Alyki Lagoon AIGIO
European Regional Development Fund
ΔΗΜΟΣ
ΑΙΓΙΑΛΕΙΑΣ
HELLENIC REPUBLIC MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOOD
Co-funded by Greece and the European Union
The project was carried out in collaboration with the General Directorate of Development, Forest Protection and Natural Environment of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and the Forestry of Aigio.
Editor in chief: MUNICIPALITY OF AIGIALEIA
Content manager - Texts - Publication Supervision:
CHRYSOULA CHRISTIA
FISHERIES AND MARINE OPERATIONAL PROGRAM 2014 - 2020 (EMFF)
RESPONSIBLE LAG CLLD/LEADER: ACHAIA - DEVELOPMENT AGENCY S.A.
Photographs - Texts - Layout: CloudPrint
This publication has been based (as well as the content of the information boards and the triptych for Alyki within the framework of the present project) on previous material prepared by Irida Environmental Action for Aigialeia and the Greek Ornithological Society (edited by Niki Kardakari, Kostas Papakonstantinou)
This edition is a deliverable of the act «Mild interventions for the tourist upgrade, monitoring and promoting the biodiversity of the Alyki of Aigio Lagoon of the Municipality of Aegialeia (Natura 2000/ GR 2320006) with the co-funding of Greece and the European Union».
We welcome you to Alyki of Aigio wetland. A coastal natural ecosystem that is only two kilometers from our city. A point of reference for both residents and nature lovers.
Despite its small size, Alyki of Aigio belongs to the network of NATURA 2000 areas. That means, it is part of the valuable network of routes and stations necessary for the survival, movement, migration and dispersal of the various species of wild fauna and flora of Europe.
The existence and protection of Alyki is important because it is one of the last remaining natural areas in lowland Aigialeia and accompanies its history for the last 5000 years.
But beyond its importance as a natural ecosystem, it provides services as a place of recreation, environmental education and visitors attraction. In all four seasons of the year, Alyki is a place of tranquility, walking and observing nature and the landscape. The seasonal changes are evident. In winter the lagoon floods and fills with ducks, while in summer it almost dries up and turns into a salt flat.
The Municipality of Aigialeia, understanding the need to highlight and protect this essential ecosystem, was funded by the Fisheries and Sea Operational Programme 2014 –2020 (OPFS 2014 – 2020), utilizing the resources of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for the implementation of the operation “Mild interventions for the touristic upgrade, monitoring and promoting the biodiversity of the Alyki of Aigio lagoon of the Municipality of Aigialeia (Natura 2000/ GR 2320006)”. The whole project was carried out with the cooperation of the General Directorate of Development, Forest Protection and Natural Environment of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change as well as the Forestry of Aigio, following the signature of the relevant Program Contract.
This publication aims to inform its residents and visitors about the valuable ecosystem of Alyki, Aigio.
The Mayor of Aigialeia
Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos
December 2023
Wetlands are areas, natural or not, that are permanently or periodically inundated by water. This water may be superficial or underground, standing or running fresh, brackish or salt water, or even sea water up to 6 meters deep. The term wetlands therefore refers to a wide variety of habitats that are usually grouped into the following categories: a) coastal wetlands (estuaries, river deltas and lagoons), b) inland wetlands (marshes, swamps, wet meadows, riparian forests) and c) artificial wetlands (salt marshes, rice paddies).
Wetlands, the ones that have not been entirely contaminated by man, are full of life. Wetland vegetation forms the “backbone” of them. It presents a significant variety of forms and species and, together with algae, constitute the basis of energy flow and the food web. Thus, they are an essential food source for invertebrates, fish, aquatic birds and mammals, which have adapted to live in wetland habitats. The abundance of aquatic birds that find in the wetlands areas for breeding, nesting, food and resting is particularly noteworthy.
Why wetlands are important?
• They constitute one of the richest ecosystems on the planet, constituting a habitat for many species of flora and fauna (fish, invertebrates and birds).
• They provide water for irrigation, water supply and energy production, fish, salt, etc.
• They regulate the hydrological cycle since they are the core foundation for the support of aquatic life. They enrich underground aquifers as they form in areas of groundwater discharge.
