Amvrakikos gulf

The Amvrakikos Gulf is located in the Ionian Sea, in northwestern Greece, and is a large semi-enclosed gulf with a total surface area of approximately 405 square kilometers. It is connected to the open waters of the Ionian Sea through the Preveza Strait, a narrow and shallow channel approximately 3 kilometers long and 370 meters wide at its narrowest point, significantly limiting water exchange with the open sea.

The Gulf has an average depth of about 30 meters and a maximum depth of 60 meters. It is primarily fed by the Arachthos and Louros rivers, which discharge large quantities of freshwater and sediments. The action of these rivers has led to the formation of extensive deltaic systems and a mosaic of wetlands, including lagoons, salt marshes, reed beds, wet meadows, mudflats, sand dunes, and riparian zones with remnants of riverine forest.

In the northern part of the Gulf, approximately 20 large and small lagoons extend over a total area of about 7,000 hectares, the most important being Tsoukalio, Logarou, and Rodia lagoons. The reed beds and salt marshes of Amvrakikos are the most extensive in Greece and rank among the country’s most productive ecosystems, functioning as natural fish nurseries and as critical feeding and breeding grounds for numerous species.

The area is characterized by strong hydrological stratification throughout the year due to high river inflow and evaporation, resulting in significant fluctuations in salinity and temperature. Consequently, spatial and temporal variations in dissolved oxygen levels are observed, with the western part of the Gulf experiencing seasonal hypoxia and the eastern part seasonal anoxia.

The Amvrakikos Gulf is the largest wetland in Greece and one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean. It has been designated as a National Park and includes two Natura 2000 sites: one Site of Community Importance (SCI) and one Special Protection Area (SPA). Its northern section has been recognized as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. In addition, it has been designated as both an Important Bird Area (IBA), an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA) and an Important Shark.

The Gulf hosts approximately 150 bottlenose dolphins, representing one of the largest populations of the species in the Mediterranean. It is also an important year-round foraging area for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), while the presence of the green turtle has also been confirmed. Furthermore, around 290 bird species have been recorded in the area, 75 of which are considered threatened according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (Management Body of Amvrakikos Gulf). The Gulf also supports significant populations of nine ray species (Aetomylaeus bovinus, Bathytoshia lata, Dasyatis pastinaca, Dasyatis tortonesei, Dasyatis marmorata, Gymnura altavela, Myliobatis aquila, Torpedo marmorata, Torpedo torpedo) and one shark species (Mustelus mustelus) that reproduce within the Gulf. Sveral of these species are classified as threatened or critically endangered in the Globe and in Greece.

Despite its high ecological value, the Amvrakikos Gulf faces significant pressures from pollution due to agricultural runoff and aquaculture activities, eutrophication, habitat degradation, and overfishing, including illegal small-scale trawling activities, as reported by local fishers.