The scientific investigations conducted at the National Marine Park of Zakynthos are:
1. Research on the nesting beaches of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta. The purpose of this research work is to record accurately the parameters that affect the nesting of sea turtles in Laganas Bay, Zakynthos, in order to apply the right tools for optimization of the management measures and protective measures in the area of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. In particular, within the framework of the program, data collection of environmental parameters that are related to and/or influence the loggerhead sea turtle nesting activity on the beaches of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos are conducted. Furthermore the impact of human activity on or adjacent to the nesting beaches is also subject to regular assessment. The six beaches are Gerakas, Daphne, Sekania, Kalamaki East, Kalamaki West and Marathonissi.
2. Research on the marine area of Laganas Bay
The purpose of this research work is to record the movements and the locations of residence of the the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta, in the marine area of Laganas Bay, in order to apply the right tools for optimization of the management measures and protective measures in the area of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, and particularly ine the marine area.
Within the framework of the program, data collection of the loggerhead sea turtle activity on the wider marine area of Laganas Bay is conducted.
Particularly the research work includes:
>The recording of sea turtle activity in parts of the marine area of Laganas Bay.
>Mapping the locations of the sea turtles movement in the sea area.
>The recording of their ethological characteristics.
>The registration of all gathered data in a special database connected to GIS.
Both to the research on sea turtles on the nesting beaches and to the research on sea turtles in the sea area of Laganas Bay, the Management Agency will contribute, by its own resources, implementing:
>training of researchers, from the professional staff of Management Agency
>supervision of researchers
>quality control of scientific information to be recorded
>processing of scientific data to be recorded