Watching Boat Pressure from Space
THE CHALLENGE
Leisure boating has increased significantly across Greece and the Mediterranean in recent years. While boating itself is not inherently harmful, repeated anchoring in shallow coastal waters causes severe and often invisible damage to the seabed – particularly to seagrass meadows. Despite the scale of the problem, decision-makers often lack spatially explicit data showing where anchoring pressure is concentrated and which habitats are most at risk. Without clear evidence, management responses remain fragmented or reactive, leaving sensitive ecosystems exposed to cumulative damage.
THE PROJECT
The project proposes a data-driven, technology-based conservation solution, using satellite remote sensing and geospatial analysis to make anchoring pressure visible, measurable and actionable.
Key activities
- Time-series analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery from Google Earth to detect recurring anchoring patterns.
- Spatial digitisation of boat locations across seasons and years to identify anchoring hotspots.
- Overlay of anchoring pressure with habitat maps, focusing on sensitive ecosystems such as Posidonia oceanica meadows.
- Production of high-resolution maps highlighting areas of chronic pressure and ecological risk.
- Development of management recommendations, including eco-mooring placement and anchoring exclusion zones.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
The project aims to produce clear, spatially explicit maps of leisure boat anchoring pressure and identify priority areas for protection and intervention.
By providing a robust scientific basis for sustainable mooring and anchoring policies, it seeks to support more informed marine spatial planning and habitat protection efforts.
RELATED
- Ongoing
- Completed
- Completed
