Expedition 2014-2015

Edited by Johnny Coyle and Jade McClelland

Cyprus ExpeditionC/o Stewart White School of Life SciencesGraham Kerr BuildingUniversity of GlasgowG12 8QQ

Email: GUCyprusExpedition@gmail.com

Table of ContentsCyprus, Glasgow University Ex-Soc Expedition 2014-2015........................................0

Forward:......................................................................................................................3

Introduction.................................................................................................................4

The Turtlewatch Project..............................................................................................5

Main Objectives of the Expedition...............................................................................8

i) Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation......................................................8

ii) Public Education................................................................................................9

iii) Wider Scientific Investigation.......................................................................10

iv) Opportunities for the Expedition Team.........................................................10

Project Proposals for 2014-2015...............................................................................11

Turtle Conservation efforts:...................................................................................11

Masters Level Projects..........................................................................................13

Investigating the effects of Coastal Defence Strategies on the distribution of Posidonia oceanica beds and their associated benthic species diversity in Limassol and Episkopi, Southern Cyprus..........................................................13

A Baseline study of Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea distribution in Southern Cypriot waters....................................................................................................17

Marine turtle conservation in a military zone: potential benefits of hybrid landscapes.........................................................................................................22

Team Members and Roles........................................................................................26

Jade McClelland (Expedition Leader)...............................................................26

Johnny Coyle (Expedition Leader, Project Supervisor)......................................26

Claire Morgen (Treasurer, Project Supervisor)..................................................27

Suzanne McCarthy(Treasurer)...........................................................................27

David Stevens (Publicity Convenor)...................................................................27

Mia Traivalkoski (Grant Secretary).....................................................................28

Nadia French (Project Supervisor).....................................................................28

Logistical Considerations..........................................................................................29

Timing and Location..............................................................................................29

Accommodation.....................................................................................................29

Transport...............................................................................................................29

Transport to Cyprus:..........................................................................................29

Transport within Cyprus:....................................................................................29

Safety Considerations...........................................................................................29

Insurance...........................................................................................................29

Expedition Advisers...............................................................................................30

Collaborators in Cyprus.........................................................................................30

Financial Considerations...........................................................................................31

Costings.............................................................................................................31

Funding..............................................................................................................31

General References/ Biblography:..............................................................................1

Forward:The purpose of this document is to aid in the planning and organization of the

University of Glasgow, Exploration Society’s expedition to Cyprus, proposed for the

summer of 2015. In addition to introducing the members of the expedition, this

document will also outline the projects that we hope to undertake during the course

of the expedition. The expedition will be organized by members of the University of

Glasgow Exploration Society and will follow up on work conducted by the previous

expeditions to Cyprus as well as introducing a number of new projects in an attempt

to make the expedition more current and topical in light of contemporary literature

The expedition has the full support and approval of the Ministry of Defence

(MOD) Cyprus Wildlife Section and will be working in conjunction with RAF Akrotiri

and the Sovereign Base Area Environmental Department.

Introduction

The 2015 University of Glasgow Expedition to Cyprus will focus on conservation

efforts of marine turtles, particularly Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas, on the Akrotiri

peninsula within the confines of the Sovereign Base Administration Area (SBAA) and under

the auspices of Turtlewatch Akrotiri. These conservation efforts exist throughout the year

but with the bulk of nesting occurring in June and early July, the expedition will assist in the

provision of conservation with respect to this. The expedition also has 3 Masters level

students who intend to conduct research on elements of the surrounding marine habitats

and the perception of the conservation efforts. It is intended this research will add to the

existing body of published academic research surrounding their respective topics

Marine turtles can be found in seas worldwide,

nesting on tropical and sub-tropical beaches. For

example, the Loggerhead turtle (C.caretta, Fig 1) and the

Green turtle (C.mydas) can be found nesting on beaches

in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Libya and most recently, Italy.

The females of these species will always return, in the

evening, to their natal beach (that is the one on which

they were born) to lay their clutch of eggs. However, due

to the increasing decline in the population of marine turtles over the last century due to

direct and indirect anthropogenic perturbations and contemporary environmental stressors

(climate change & natural variations), fewer and fewer are returning to shore to lay their

eggs. Both C. mydas and C. caretta are classified as endangered by the IUCN (International

Union for the Conservation of Nature and natural resources), meaning that they face a very

high risk of extinction in the near future. Human activities (fishing and pollution: chemical,

light and noise) have been found to deter nesting females from their natal beaches,

resulting in them dumping their eggs in shallow waters, or partaking in false crawls (when

no eggs are laid). These human pressures also have a detrimental effect on the hatchlings,

confusing their sense of direction resulting in many not making it to the sea. Given that

these flagship species are on the endangered species register and a vast majority of

Fig. 1 A new hatchling makes its way from the nest to the sea across an exposed section of

shoreline, (Fairwether 2013)

research exists on their activities in the littoral zone on the sites of interest, interest must

turn to other species within the ecosystem in which they inhabit to determine the full

extent of human activity on their native habitat.

The developing young are also at great risk during the incubation time, where the

disturbance of nests by dogs, foxes and humans on the beaches of Cyprus can have

devastating effects, often resulting in the death of all of the offspring. Hatchlings that do

survive are subject to environmental threats, where predation by seagulls and foxes is highly

prevalent on the nesting beaches, making the journey to the sea hazardous one. Survival

rates at most sites are also adversely effected by contemporary anthropogenic climate

warming, which is placing growing stress on marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean as a

whole and altering vital ecosystem processes and encouraging the influx of non-native

species (Charybdis hellerii, Halophila stipulacea, Zentos et al, 2005). Increasing temperatures

are of particular concern to marine turtles, as their sex ratio is determined by the

temperatures experienced whilst incubating in the nest. Both species C.mydas and

C.caretta, have a pivotal temperature of 29º C, where conditions >29.5o C result in the

production of females and conditions <29.5º C result in the production of males. With the

contemporary threat of global warming the present patterns in Mediterranean ecosystems

are likely to change significantly, threatening species that occupy and rely on these

ecosystems for sustenance and reproduction

The Turtlewatch Project

Turtlewatch is a marine conservation project that was established in 1991 by the

Royal Air Force. The main turtle nesting beaches stretch along the coast of the Sovereign

Base Area. Students of the University of Glasgow have been working with Turtlewatch for

the last sixteen years, and this is the seventeenth year the expedition has been organised by

the Exploration Society of the University of Glasgow.