• They protect against floods by reducing the flow speed; they store the rainwater and gradually attribute it at the end of the flood.
• They protect against storms, winds and coastal erosion since their vegetation stabilizes the terrain.
• They improve the water quality by trapping the deposited materials and the pollutants that are removed through natural processes.
• They regulate the climate by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide CO2 and contribute to reducing the temperature between seasons.
• They transform and remove nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus which cause eutrophication through vegetation and microorganisms.
• Contribute to pollination and the preservation of life as certain types of plants strongly attract bees.
• They provide physical, mental and intellectual opportunities such as recreation, sport, tourism, education and research.
• Contribute to the preservation of traditional knowledge, boost the connection with the past and are strongly related to human health and well-being.
The primary problems wetland ecosystems have to face are the reduced supply of fresh water from the watershed, human interventions, the introduction of alien species, pollution from point and non-point sources, the transport of pollutants from sea masses, plastic pollution as well as the incoming load of nutrients from surface or subsurface currents.
Also, climate change will significantly affect these ecosystems. Mediterranean wetlands, especially those of Southern Europe, are among the most vulnerable to climate change regions of Europe due to high temperatures, limited rainfall and their restricted water supply during dry seasons. Many lagoons are expected to dry up and others to flood due to rising water levels in the coastal zone. The reduction of pressures from human activities is essential in order to increase the adaptability of wetlands to climate change and to preserve biodiversity.
Lagoons are autonomous dynamic systems with high productive capacity and for this reason they are important ecosystems for all living organisms. According to Directive 92/43/ EU they belong to the priority habitat type with code *1150 “lagoons”. Lagoons present a series of morphological and ecological features that cause rapid changes in the abundance and distribution of animal and plant organisms. The confinement with the sea, the input of nutrients and the continuous fluctuations of the abiotic parameters (temperature, salinity) are some of them.
Thus, lagoons are defined as shallow water areas near the coasts, whose salinity and depth vary, while they may be partially or entirely separated from the open sea. The bottom is sandy or with cobbles or, more rarely, rocky. The salinity can vary from fresh to hypersaline. The salinity range depends on rainfall, evaporation, seawater or freshwater inflow from storms, or flooding water during winter.
The Mediterranean area constitutes a particularly favourable environment for their formation. The low tidal range and its mild influence, as well as the numerical predominance of tranquil bays provide the ideal geomorphological and hydrodynamic conditions for the formation of lagoons.
Alyki lagoon, Aigio
The Alyki lagoon of Aigio occupies a small triangular area at Cape Gyftissa near the city of Aigio, in the Corinthian Gulf and at the northern edge of the delta of River Selinoundas. The mouth of the river is located approximately 5 km east of the lagoon.
The geographic coordinates are: longitude: 22° 06’N and latitude: 38° 15΄E. Its shape is approximately rectangular and located at a height of 0.3 m above sea level. The typical tidal range in the area is about 15 cm, but the water level can have an altitude of up to 1 m in case of extreme weather conditions. The total extent is 180 acres, its perimeter is 2.5 kilometres and its maximum depth is 50 cm to 70 cm.
The lagoon is separated from the open sea (Corinthian Gulf) by a low dam of pebbles through which there is not a natural connection. Salinity varies significantly depending on the season. During the rainy season, the water of the lagoon is brackish, some years almost fresh. In the dry season Alyki almost dries up and it tranforms into a salt pan, and that is where it got its name from. In the sediments of the bottom, clayey mud prevails. The lagoon is full of marshes in the wetland’s eastern and southern boundary.
About 5000 years ago, during the Holocene, the formation of Alyki began. The Holocene is the first postglacial period of the Quaternary, which started about 12000 years ago and continues nowdays. The intense earthquake activity of the faults of Aigio and Eliki in the Corinthian Gulf, the sea and Selinoundas River activity contributed to its creation.
In the published work of Kontopoulos and Avramidis (2003), the paleogeographic evolution of Alyki lagoon during the late Holocene is graudally depicted.
Stage I. About 6000 years ago, the sea level rise decreased and stopped. Then, the deposits and the formation of River Selinoundas Delta began. The River Selinoundas discharged itself through a channel just west of the lagoon during the late Holocene. The lagoon area was created when the embankment of the main channel broke and a side alluvial fan in the flood plain formed.
