A Historic Step Forward for the Mediterranean and Marine Conservation: The Greek government has just established a 430 km² Marine Protected Area around the Fourni archipelago, banning trawling on coralligenous reefs. These true underwater animal forests, among the richest and most fragile ecosystems in the Mediterranean, are finally being recognized and protected.

It is the first time in Greece that such a measure has been applied to these little-known yet essential habitats for biodiversity.

This decision was made possible thanks to the scientific data from the Aegean Coralligenous project, supported by Pure Ocean in 2021. Led by researcher Tim Grandjean and the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, the project enabled the mapping and monitoring of these deep reefs using innovative technologies adapted to small vessels.

Following these discoveries, the Under The Pole team visited the area to conduct deep dives and study these exceptional reefs more closely.

This initiative sparked an unprecedented wave of citizen mobilization, bringing together researchers, local fishers, NGOs like Archipelagos and Under The Pole, as well as engaged public figures such as Camille Étienne. Thanks to this collective momentum, the project led to a concrete and historic protection measure.

This project is also one of the powerful stories featured in our first Pure Ocean Documentary: Hidden Secret, dedicated to the invisible yet vital ecosystems of the ocean. Watch it here ➡️

Thank you to our community, patrons, and partners—your support makes these exceptional results possible! Together, we are advancing science and the protection of the Ocean.