In previous years the expedition has published work in the academic journal Testudo

(Downey et al., 2003. & Rogers., 2011), highlighting the academic merits of prior

collaborations with Turtlewatch in previous years. These published works have mainly

focused on the conservation efforts of turtles and the relationship between the student

expedition and the efforts of Turtlewatch those in Akrotiri.

During the expedition the participants will be focusing on the scientific investigation

of current marine and coastal management practices that are currently being implemented

on the Akrotiri peninsula whilst continuing the on-going conservation and monitoring of the

turtle population within this area.

Glasgow University Exploration Society is planning a three month expedition to the

Akrotiri peninsula in Southern Cyprus during the summer of 2015. It is planned to run

between the end of May to early July, to coincide with the early summer laying and hatching

period. The team of seven will be on site (Fig 3) in Cyprus for 6-7 weeks.

The expedition has four main aims:

1. To carry out active conservation work on

the Mediterranean turtles nesting on the

beaches within the SBA, Southern Cyprus.

Fig. 2 A new hatchling Reaches the relative safety of the water, (Fairwether 2013)

2. To raise awareness amongst local inhabitants about the need to conserve marine

turtles. This will be achieved by running an

information centre and organising public excavations. Throughout the summer there

will be a strong emphasis on keeping members of the public updated on our

activities.

3. To investigate circumstances surrounding the coastal environment and its

management in the area and produce valid scientific data for use in masters and

undergraduate level research projects.

4. To provide an opportunity for undergraduate students to experience fieldwork that

will be of benefit to them in their future careers

Fig. 3: Map of Cyprus and the SBA. (Website 1)

Main Objectives of the Expedition

i) Marine Turtle Monitoring and Conservation

There are 13 nesting beaches within the SBA, with four main nesting coves situated

on the Akrotiri peninsula. These are hotspots of turtle activity on the island, and have been

monitored for over the last 20 years, as have those located on the RAF base itself. This work

is carried out by students in association with the RAF as they are responsible for activity on

these beaches. The beaches are monitored most mornings between 6.30am and 12 noon,

for signs of turtle activity from the evening before, which will then recorded by both the

expedition leaders and the RAF Turtlewatch coordinator, this data will then be used later in

the season to estimate the hatching date of the nests. Loggerhead turtles begin their

nesting season at the end of May and continue until mid-August, whilst Green turtles begin

nesting at the start of June until the middle of August also. Due to the limited length of the

expedition this year in respect to other years

it will not be possible to continue this

monitoring to the definition that was

achieved in previous years although all

endeavours will be made to monitor these

nests when the team are on site and the data

obtained will represent a key dataset that is

necessary for the expedition

When a nest has been located, it will

be promptly covered with a mesh cage to reduce predation from foxes and dogs (Fig 4),

which inhabit the. Each nest will then be located and numbered by a sign, in both Greek and

English, which warns beach visitors of the presence of the nest. Once the nests have been

distinguished they will be monitored throughout their 7 week incubation period both by the

expedition team and Turtlewatch personnel. In Cyprus, green turtles have been noted to lay

up to 215 eggs and Loggerheads up to 165 eggs, however, the survival number of thee eggs

varies greatly; therefore several steps are taken to increase the numbers of hatchlings that

Fig. 4: A fox is sniffing around a nest site (Fairwether 2013)

survive and the long path to the sea. Whilst the expedition was involved with this

previously, time constraints prevent full involvement in this area of the Turtlewatch project.

ii) Public Education

Public education is a vital part of any

conservation project, and in previous years the

expedition has been successful in increasing

awareness and public participation in the

Turtlewatch project (Fig 5) . An effective way of

encouraging public participation with marine

turtles is to involve the public and wider

community in the nest excavations. Public nest excavations are carried out on the tenth

afternoon after the first natural hatchling emergence. During such excavations, the public

are informed of the need to conserve marine turtles, and the problems which they may face

during their life cycle. The public are also informed of the detrimental impacts humans can

have on the marine turtles populations. The aim of this is to provide a wealth of knowledge

in the surrounding area of the local turtle population and their needs and sensitivities.

As well as these public excavations, the expedition members also run a

shop/information centre on the RAF base on a daily basis, providing information on the

turtles and the projects which Turtlewatch carries out. This shop also sells merchandise to

help raise fund for the Turtlewatch Akrotiri project. Social events such as BBQ’s and beach

walks/presentations will also be organised by the team to raise local awareness and

encourage good relations with the local population so conservation can continue out-with

the expedition remit.

Our main conservation aim is to encourage people to respect their environment and

the animals which share it with us, in particular to promote the need to preserve nature and

to help protect the marine turtles. It is hoped that the work carried out by the students will

Fig. 5: A group from the 2012-13 expedition excavate a nest for a public demonstration (Fairwether 2013)

inspire others to appreciate and care for their surroundings, and ultimately to encourage

them to volunteer on the beaches to help this endangered species.

iii) Wider Scientific Investigation

In the past the expedition has been criticised for its lack of “Hard Hitting” scientific

research and its focus on conservation of the flagship turtle species present on the site. In

an attempt to address this, the 2014-2015 expedition will integrate larger scale marine and

coastline research and monitoring into the expedition that will further inform the existing

knowledge base of the area. These projects will involve the scientific sampling of the marine

environment in order to produce valid datasets that will lend themselves to interpretation.

This will be done with the aim of creating a fuller understanding of the processes that are at

play in the local marine environment potentially feeding into long term ecological and

morphologically sensitive planning agendas and inform decision making.

The expedition team have decided that at least 2 projects that fit these criteria will

be undertaken during the course of the expedition. At present however due to the relative

infancy of the expedition and communications issues with the teams in Cyprus these

projects are still in the early stages and a full, comprehensive plan of this research is at

present unavailable. As this area of the expedition progresses further and the aims of the

relative projects become more defined, interested parties will be informed. At present

however potential projects have been outlined and will be discussed later in this document

iv) Opportunities for the Expedition Team

This Expedition in its long history has provided an opportunity for students across all

years and degree groups to experience the practical aspects involved in the conservation of

marine turtles as well as constitute an opportunity to gather data for degree projects. The

work carried out both during pre-expedition fundraising and organising, and whilst in

Cyprus, will provide these students who are interested in conservation, zoology and marine

sciences with an invaluable skillset which can be carried forward, onto future careers.