Stage II. 4700 years ago, the Aigio fault moved. This tectonic movement led to subsidence in the lagoon site while the sea level began to rise compared to the ground, and the shoreline moved to a higher level, causing the region to flood and create a marsh with fresh to brackish water.
Stage III. 3000 years ago, the Aigio fault moved again. The sea level began to rise, and a barrier was formed, which led to the creation of a lagoon system with hypersaline water. The Selinoundas River was diverted on a route east of the lagoon.
Stage IV. 2500 years ago, the area was uplifted due to the activation of the Aigio fault, the sea level rose again, but the lagoon did not show any particular change.
Stage V. 2000 years ago, the Aigio fault moved again, and the sea level rose. From this alteration, the lagoon’s salinity changed from brackish-hypersaline to brackish.
3. The history of Alyki in the 20th century
Alyki, like all transitional ecosystems, is constantly evolving and changing. Its current shape results from the Selinoundas River deposits and the sea waves’ activity. The beach that formed cut off a shallow basin that floods seasonally. Today, the Selinoundas estuary
Paleogeographic evolution of the Alyki lagoon during the late Holocene and environmental changes.
(Source: Kontopoulos & Avramidis, 2003)
is approximately five kilometres further east and at first glance, the link between the river and the creation of the lagoon cannot be seen.
In the 1930s, the regional channel (Rockefeller Channel) was constructed to drain the lagoon. Since then, this channel has been the border of the wetland from the land’s side. In the same period, two channels connecting to the sea were built. These remained open for a few years, a period in which Alyki functioned as a typical lagoon. When they were left without maintenance, they closed, and Alyki returned to its original and current closed “salt lake”. Traces of the stone walls of these channels can be seen on the beach. Until the 1960s, the drainage network ended up in Alyki from the irrigation waters of Selinoundas, with which the Aigio plain is irrigated. Today, this network empties into the sea 200 m west of Alyki. In 1973, the public road surrounding the lagoon was constructed. This road had significant adverse effects, cutting off Alyki from its neighbouring lands, but at the same time, it became the boundary of the wetland and prevented further expansion of the estates towards it. Now, fresh water is coming into the lagoon via conduits under the road.
Until the 1970s, hunting was allowed in Alyki. As a result, the aquatic birds could not gather since their arrival coincided with their chase. In such a small wetland, the birds could not find a safe haven anywhere. So those who were not killed, left. After the actions of a few citizens, the City Council of Aigio, with a historic decision for its time, requested the ban of hunting, and this was achieved in 1978 with the declaration of Alyki as a “Preys Sanctuary”, the subsequent “Wildlife Sanctuary”. The situation somewhat improved, but there were regular incidents of illegal hunting for several years.
Gradually, from the mid-1980s and with the participation of the Society for the Protection of the Environment of Aigio and the Hellenic Ornithological Society, awareness of the Alyki’s value increased, illegal hunting stopped and, in addition, various other threats were addressed such as improvised motocross races in summer, the occasional use of the dry bottom as a makeshift airfield(!), horse grazing, mud baths, dog training, trespasser claims, infillings, fires, etc.
The results of this protection had an instant impact on the bird populations. The ducks that left in winter with the first rifle shots started to stay, while gradually, birds began to Swans, coots and black-headed gulls in Alyki during winter.
nest in spring since they now found security and tranquility. Alyki became an effectively protected wetland, known as an ideal place for observing birds. In 1987, the first “Bird Festival” in Greece took place in Alyki; in 1989, an international cleaning program was organized with volunteers from many European countries and from the 1990s, many environmental educational programs began.
Today, Alyki has been imprinted on the minds of the inhabitants as a place intended for the protection of wild nature, and hundreds of visitors observe the birds, especially when astonishing species arrive, such as Flamingos and Swans.
The wetland is a public land managed by the Achaia Forest Directorate and the Aigio Forestry Department, according to Law 4280/2014. Some of the surrounding regions are private properties. Land uses in the lagoon include tourism/recreational activities (60%) and agricultural activities (mainly citrus fruit cultivations).
The area “Alyki Aigiou” (GR2320006), covering 324 hectares, is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Zone (SPZ) of the European NATURA 2000 network.
