Suchergebnisse

The present study investigates the distribution of trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu and Al), as indicators of pollution, in the surficial inner shelf sediments along the northern coast of Heraklio Gulf (Crete Island). Despite the fact that Heraklio Gulf is an industrialized urban area, hosting the third most important commercial harbour in Greece, the levels of trace metals in sediments are not exceedingly high. According to Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQG's), the sediments are considered unpolluted with low probability of adverse effects to biota in the case of Cu, Zn and Pb, while moderately to heavily polluted only in the case of Cr. Moreover, Zn, Cu and Pb concentrations are lower than those measured in a previous study (1989). This improvement of environmental state in the study area is a response to more effective control of terrestrial pollution sources, following the enforcement of the Directive 91/271/EEC (as amended by Directive 98/15/EU) on urban wastewater treatment and disposal into Greek national legislation.

This paper discusses the design and implementation of a citizen science pilot project, COMBER (Citizens' Network for the Observation of Marine BiodivERsity, http://www.comber.hcmr.gr), which has been initiated under the ViBRANT EU e-infrastructure. It is designed and implemented for divers and snorkelers who are interested in participating in marine biodiversity citizen science projects. It shows the necessity of engaging the broader community in the marine biodiversity monitoring and research projects, networks and initiatives. It analyses the stakeholders, the industry and the relevant markets involved in diving activities and their potential to sustain these activities. The principles, including data policy and rewards for the participating divers through their own data, upon which this project is based are thoroughly discussed. The results of the users analysis and lessons learned so far are presented. Future plans include promotion, links with citizen science web developments, data publishing tools, and development of new scientific hypotheses to be tested by the data collected so far.