Project Proposals for 2015

Our aims for Turtlewatch 2015 focus primarily on the conservation of the turtles but

also on the wider marine and coastal environment and the processes prevalent in these

systems with a view to establish a base of academic research informed by current scientific

knowledge to allow the continuation of academic research in future expeditions. As well as

focusing on three new projects, overseen by Masters students, the expedition team

propose that turtle conservation efforts carried out in the 2013-14 expedition, are

continued into the 2014-15 expedition. The details of these projects are as follows:

Turtle Conservation efforts:The main concern of the project in previous years has been centred around the

conservation and monitoring of turtle conservation efforts in SBAA Akrotiri in South Cyprus.

Over the past 15 years the numbers of male and female turtles that visit and hatch on the

beach have been recorded and it is intended that this research is continued under the

auspices of the Glasgow Ex-Soc, Cyprus Expedition with the assistance of Turtlewatch

Akrotiri. Although the expedition is limited to the early summer and limited study of

hatchlings can be carried out the team involved feel the assistance that this dataset gives

local conservation is invaluable and the monitoring of adult nesting populations is to be

continued.

Previous expeditions and the Turtlewatch Akrotiri staff have outlined the role of fox

and dog predation on spoiling nests representing a significant loss to juvenile turtle

populations. In previous years this has been monitored and submitted in the form of an

undergraduate dissertation in 2013-2014, this will be continued in the contemporary

expedition with the amount of attempts of foxes and the success of each attempt recorded.

This will be done by identifying suspected attempts through sand tracks and also through

the use of motion sensed, night photography equipment. Where possible, attempts will also

be made to quarantine nest sites by digging in cages around the nest as a deterrent to

predation as done in previous expeditions.

It is intended that the datasets obtained from these conservation efforts (and

datasets from previous years) is used for one or more undergraduate dissertation projects

as there is scope for the implementation of experimental designs which can be used to

assess the most effective method of deterrent, or assess the long term effectiveness of this

method of management employing statistical methodologies, comparing the amount of

turtles that return to the beach before and after the use of this management prospective.

Masters Level Projects

Investigating the effects of Coastal Defence Strategies on the

distribution of Posidonia oceanica beds and their associated benthic species

diversity in Limassol and Episkopi, Southern Cyprus.

Overseen by: J. Coyle

Context

Posidonia oceanica is a sea grass species

endemic to the Mediterranean (Fig 1.1), it grows in

the shallow, nearshore environment between 0 and

47 meters depth (Ramos-Esplá, 2007). A wide ranging

body of scientific research has identified beds of this

seagrass species as an important nursery habitat for

larval invertebrates (Kalogirou et al., 2010) and also

as a vital nutrient source for endangered species in

Southern Cyprus (Chelonia mydas & Caretta caretta, Bjorndal, 1997, and Monachus

monchaus, Salman et al., 2001) as well as an important means of sediment accretion and

stabilisation (Bos et al., 2007). Consequently Posidonia beds have been named under the

Eurpean union’s Habitat Directive as a “Priority Natural Habitat Type” (EU, 2007) and so is

protected under European law under this legislation and also under the Water Framework

Directive. As a result of this legislatory cover, P.oceanica and its associated habitat has

come under intense scientific study. This research has focused mainly on the effects of

contemporary anthropogenic disturbance on the distribution of these beds finding that

high levels of sediment movement and the addition of phosphate and nitrates (associated

with fish farming, Holmer et al., 2008) cause an increase in shoot mortality decreasing

extent of beds, adversely affecting ecosystem health and biodiversity. It has been found

that sea grass productivity declines in areas of increased general disturbance (Ruiz &

Romero, 2003). P.oceanica then is a sensitive sea grass species that is vulnerable to

perturbations in natural variability and with global distributions decreasing as a result of

anthropogenic activity and increasing climatic variance (Holmer et al., 2008) it is important

Fig 1.1: a Dense P.oceanica bed situated on the Portuguese Coast. (neustromar.com, 2014)

to better understand the influences on the distribution of this species but also its

effectiveness as a nursery habitat and how this is affected by coastal developments.

Shoreline management plans are employed to mitigate the retreat of coastlines.

These schemes do so by limiting incoming erosive energy and controlling sediment

transport systems. It is then predicted that these schemes will have a profound impact on

seagrass bed health and distribution (through the perturbation of sedimentation regimes,

Bos, et al., 2007, and nutrient availability). It is therefore likely that the presence or

absence of these constructions will have an impact on P.oceanica distribution and health.

Whilst a wealth of research exists concerning the use of seagrass species as a coastal

defence method, relatively little literature exists comparing the effect of “hard” defensive

strategies on the ecosystem health of Posidiona beds and given the importance of this

habitat in the larger Mediterranean ecosystem, a full understanding of the impact of

coastal hard engineering is necessary to feed into future planning and decision making

Aim of Study

The experimental aim of this project will be:

Assess the impact of coastal protection strategies utilised in Southern Cyprus on the

health and distribution of the priority natural habitat; Posidonia oceanica and its use

by marine organisms.

In order for this aim to be achieved it will be broken down into smaller hypothesis

that can be tested allowing an experimental understanding of the relationship between

coastal defence strategies (in particular “hard” shoreline planning) and P.oceanica growth.

Episkopi Limassol

Fig 1.2: Limissol (Cyprus) and Episkopi (UK) separated by the Akrotiri peninsula (Google Map 2014)

Site Information

At present, shoreline retreat at Limassol and Episkopi (Fig 1.2) is threatening

significant built infrastructure and tourism assets (AP Marine Environmental, 2012) and as a

result the coastline around Limassol is heavily defended by a series of defences aimed at the

retention of sediment (Breakwaters and Groynes). With prevailing winds and associated

swell patterns predominately westerly (Powel, 2008) the less developed, Episkopi side of the

peninsula is exposed to moderate wave action, refracting along the coastline, sediment is

however retained by the occurrence of natural hard rock headlands so anthropogenic

shoreline management is minimal along this coast (apart from small site specific shoreline

armouring). These two contrasting sites were selected for study as Limassol demonstrates a

traditional, large scale, hard engineering method of protection whereas the Episkopi site

demonstrated the use of smaller scale management strategies (sea wall and semi-natural

breakwaters). Prior research has also identified the presence of P.Oceanica on both sites

(Episkopi: Marbà et al, 2006 and Limassol: Marba et al., 2008). Discrepancies in the

implementation of shoreline management strategies over a short geographic range will

allow the assessment of the impact of these constructions on the distribution and health of

Posidonia beds and subsequently on the health of ecosystems in general.