As a SAC, it was listed for the habitat types and significant plant and animal species (based on Directive 92/43/EEC); as an SPZ, it was listed for the noteworthy bird species (based on Directive 79/409/EEC). Therefore, it is subjected to a special protection and management regime with the aim of fulfilling our country’s European obligations.
After the modification of the Protected Areas Management Units of the Natural Environment and Climate Change Organization (N.E.C.C.A) (Government Gazette/1877/B/2022) of the Ministry of Environment, the Alyki of Aigio belongs to the protected areas that are under the territorial administration of the Management Unit of the Corinthian Gulf.
Alyki is also a Wildlife Sanctuary (900 acres) established with the no. 220881/3374/236-1978 Decision of the Minister of Agriculture, which was published in the Official Gazette 601/v. B/ 5-7-1978 and, by which hunting was prohibited.
The authorities responsible for the administration and management of the area are the Ministry of Environment and Energy (M.E.N.), the Department of Forest Protected Areas and Forestry Recreation and, locally, the Aigio Forestry Depertment..
For Natura 2000 areas, Special Environmental Studies are drawn up, resulting in a Presidential Decree and in them the measures are established, the permissible human activities and the conditions that should govern them.
5. Why Alyki is unique
• It is the last sanctuary for many animal and plant species as it is one of the last remaining natural areas in lowland Aigialeia.
• It is a valuable stop for migratory birds because it is located in an area with no other wetlands.
• According to its size, it hosts a significant variety of wildlife and could be characterized as an excellen “eco-school”.
• It is located very close to Aigio and the national road and is thus suitable for mild touristic development and environmental education.
The Natura 2000 Network is a European Ecological Network of areas hosting natural habitat types and habitat species of European significance. It includes: the «Special Protection Areas (SPA)» for avifauna, based on the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC «on the conservation of wild birds», which was coded by Directive 2009/147/EC) and «Sites of Community Importance (SCI) / Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)», as defined by the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC «for the conservation of natural habitats as well as wild fauna and flora»). The member states characterize the SCI as a SAC with a legislative act which determines the conservation measures required to ensure the conservation of the species and types of habitats of Community interest that they host.
Spring
6. Seasonal changes
Water is the basis of life in the lagoon. The freshwater supply comes from a neighbouring spring, Alykovrysi, but most of it comes from rain, while there is also enrichment with seawater through infiltration from the pebbled beach of Alyki. If it rains a lot, its water becomes brackish to almost fresh in winter. In summer, seawater enters, especially with strong northwestern winds (maistros), while a large part of Alyki dries up.
a) Winter
In winter, Alyki is flooded. It is the season when we can see more easily different aquatic birds species (such as ducks, coots, grebes, and seagulls). In years with extreme weather conditions, many birds from northern countries find refuge in Alyki. Among them, there are many swans. Gradually, from the end of January, the ducks begin to depart from Alyki. By the end of February we can see the first migratory birds coming from Africa.
b) Spring
In spring, the picture is constantly changing. Birds keep coming, stop for a while and then continue further north. The most distinctive visitor is the black-winged stilt that nests on the islets of Alyki, along with several other species of aquatic, wading birds and shorebirds.
In summer, the waters recede, and a large part of the wetland dries up. This is the best season for bird watching as from June, the passage of the return of migratory birds to Africa begins. Dozens of wading birds, herons and seabirds species pass through Alyki and stop at the shallow waters, finding a valuable station on their migratory journey.
The migration of birds continues. Only few autumn rainfalls are enough to fill up Alyki with water again, that sometimes can be delayed to happen. From the moment it floods, aquatic life needs only about ten days to start flourishing again from the aquatic plants that grow rapidly and various invertebrates that reproduce very fast. Hence, the lagoon begins its annual cycle of constant change all over again.
Despite its small size, the lagoon provides a noteworthy variety of micro-ecosystems, which change seasonally. The Alyki of Aigio lagoon constitutes a vital ecosystem, displaying a typical wetland’s main characteristics. It includes vital wetland habitats such as coastal lagoons, marshes, transitional swamps and springs, standing brackish and saline waters, riparian vegetation and a beach with cobbles and rocks. The reed belts, even though they have decreased in recent years, are significant sites from an ornithological point of view, as they offer shelter to migratory populations and other bird species of Annex I of Directive 92/43/EU.
