Coralligenous Ecosystems around Fourni Island Officially Recognised and Protected

“The globally significant coralligenous ecosystems in the Fourni island complex have now been officially designated as a protected natural formation and landscape.”

This marks a key milestone for marine conservation efforts in Greece, as it is the first time coralligenous ecosystems have received formal legal protection. Although relevant legislation existed for decades, it had never been enforced until now.

The coralligenous ecosystems of the Fourni island complex are among the most ecologically rich yet least explored marine habitats in the Mediterranean. Found at depths of 60-150 meters, these underwater structures have formed over centuries or even millennia and serve as vital habitats for a rich marine biodiversity. So far, over 300 species across 113 taxonomic genera have been identified, and our research continues, as there are many more to be discovered. Red gorgonians (Paramuricea clavata) and black coral (Antipathella subpinnata) form extensive marine animal forests beneath these seas. The ecosystems are of international environmental importance and remain a central focus of our ongoing scientific efforts. This achievement follows years of ongoing research by Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, in close collaboration with the Municipality of Fourni, local fishermen, and scientific partners, including Oceana, Under the Pole, andIonian University. Supported by the Costas M. Lemos Foundation and Pure Ocean, this effort was executed without any public funding. This research is ongoing, aiming to gather further data about these remote, understudied, yet ecologically critical marine ecosystems.