Implications of research

Given the importance of P.oceanica habitats status under the EU Habitats Directive

and its importance in nearshore Mediterranean marine ecosystems, as a nursery

environment and a sediment stabiliser, it is important to fully understand how human

activity can influence its distribution in order to facilitate sustainable habitat protection (as

required by the Water Framework Directive). Greater knowledge and understanding the

factors effecting the distribution of Posidiona beds will further facilitate informed decision

making process facilitating more effective and ecologically conscious shoreline management

as well as the potential mitigation of existing project impacts.

References:AP Marine Environmental (2012). Hydrological Study & Further Studies to be incorporated in the Akrotiri Peninsula Management Plan.[Available online 22/12/2014: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/257180317_FINAL_REPORT_June_2012_Hydrological_Study__Further_Studies_to_be_incorporated_in_the_Akrotiri_Peninsula_Management_Plan_(Work_Order_1044844)/file/9c96052498cc5df3b3.pdf

Bjorndal, K. A. (1997). Foraging ecology and nutrition of sea turtles. In: Bjorndal, K.A., Lutz P.L & Musick J.A. eds. The Biology of Sea Turtles, CRC Press, USA, 199-231.

Bos, A. R., Bouma, T. J., de Kort, G. L., & van Katwijk, M. M. (2007). Ecosystem engineering by annual intertidal seagrass beds: sediment accretion and modification. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 74(1), 344-348.

Holmer, M., Argyrou, M., Dalsgaard, T., Danovaro, R., Diaz-Almela, E., Duarte, C. M., ... & Tsapakis, M. (2008). Effects of fish farm waste on Posidonia oceanica meadows: Synthesis and provision of monitoring and management tools. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 56(9), 1618-1629.

Kalogirou, S., Corsini‐Foka, M., Sioulas, A., Wennhage, H., & Pihl, L. (2010). Diversity, structure and function of fish assemblages associated with Posidonia oceanica beds in an area of the eastern Mediterranean Sea and the role of non‐indigenous species. Journal of fish biology, 77(10), 2338-2357.

Marbà, N., Santiago, R., Díaz-Almela, E., Álvarez, E., & Duarte, C. M. (2006). Seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) vertical growth as an early indicator of fish farm-derived stress. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 67(3), 475-483.

Marbà, N Núria,M et al (2008) "Sedimentary iron inputs stimulate seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) population growth in carbonate sediments." Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 76.3: 710-713.

Nuestromar (2014) La 'Posidonia oceanica' está en regresión desde hace medio siglo [Available online 22/12/2014 http://www.nuestromar.org/noticias/categorias/24-06-14/posidonia-oceanica-est-en-regresi-n-hace-medio-siglo ] Powel, J. C. (2008). Application for safe water status-WSBA Sub-Aqua Club – RAF Akrotiri. RAF.mod.uk [Available online 21/12/2014: http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafsubaqua/rafcms/mediafiles/B8C3D654_5056_A30A_09463CCA48B902AA.doc ]

Ramos-Esplá, A. A., Cebrián D. & Demetropoulos A,(2007) Integrated Coastal Area Management in Cyprus: Biodiversty Concerns. UNEP

Ruiz, J. M., & Romero, J. (2003). Effects of disturbances caused by coastal constructions on spatial structure, growth dynamics and photosynthesis of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Marine pollution bulletin, 46(12), 1523-1533.

Salman, A., Bilecenoglu, M., & Güçlüsoy, H. (2001). Stomach contents of two Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) from the Aegean Sea, Turkey. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK, 81(04), 719-720.

A Baseline study of Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea

distribution in Southern Cypriot waters

Overseen by C. Mogren

Context

The Mediterranean Sea is a highly diverse region, often considered a biodiversity

hotspot. Though the sea makes up less than 0.3% of the total volume of the world oceans,

18% of all described species - between ten and twelve thousand species - can be found in

the Mediterranean, and up to 30% of those are unique to the region (Boudouresque &

Verlaque, 2005; Oceana, 2015). From the time the Mediterranean Sea was resurrected by

the breach of the Strait of Gibraltar between five and six million years ago until 1869, there

was only one connection between the Mediterranean Sea and any surrounding ocean (Loget

& Van Den Driessche, 2006). However, in 1869, the Suez Canal created a passageway

connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, leading to a massive influx of alien

species, which are called Lessepsian species when they have migrated through the Suez

Canal. The highly saline Bitter Lakes deterred migration for a period of time, but their

influence has since been diminished and organisms migrate freely to the Mediterranean in

ballast water and through fouling. According to Galil et al. (2014), half of the approximately

700 introduced species currently found in the Mediterranean originated from the Red Sea.

These non-indigenous species (NIS) not only create problems for commercial fishing and

tourism but also wreak havoc on the native populations. New competition and introduced

predators have significant effects on the Mediterranean ecosystem.

Fig. 2.2: Map of the Suez Canal(The Guardian, 2014)

Fig. 2.1: Location of the Suez Canal and Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea

(Adapted from European Parliament, 2012)

Mediterranean Sea

Cyprus

Suez Canal

New Suez Canal

In August 2014, the Egyptian president, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, announced plans for a New

Suez Canal, which will be overseen by Mohab Mamish, the chairman of the Suez Canal

Authority. This project, which is expected to last one year, will create a second lane as well

as widen and deepen parts of the existing canal, thereby reducing waiting times for ships.

