing on echinoderm populations, particularly sea urchins (URCH). By analysing sea urchin density and size distribution within shallow rocky habitats, researchers seek to elucidate the ecological role of sea urchins in benthic community structuring and their response to environmental fluctuations.
By identifying and studying key species that respond to climate change, we gain invaluable insights into the health of our oceans. Protecting marine biodiversity requires a collaborative approach, involving policymakers, researchers, conservationists, and local communities. Through ongoing research and proactive measures, we can work towards ensuring a resilient and thriving marine environment for future generations.
Building a Long-Term Monitoring Framework
Mass mortality monitoring in Cavo Greco MPA – Photo by Carlos Jimenez.
The monitoring protocols developed through previous programmes, such as MPA Engage, and implemented under the MPA4Change programme will not only be applied at Cavo Greco but will also serve as a model for other Mediterranean MPAs. Through rigorous data collection and continuous analysis, the programme will make a substantial contribution to enhancing climate resilience across the region, offering key insights into the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.
The successful implementation of monitoring programmes at Cavo Greco MPA marks a critical milestone in the MPA4Change programme. Through specialized training, stakeholder engagement, and a long-term commitment to data-driven conservation, AP Marine is helping to build a stronger, more resilient future for Mediterranean MPAs.
Learn how to implement the monitoring protocols through our recently launched Training Programme on climate change adaption in Marine Protected Areas.
