Inner Ionian

The Inner Ionian Archipelago is of high ecological value due to the presence of a significant number of marine megafauna species, such as dolphins, sea turtles, and Mediterranean monk seals, as well as the existence of extensive Posidonia seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica). According to the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, the Mediterranean monk seal is listed as a priority species, while P. oceanica is designated as a priority habitat. The distinctive morphology of the area, characterized by the presence of numerous submerged caves, provides critical breeding habitats for the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the most endangered marine mammals in the Mediterranean, classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.

The area forms part of a broader Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA), hosting species such as the Cuvier’s beaked whale, the fin whale, the common dolphin, and the common bottlenose dolphin. In the past, the region supported a significant resident population of the endangered common dolphin; however, this population collapsed within less than a decade due to the overfishing of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and the subsequent stock collapse. Two species of sea turtles occur in the area, the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas). The area has also been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA), hosting several marine and pelagic species such as the Yelkouan shearwater, Scopoli’s shearwater, and the European shag. Furthermore, the Inner Ionian Archipelago has been recognized as an Area of Interest for sharks and rays, including two deep-sea shark species and the Endangered (EN) devil ray.