The Suez Canal Authority (2015) states the following aims:

Increase two-way traffic portions of the Suez Canal to 50% of the total length

Shorten southbound transit time from 18 hours to 11 hours

Minimize waiting time to 3 hours, down from the current 8 to 11 hours

Attract more ships to use the Suez Canal

Increase the daily ship capacity from 49 ships to 97 ships by the year 2023

Enhance the Egyptian national economy by increasing revenues from $5.3 billion to

$13.2 billion by the year 2023

This project has been undertaken with no environmental review (Berwald, 2014; Galil et

al., 2014). Furthermore, the New Suez Canal is likely to have a significant effect on

biodiversity and ecosystems in the Mediterranean Sea (Galil et al., 2014). The eastern basin

is more susceptible to Lessepsian invasions due to both geography and water conditions.

The warmer waters in the east are more hospitable for species from the Red Sea, though as

species adapt and sea temperatures rise, NIS are migrating to the northern and western

parts of the sea.

C. racemosa var. cylindracea

One NIS that has been referred to as an

“extremely invasive variety” (Galil et al., 2007) is

Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea (Figure 3), a

type of green algae (Piazzi et al., 2005; Zenetos et

al., 2005; Galil et al., 2007; Katsanevakis et al.,

2009). This species, native to southwestern

Australia, first arrived in the Mediterranean in 1990, and was first found off the Cypriot

coast in 1991, where it quickly replaced Posidonia oceanica as the dominant flora (Ibid.). C.

racemosa var. cylindracea is highly adaptable and resilient with little to no competition

Fig. 2.3: Cluster of C. racemosa var. cylindracea(Aquaportail.com, 2015)

(Piazzi et al., 2005). The algae is found between 1 and 70 metres below the water surface

and can colonize on virtually every sublittoral surface except for unstable sands (Piazzi et al.,

2005; CABI, 2015).

Aim

The aim of this study will be to establish a baseline distribution of the invasive

species Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea in the southern Cypriot nearshore region.

The study will be carried out using visual sampling methods to determine the

percent cover of C. racemosa var. cylindracea.

Implications

Assessment of the current population of C. racemosa var. cylindracea will quantify

the spread since its introduction to Cypriot waters in 1991 and provide a baseline for future

comparison after the New Suez Canal is completed. The effects of the New Suez Canal on

the distribution of C. racemosa var. cylindracea are unknown, and a baseline study will allow

future distribution changes to be noted.

References:

Aquaportail.com (n.d.) Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea. [Image online] Available at: http://www.aquaportail.com/fiche-algue-1335-caulerpa-racemosa-var-cylindracea.html. Last accessed 10 January 2015.

Berwald, J. (2014) Under the Ships in the Suez Canal. The New York Times. [Online] Available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/13/opinion/under-the-ships-in-the-suez-canal.html?_r=0. Last accessed 7 January 2015.

Boudouresque, C.F. & Verlaque, M. (2005) Nature conservation, Marine Protected Areas, sustainable development and the flow of invasive species to the Mediterranean Sea. Sci. Rep. Port-Cros natl. Park, Fr. Vol. 21. pp. 29-54.

CABI (2015) Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea. Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. [Online] Available at: http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/107735 . Last accessed 8 January 2015.

European Parliament (n.d.) Mediterranea-sea. [Image online] Available at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/former_ep_presidents/president-schulz/en/press/press_release_speeches/press_release/2012/2012-june/html/press-conference-on-the-union-for-the-mediterranean . Last accessed 10 January 2015.

Firestone, J. & Corbett, J.J. (2007) Coastal and Port Environments: International Legal and Policy Responses to Reduce Ballast Water Introductions of Potentially Invasive Species. Ocean Development & International Law. Vol. 36, No. 3. pp. 291-316.

Galil, B.S. (2007) Loss or gain? Invasive aliens and biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea. Marine Pollution Bulletin. Vol, 55. pp. 314-322.

Galil, B.S. et al. (2014) ‘Double trouble’: the expansion of the Suez Canal and marine bioinvasions in the Mediterranean Sea. Biological Invasions.

Garcia-Berthou, E. et al. (2005) Introduction pathways and establishment rates of invasive aquatic species in Europe. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. Vol. 62. pp. 453-463.

Guardian (2015). Suez-Canal-Map. [Image online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/05/egypt-build-new-suez-canal. Last accessed 8 January 2015.

Katsanevakis, S. et al. (2009) Inventory of alien marine species of Cyprus. Mediterranean Marine Science. Vol. 10, No. 2. pp. 109-133.

Loget, N. & Van Den Driessche, J. (2006) On the origin of the Strait of Gibraltar. Sedimentary Geology. Vol. 188-189. pp. 341-356.

Oakford, S. (2014) Egypt’s Expansion of the Suez Canal Could Ruin the Mediterranean Sea. Vice News. [Online] Available at: https://news.vice.com/article/egypts-expansion-of-the-suez-canal-could-ruin-the-mediterranean-sea. Last accessed 7 Jan 2015.

Oceana (2015) Mediterranean: Species at Risk. [Online] Available at: http://oceana.org/en/our-work/preserve-special-places/mediterranean/species-at-risk . Last accessed 7 Jan 2015.

Piazzi, L. et al. (2005) Interactive effect of sedimentation and Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea invasion on macroalgae assembles in the Mediterranean Sea. Estuarine, Coastal, and Shelf Science. Vol. 64. pp. 467-474.

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Tsiamis, K. et al. (2014) Checklist of seaweeds of Cyprus (Mediterranean Sea). Botanica Marina. Vol. 57, No. 3. pp. 153-166.

Zenetos, A. et al. Annotated list of marine alien species in the Mediterranean with records of the worst invasive species. Mediterranean Marine Science. Vol. 6, No. 2. pp 63-118.

Marine turtle conservation in a military zone: potential benefits of hybrid landscapes.

Overseen by N. French

Anthropogenic changes present a threat to ecosystem functioning and biodiversity

loss. The wildlife is conventionally perceived in antagonism to the human society and hence

the areas normally inhabited by both take into account only human agency requirements

and preferences that are normally incongruent with animal interests and demands. Such

ethical predisposition could impede local and global animal conservation and protection

efforts.

American researchers (Leslie et al., 1996; Boice, 2009; Havlick, 2011) determined

that former military sites in America boasted higher biodiversity rate compared to nearby

areas of free public access, the same was observed on former military training sites in

Central Europe (Jentsch et al., 2009).

