Lemnos is an island in the North Aegean with a total area of 476 km² and a coastline of 263 km. The island’s population is 16,000 permanent residents, with its largest town, Myrina, located on the western side. In the northeastern part of the island lies the protected Natura 2000 area, known as “Chortarolimni - Limni Alyki kai Thalassia Periochi”. This area covers 183.2 km² and includes one of the largest Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows in the Eastern Mediterranean, designated as a “Priority Habitat” under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC.
iSea began working in the area in 2022, in collaboration and with the support of Blue Marine Foundation, implementing numerous actions, including the most detailed mapping of the Posidonia meadow to date. The meadow extends beyond the boundaries of the Natura 2000 site, covering a total of 83.7 km², of which 67.35 km² fall within the protected area. Another distinctive feature of this coastal zone is the presence of sandhills, sand dunes, and three natural salt lakes, with Aliki being the largest natural salt lake in Greece. These salt lakes, like the Posidonia meadow, are listed as “Priority Habitats” according to Annex I of Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC.
The area hosts an extensive list of species of interest, with 19 species recorded in total. Furthermore, loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) have been observed (Strachinis, 2016), and shells of young individuals have been found, suggesting that the Posidonia meadow may serve as a nursery ground (Kasparek, 1991). The area is also considered important for migratory birds and has been designated as an “Important Bird Area” (IBA). Recently, it was also recognized as an “Area of Interest” for sharks and rays, particularly for the Critically Endangered (CR) angelshark species, Squatina squatina and Squatina aculeata, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The local economy is mainly based on agriculture, livestock farming, and small-scale coastal fisheries (with 220 professional fishing vessels on the island). Tourism, although increasing in recent years, remains a secondary activity, especially in the northeastern part of Lemnos. The island also attracts visitors with activities like recreational fishing and water sports such as kite surfing, while its northwestern desert landscape is a popular destination.
Therefore, Northeastern Lemnos represents an area of great ecological value for further research and conservation actions, which could shape the roadmap for establishing a “Marine Protected Area” larger than the existing Natura 2000 site. Such an initiative would enhance the protection of marine ecosystems and promote sustainable development, with a focus on preserving the ecosystem while ensuring the well-being of local communities.
In February 2025, iSea, in collaboration with 18 local stakeholders and associations from Lemnos and Lesvos, submitted comments on the Special Environmental Study 7B, which concerns the Natura 2000 sites of the Regions of Attica and the North Aegean.
Actions for 2025
You can find our past work in the area below:
You can find the project's reports below:
Collaborators
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Funders