The Alyki of Aigio is surrounded by typical vegetation of coastal wetlands with saline waters as well as with freshwater. The habitat types of Directive 92/43/EEC found in Alyki of Aigio are:
Habitat type *1410 occupies an area of 6.8 hectares.
The Mediterranean salt meadows are characterized by the presence of reed beds. Reedbeds cover a significant area, mainly in the eastern and northern part of the lagoon. The visitor can see its blooming inflorescences from August to October. Close to the reed belts, clusters of common rushes that bloom during summer can be found mainly on the north and north-west side of the lagoon.
In its southern part, between the lagoon and the road that separates Alyki from the nearby cultivated land, a narrow zone with reeds and oleasters extends.
On the northern beach there are tree clusters of tamarisks and oleaster trees, which bloom in spring.
2. Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs (Sacrocornetea fruticosi)
CODE *1420
Habitat type *1420 covers an area of approximately 44.5 hectares.
Halophytes are plants adapted to grow in a substrate with high salinity. Halophytic vegetation may consist of annual herbaceous plants such as species of Salicornia, Salsola (or saltwort), etc., which inhabit muddy and sandy areas that are occasionally flooded with seawater. When salt marsh sites and coastal wetlands are flooded for a long time, shrubby species grow.
In Alyki and towards its southern area, the Limonium species or “lavenders of the sea” are abundant from June to September and with their purple colour, they create a stunning scenery. Along with those species we also encounter other flowering plants, such as the Golden samphire (Inula crithmoides), the sea aster (Aster tripolium), the perennial glasswort (Arthrocnemum or Salicornia perenne), the sea purslane (Halimione portulacoides) and more.
The presence of halophytic vegetation in Alyki is of great ecological importance because it functions as a foraging habitat, nesting and wintering site for fauna, a transitional zone between terrestrial and water districts, it controls the flow of deposited materials, is a pool of various nutrients, while the plants with their root system prevent soil erosion.
Ammophilous vegetation retains the sand, stabilizes the shoreline and the terrain from the corrosive action of the sea and the wind, and acts protectively as a natural barrier (seawater, wind intensity) for Alyki lagoon. It is found in the NE part on a small sandy beach where small dune formations are found that include species such as: the three-horned stock (Matthiola tricuspidata), the spiny chicory (Cichorium spinosum), the sea rocket (Cakile maritima), the sea knotgrass (Polygonum maritimum), a kind of thorn, the sea eryngo (Eryngium maritimum) and the yellow horned poppy (Glaucium flavum), which blooms from March to June.
Sea eryngo Spiny chicoryThe main lagoon of Alyki belongs to the habitat type *1150 and covers an area of 78.3 acres. In most sites of the Natura 2000 Network in Greece, the primary feature of the lagoons is the submerged meadows of the Ruppia cirrhosa species that cover a significant part of the bottom and aquatic macrophytes.
The value of the aquatic macrophytes as bioindicators has been recognized and described in the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EU (WFD/2000/60/EU).
Aquatic plants are all species that require water as a waterbody, which is a vital aspect of their growth, except for microscopic plant organisms, which have adapted to live floating the water and constitute the phytoplankton.
Aquatic plants play an essential role in aquatic ecosystems because they constitute the basis of all the food webs, contribute to the oxygenation of the coastal waters and provide shelter and breeding sites for many animal organisms.
a. The angiosperm Ruppia cirrhosa
In Alyki the most extensive part of the lagoon is covered by the angiosperm Ruppia cirrhosa (Spiral Ditchgrass). It is a species with roots, leaves, flowers and fruits like the terrestrial plants. It is relatively resistant and can survive a wide range of water temperatures (mainly between 5°C and 30°C) and salinity (1.5–60 PSU). Its meadows are inhabited by an abundant but poor in species fauna.