Military bases similarly to, say, exclusion zones (e.g. Chernobyl or the Demilitarized

Zone of the Korean peninsula with the same ecological benefits) are generally characterized

by heavily impacted core areas and large buffer zones protected from human disturbance

including recreational, commercial and residential development. Such phenomenon

challenges traditional notions of ‘pristine’, ‘degraded’, ‘artifactual’ or ‘natural’ environments

and called for a new interpretation of society-nature interactions (known as “hybrid

geographies” as coined by Whatmore (2002) or Murdoch’s ‘associationalism’). Military lands

generally have a limited public access even after demilitarization primarily due to safety

concerns.

Akrotiri military base and turtle conservation ground in Cyprus has qualities of

multiple categories, including that of ‘artifcatual’ and ‘natural’ landscapes, however no

analysis of such ‘collaboration’ has been conducted. In order to assess the beneficial factors

of military designation and seclusion, the site will be compared to another ‘control’

conservation area in the north of the island on several parameters including physical

conditions (artificial lighting, quality of nesting habitat), clutch sizes and hatch rates, level of

human and animal (canine) disturbance. The project will attempt to categorize the human

presence and interactions with the turtle nesting environment and the coastal area in

general through direct observation and interviews. Overall the project will provide

preliminary data and evaluation of contribution of the military landscape to the

conservation efforts undertaken by the Akrotiri RAF personnel and Glasgow university

students.

Concepts of ‘ecological militarization’ or ‘military environmentalism’ have been

promoted as urgency of endangered species protection increased and acquired

resemblance with military interference, but also as a direct participation of former or

existing military grounds in conservation efforts took shape (Woodward, 2001; Havlick,

2011). Ultimately, the project will examine the potential of active military-conservation

association to be adopted across the UK domestic and overseas military grounds.

References & Bibliography

Benton, N., D. Ripley, and F. Powledge. 2008. Conserving Biodiversity on Military Lands: A Guide for Natural Resources Managers Arlington (VA) NatureServe.Boice, L. P. 2006. Defence and conservation: Compatible missions.Endangered Species Bulletin 31:4–7

Burger, J. (2000). Integrating Environmental Restoration and Ecological Restoration: Long-Term Stewardship at the Department of Energy. Environmental Management, 26(5), pp.469-478.

Campbell, L. (2002). SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE USE: VIEWS OF MARINE TURTLE CONSERVATION EXPERTS. Ecological Applications, 12(4), pp.1229-1246.

Campbell, L. (2010). Studying Sea Turtle Conservation and Learning about the World: Insights from Social Science. Conservat Soc, 8(1), p.1.

Carpenter, A. (2006). Conservation convention adoption provides limited conservation benefits: The Mediterranean Green turtle as a case study. Journal for Nature Conservation, 14(2), pp.91-96.

Davis, F. (2013). The Case of the Green Turtle: An Uncensored History of a Conservation Icon.Environmental History, 18(4), pp.832-833.

Dissanayake, S., Önal, H. and Westervelt, J. (2011). Optimum Selection of Conservation Reserves: Extensions to Multiple Land Use. Military Oper Res, 16(1), pp.65-76.

Dryzek, J. (1997). The politics of the earth. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Hajer, M. (1995). The politics of environmental discourse. Oxford: Clarendon Press.

Huber, M. (2010). Hyphenated Geographies: The Deindustrialization Of Nature-Society Geography. Geographical Review, 100(1), pp.74-89.

Jentsch, A., Friedrich, S., Steinlein, T., Beyschlag, W. and Nezadal, W. (2009). Assessing Conservation Action for Substitution of Missing Dynamics on Former Military Training Areas in Central Europe.Restoration Ecology, 17(1), pp.107-116.

Kim, K. (1997). Preserving Biodiversity in Korea's Demilitarized Zone. Science, 278(5336), pp.242-243.

Lee Jenni, G., Nils Peterson, M., Cubbage, F. and Jameson, J. (2012). Assessing biodiversity conservation conflict on military installations. Biological Conservation, 153, pp.127-133.

Leslie, M., G. K. Meffe, J. L. Hardesty, and D. L. Adams. 1996. Conserving Biodiversity on Military Lands: A Handbook for Natural Resource Managers Arlington (VA) Nature Conservancy.

Murdoch, J. (1997). Towards a geography of heterogeneous associations. Progress in Human Geography, 21(3), pp.321-337.Pautasso, M. (2006). Scale dependence of the correlation between human population presence and vertebrate and plant species richness. Ecology Letters, 10(1), pp.16-24.

Sanders, B. (2009). The green zone. Edinburgh: AK Press.

Stein, B., Scott, C. and Benton, N. (2008). Federal Lands and Endangered Species: The Role of Military and Other Federal Lands in Sustaining Biodiversity. BioScience, 58(4), p.339.

Urbanik, J. (2012). Placing animals. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield.

Whatmore, S. (2002). Hybrid geographies. London: SAGE Publications.

Woodward, R. (2001). Khaki conservation: an examination of military environmentalist discourses in the British Army. Journal of Rural Studies, 17(2), pp.201-217.

Zentelis, R. and Lindenmayer, D. (2014). Conservation: Manage military land for the environment. Nature, 516(7530), pp.170-170.

Team Members and Roles

Jade McClelland (Expedition Leader)

I’m Jade, a final year Zoology student at Glasgow and I will be co-leading this expedition. For the past two years I have been involved in expeditions to Tobago, once as a team member and this past summer as a leader. For the Cyprus 2015 expedition, I am looking forward to taking my knowledge of marine turtles from Tobago and using it to work with turtle species I have not encountered before. I am excited to expand the expedition and include more diverse work in order to unlock previously unexplored potential for this expedition and to do so with an enthusiastic and diverse team.

Johnny Coyle (Expedition Leader, Project Supervisor)I’m Johnny Coyle, an MSc student studying Coastal System Management at Glasgow and I am one of the leaders for this year’s expedition. I have been at Glasgow for 5 years now and this will be my first year with Ex-soc. I have diverse experience in practical fieldwork and the interpretation of data and it is something I look forward to in this expedition. I also have a lot of experience coaching and working in recreational water-sports having set up and run a sailing school since 2011, and relish the challenge to partake in active research in the expedition and help impart my knowledge and skill set to others in the expedition as well as learn from the varied experience on the team. I have a long list of marine qualifications that will be of use in the expedition including a valid 1st aid certificate and Dayskipper.

Claire Morgen (Treasurer, Project Supervisor)

I’m Claire and I did my undergraduate degree in Earth, Society, and the Environment at the University of Illinois, and I am currently studying Marine System Science in Glasgow. I really love the ocean and the challenges it presents. I am particularly interested in the Mediterranean marine environment, so the Cyprus Expedition is a great opportunity to complete the research for my master's dissertation. The unique qualities of the Mediterranean Sea make it highly sensitive to climate change, and there are large numbers of invasive species from both the Atlantic and the Red Sea. Outside of my academics I enjoy riding horses, hiking, rock climbing, and baking.

Suzanne McCarthy(Treasurer)My name is Suzanne and I’m a third year

studying Marine and Freshwater Biology. This is my first time taking part in an expedition and also my first time going to Cyprus. I’m excited to put things I’ve learnt in University into practice and get some hands-on experience. It’s going to be a great experience and one I’m sure I’ll never forget.

David Stevens (Publicity Convenor)My name is David Stevens, I’m 20 years old and in my 3rd year

of Zoology. This is my first expedition and my first time to Cyprus, and I am thrilled to be involved with the Expedition Society, doing some important work in an exciting location. It will be a new experience, with new people, and the challenge of putting everything I’ve learned so far at university into practice, away from the relative comfort of the university environment, will make for a rewarding and memorable summer. This type of work could perhaps be a career for me, and I am eager to get started!

Mia Traivalkoski (Grant Secretary)I'm Miia, a 20-year-old Zoology student.

I was born and brought up in northern Finland, where I was constantly surrounded by both domestic animals and wildlife. That's probably why I developed a huge interested towards different kind of animals, and especially their behaviour and conservation. I applied for the Cyprus turtle expedition, as it sounded exactly like something I'd always wanted to do – a possibility of getting to know an amazing, endangered species, and being able contribute to their protection. I can't wait till next summer!

Nadia French (Project Supervisor)I’m Nadia and I'm studying MSc Environmental

science, technology and society and am planning to start a PhD next year. My main areas of interest include biodiversity management and conservation strategies in the face of climate change and socioeconomic development, exclusion areas as potential conservation havens, and conservation as a socioecological practice. I love animals, travelling, water sports and books!

Logistical Considerations

Timing and LocationThe expedition will run for 6 weeks, with approximate dates being 29th May until the

10th of July 2015. The seven members of the expedition will work on the chosen projects throughout the length of the expedition with the aim of members receiving different skills from each project.

The majority of field work will be carried out within the Western Sovereign Base Area, Southern Cyprus with the remaining carried .

Accommodation In previous years the accommodation has been provided in the Temporary

Accommodation at RAF Akrotiri, about 7 kilometres from the turtles nesting beaches. This is thought to be the same for summer 2015.

Transport

Transport to Cyprus:Edinburgh International Airport to Paphos Airport by scheduled airline.

OrLondon Gatwick Airport to Paphos Airport by scheduled airline

Transport within Cyprus:A four-wheel drive vehicle will be available on loan to us from Welfare section of RAF

Akrtoir. They will however have priority use. It will be driven by fully licensed drivers. A Suzuki four-wheel drive is also available as a second, emergency vehicle.

Safety ConsiderationsAll potential health and safety risks have been considered. A full fieldwork safety risk

assessment has been carried out conforming to the standards set for all Glasgow University School of life Sciences fieldwork. It is standard practice for all fieldwork to be carried out in groups, and lone fieldwork is not permitted. All project leaders will complete fieldwork first aid courses prior to commencing the expedition. Travel advice has been sought from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fc.goc.uk. A brief of risk assessment is held in this document and will be placed under review on a weekly basis.

InsuranceThe Expedition with seek group insurance policies, specific to the intended research.

Insurance will be arranged before departure from the United Kingdom for Cyprus. Expedition team members will be briefed on the scope and details of the insurance policy

and will be provided with individual copies of the policy. It will be mandatory for all Expedition team members to carry all necessary documents and emergency numbers with them at all times.

Expedition Advisers-Dr. Stewart White, Liaison Officer for Turtlewatch since 2012 and a senior university lecturer.

-Dr Anna McGreggor, University Teacher at the University of Glasgow and Accademic adviser on projects

Although no members of staff from the University of Glasgow will be accompanying the expedition, we will have the supervision of committed volunteers in Cyprus, including the Turtlewatch co-ordinators Robert and Jane Ringer.

Collaborators in CyprusChief Tech. Robert Ringer (current officer in charge) and wife Jane Ringer, Turtlewatch

Akrotiri Co-ordinators. As coordinators of the SBAA Turtlewatch Akrotiri Group they are responsible for:

Organising beach clearances prior to the commencement of the turtle-nesting season.

Organising the upkeep of the signing and marking of the turtle breeding beaches. Organising all nest excavations during the breeding season. Supervising the student volunteers and briefing them on their responsibilities while

hosted at RAF Akrotiri. Supervision of the Turtlewatch Information centre. Liaison with Akrotiri’s Accommodation cell and Catering Squadron. To advise local and international based environmental groups on WSBA Turtlewatch

activities. Liaison with the students from the University of Glasgow during the off-season to

coordinate future volunteer teams. Presentations on Turtlewatch activities to the local community. Keep the OIC Turtlewatch up to date with current activities. Act as first point of call for SBA Police in the rescuing and recovering of injured

turtles on SBA soil.

Financial Considerations

CostingsTravel

Return Flights, Glasgow-Paphos + Insurance (7x£400) £2,800 Fuel in Cyprus £1,000

Disposables Food (at £6 per person/per day) £1,764 Administration and Report £100

Equipment (may vary depending on projects) (Replacement nests, red-light torches, £1000

buckets, first aid kit, Cypriot sim cards, camera traps etc) Pre-Expedition Costs

(First-aid training, extra baggage allowance £100for equipment, mail-shots etc)

Training 1st aid courses for team members (2x£100) £200

Total (less contingency) £6964Contingency (10%) £800Grand Total £7764

FundingContribution by members (£400 each) (7x£400) £2,800Estimated fundraising by members £2,000Remaining funds to be raised £2964

Bodies to be approached for funding include:Glasgow Natural History Society, Gilchrist Educational Trust, University Court-The University of Glasgow, The Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland and selective conservation and animal welfare trusts and commercial organisations.