Ruppia cirrhosa is a perennial aquatic plant that has a specific growth path. The seeds preserved in the lagoon’s sediment begin to sprout during autumn rains, its above-ground part begins to develop and reaches its maximum growth in February-March. The plant blooms from March to April, forming the fruits. From July to August, when the lagoon begins to dry up, the decomposition of the plant starts. Then, a smell of decay emerges from the wetland. The seeds return to the sediment and with the first autumn rains and when the lagoon is filled with water, a new life cycle of the plant begins. The presence of the specific species is vital for the lagoon as it plays an essential role in the nitrogen cycle by incorporating large amounts of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) into its biomass.
In addition, the value of the seeds of the Ruppia cirrhosa species and the invertebrates that associate with its environment are essential food for birds such as coots and flamingos.
b. The charophyte Lamprothamnium papulosum
Another noteworthy aquatic plant species is the Lamprothamnium papulosum which belongs to charophytes or stoneworts. Charophytes can be characterized anatomically as highly developed green algae.
In an extensive part of Alyki lagoon, it forms submerged meadows along with the angiosperm Ruppia cirrhosa. The existence of this species is essential for the lagoon as it indicates its good ecological condition.
The appearance of the species depends significantly on the range of salinity. The ideal salinity conditions range from 8 to 28 PSU. In the case of Alyki, this happens during the wet season, where the salinity is greatly reduced due to rainfall. But this plant can survive even in extreme salinity conditions, exceeding 60 PSU.
The populations of L. papulosum at a European level are severely fragmented and are threatened by eutrophication and the drainage of the lagoons.
In the IUCN Global / European Red List, L. papulosum is characterized as Vulnerable (VU) and considered Endangered (EN) in the regions of Northern Europe, the Baltic Sea, Greece and Cyprus (Blaženčić et al., 2006).
Although it is not included in the habitat types described for Alyki, it is essential to mention the existence of Posidonia oceanica meadows in Corinthian Gulf and the omonymous beach of Alyki.
In the nearby maritime area, we find the Posidonia oceanica (Neptune grass or Mediterranean tapeweed). Posidonia oceanica is an endemic species of a marine plant species of the Mediterranean, often incorrectly called algae. Posidonia, unlike the algae (lower plants of the sea), has roots, leaves, flowers and fruits, just like the land plants. In fact, its ancestors returned to the sea about 120-100 million years ago. It is a “key” species, as its contribution to the functioning of coastal ecosystems, regardless of the surface it covers, is crucial.
The seagrass meadows are protected as a matter of priority by International Conventions, European Directives and National Legislation. They are a natural barrier for the coastline, as with their deep root system and dense foliage, they absorb the wave energy, protect the coasts from erosion, reduce the turbidity of the water, retain the suspended particles, recycle nutrients, are distinguished by high primary production and enhance biodiversity by offering food, shelter and breeding site to a several species.
Often, the dead leaves of Posidonia wash up along the shores, forming extensive soft layers, the banquettes, in which a multitude of microscopic invertebrates live, while the leaves themselves, as they decompose, enrich the beaches with valuable nutrients that boost the
Neptune grass (Posidonia oceanica) is an endemic marine plant of the Mediterranean / Source: NECCA (Dimitris Poursanidis).
dune vegetation and the nearby wetlands. They protect the coasts from erosion, contribute to the formation of the beaches, and, as an integral part of the life cycle of the Posidonia, are under the same protection regime at international and EU level and therefore, removing them with heavy machinery is not only dentrimental for the shores but is also illegal.
To date, more than 250 species of birds have been observed in Alyki, an impressive number for such a small site. The variety of species and the ease with which they can be observed have made Alyki known to bird watchers in Greece.
Alyki is particularly significant as a stopover for migratory birds, especially after reproduction. It is then that the return migration to the Mediterranean and Africa begins. Although we name it “autumn” migration, it starts much earlier. Some wading birds and gulls arrive in Alyki as early as the beginning of July – sometimes from the end of June.
Therefore, Alyki is full of migrant birds in summer, which stop on the islets and the revealed dry bottom as the waters subside. The passage continues until the end of autumn when the birds that will winter gradually settle in Alyki. If the winter is mild, a relatively small number of them winter in Alyki. In other cases, we may see large numbers and a great variety of aquatic birds.
The winter birds begin to depart at the end of January, and in February, the first birds
coming from further south appear. The spring migration has started, which depending on the species, and continue until the end of May. It is impressive that almost all year round, some species will be passing through Alyki.