Health ImplicationsGiven the healthcare status and the epidemiological development of the country of Cyprus the risk of disease and serious

health impacts does not vary much from the risks experienced in the UK. There still stands a risk of contraction of dangerous diseases

Disease risk Precaution

Cholera Clean water will be available at the accommodation and bottled water can be purchased from local shops.

HIV/Aids Members will take the usual precautions, avoiding any contact with bodily fluids. They will ensure a clean needle is used if an injection is needed.

Rabies Vaccination will not be mandatory but all expedition members will be informed about it. Doctors/emergency services will be contacted in case someone gets a bite from an animal.

Typhoid Clean water will be available at centre and water purification tablets used whilst camping and travelling.

Typhus Areas of poor hygiene with insects and rodents will be avoided, and this disease can be cured with simple antibiotics.

Disease fromInsect bites It is known that several insects in the area carry infectious diseases such as CCHF, dengue, leishmaniasis,

Lyme disease, onchocerciasis, trypanosomiasis and rickettsia. Therefore avoidance of bites is necessary and insect repellent will be worn by all expedition members between the hours of dusk and dawn

Risk Assessments

The following are a set of general expedition risk assessments that will be followed when on site in Cyprus. These, whilst general cover most operations that the expedition will be involved in whilst in Cyprus. For particularly hazardous activities, new risk assessments will be carried out on site when the hazards become clear. During the expedition the risk assessments will also be reviewed and edited on a weekly basis.

Operation Risk Individuals at Risk Safety procedures to control risk Overseen By whoExtreme Weather

DehydrationSunstroke

Expedition members To avoid dehydration, each team member will carry their own personal water supply (at least 1 litreTo avoid sunburn each member will be advised to apply a high SPF sunscreen to prevent this. High SPF suncream will also be carried in the medical bag

Expedition leaderIndividual expedition members

Working at night (beach turtle surveys)

FallingBecoming lost

Expedition members Head torches will be carried by all expedition members (ideally with a red filter). These must be used on all activities after sunset. Another torch/ spare batteries must also be carriedWork must be carried out in groupsAll night work will be done according to the recommendations of the SBAA and Turtlewatch Akrotiri

Expedition leadersIndividual expedition members

Boat Travel Death,LossSunstroke

Expedition members Only members of the expedition with appropriate certification will be permitted to operate a powerboat. Provisional training in powerboat & radio operation (VHF short range) must also be done with at least 1 other person on the boatSpare Fuel must be carried and PFD worn by all members at all times2 means of Communication must be carried whilst

All Expedition members

on the boatA plan of operation (waypoints and check-ins) must be left with a responsible person ashore

Getting Lost LossDehydration

Expedition members No expedition member is permitted to travel alone.Each group of the expedition must carry an appropriate means of communication at all times

All Expedition members

Crime Loss of possessionsSevere Injury

Expedition members All expedition members will travel in groups of 2 or more and encouraged not to travel at night (where avoidableIf an incident occurs all members will cooperate fully with the instigators and report the incident to the relevant authorities

All Expedition members

Road travel Road Traffic Incident

Expedition members Vehicle operation only to be carried out by those carrying a Full licence and over the age of 21Seat belts will be worn by all members of the expedition when in a vehicleVehicles used by the expedition will be maintained by the Turtlewatch Akrotiri personnelIn the event that a vehicle is unavailable public transport is to be used whenever possible.When it is necessary to use taxi firms only approved taxi services will be used to avoid any altercations.

All Expedition members

The following are guidelines for the expedition operation. These are to be implemented when carrying out fieldwork and doing work associated with the expedition. An expedition log will also be kept and completed at the start and the end of planned activities each day.

All members of the expedition will have access to first aid equipment and trained personnel at all times whilst carrying out research. Each group will have a member with an appropriate level of first aid qualification who is in charge of the first aid kit,

be aware of the nearest emergency services and carry their numbers. Larger medical kits will also be carried in any vehicles used by the expedition.

No member of the expedition is permitted to travel on their own and each group is to let the expedition leaders be aware of their presence at all times. This can be done by telephone or by letting the expedition leaders know of their intentions prior to departure.

Where possible the expedition will seek shade during times of peek insolation (1200-1400) and wear clothing and footwear appropriate to the task at all times.

In the event of severe adverse weather the expedition will seek shelter until such weather passes. A forecast will be obtained prior to each day’s fieldwork.

General References/ Biblography:

Andrews, E., Dingwall., L (2014) Cyprus Turtle watch 2013-2014 prospectus. Unpublished resource

Delargy. A., Andrews, E (2013) Cyprus Turtlewatch Expedition 2013. Unpublished resource

Fairweather, K (2012) Cyprus Turtlewatch Expedition 2012: Expedition report. [Available online 01/12/2014: http://glasgowexsoc.org.uk/past-expeditions/ ]

Rushbook, P, (2014) University of Glasgow Cyprus expedition 2015. (Personal communication: Dr S. White. 06/12/2014)

Groombridge, B. (1990). Marine turtles in the Mediterranean: distribution, population status, conservation (No. 18-48). Council of Europe.

Downie J.R. Muir, H., Dinwoodie, M, McKinnon, L. Dodds, L., Cascarina, M (2003)., Turtlewatch: A Collaboration between the Glasgow University and RAF Akrotiri to protect marine turtles in Cyprus, Testudo, 5 (5), 14-21.

Rogers, S., (2011), Cyprus Turtlewatch 1999-2010 with emphasis on 2009 and 2012, Testudo 7 (3),5-22.

BBC Worldwide, 2014., Map of Cyprus. Lonely Planet. [Available online 06/12/2012http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/europe/cyprus/ ]

Zenetos, A., Çinar, M. E., Pancucci-Papadopoulou, M. A., Harmelin, J. G., Furnari, G., Andaloro, F., & Zibrowius, H. (2005). Annotated list of marine alien species in the Mediterranean with records of the worst invasive species.Mediterranean Marine Science, 6(2), 63-118.