Spring is also a nesting season. Since it was effectively protected in the 1980s, Alyki began to provide security for the sensitive breeding season. In total, more than 50 species of birds nest or have nested in and around Alyki.
When nesting, the birds are much more discreet and are not easily seen. Even when we see the Alyki “quiet” in spring, in the vegetation, there are nests of common moorhens, black-winged stilts, water rails, various perching birds (Passeriformes) and during some years of coots, mallards and little grebes.
In summer, on the dry bottom, there are well-camouflaged nests and chicks of Kentish plovers, little terns, and black-winged stilts; that’s why we shouldn’t enter or let dogs inside the Alyki. Also, in Alyki one to two pairs of common terns and little ringed plover nest.
The bird species of Alyki can be divided in the following categories:
Sixteen duck, two swan and four goose species have been observed in Alyki. In the past, it was common to see up to 10 species together in Alyki in winter, but in recent years, the numbers have significantly reduced due to the considerably milder winters. Exceptions are years with extreme winter conditions when many aquatic birds gather again in Alyki. Swans are usually few or absent. However, in the harsh winter of 2001-2002, more than 300 Mute Swans and almost 40 whooper swans have gathered. Today, the most common duck is the Eurasian teal, a small duck, while the much larger common shelducks and mallards are often seen. In spring many garganeys and the rare ferruginous duck pass through. Other similar (but not related to ducks) aquatic species that we find in Alyki are Eurasian coots, which have also decreased dramatically in recent years. Once, there were gatherings exceeding the 700 birds. Also regural in winter visits is the little grebe, which dives continuously to catch aquatic insects and South European toothcarps. A few cormorants, which sometimes swim and sometimes sit on wood, complement the image of the Alyki aquatic birds.
Eurasian teal
Mallard
The Shorebirds are the largest and most important group of birds in Alyki. Fourty one species have been observed to date. Unlike waterfowl, they do not swim but walk in very shallow waters, only a few centimetres deep and the mudflats. Only the black-winged stilt, with its very long legs, is nourished in somewhat deeper waters, up to 30 cm deep. The black-winged stilt nests in Alyki, up to 15 pairs in some years. Their voices, as they fight each other for suitable nest sites or join forces to drive seagulls, hooded crows or a dog away from the eggs and chicks, is the most characteristic sound in Alyki in spring and early summer. Afterwards, they leave for wintering in Africa. Unlike the black-winged stilt, most wading birds cannot use Alyki in winter and spring when the water level is high and we only see them in a few corners and on the beach.
But when summer and autumn come, the very shallow waters and the mudflats are ideal for them. At this time of year, Alyki becomes an ideal habitat for many wading birds that nest in the Arctic and carry out several thousands of kilometres migrating to the Southern Hemisphere. On this journey, they need stations, and Alyki offers them a valuable refuge. The most common are the stints (more common is the little stint), the Tringa sandpipers (more common is the wood sandpiper) and the plovers. Rare species such as the greater sand plover, the black-winged pratincole, the Terek sandpiper and more have also been observed.
In Alyki, apart from the black-winged stilt, the Kentish plover and the little ringed plover also nest. They wait for the waters to subside in late spring so the dry bottom is revealed to lay their well-camouflaged eggs on the plain soil. In some years, if the water level remains high, they are forced to nest on the beach, exposing them to being trampled by passing visitors.
With this term we refer to the herons, the Glossy ibises, the Flamingos, the Eurasian spoonbills and other similar large species with long legs nourished by walking in shallow waters. European flamingos (phoenicoptera) is a popular species that appear from mid summer to early winter.
They feed by filtering the bottom’s water to retain microorganisms and plant material. Flamingos are nomadic birds that constantly roam around the Mediterranean. By observing the colour rings that some of them bear, it has been found that the Flamingos in Alyki come from various regions of the Mediterranean, from Spain to Turkey (most of them are from France).
Typical in spring (less in autumn) are the Glossy Ibises, with their impressive crimson glossy plumage. However, the most frequent visitors to Alyki are the herons, mainly during the spring passage (March-May) and during the return journey (from July to October). In summer and autumn, we can see in Alyki large flocks of little egrets (which constantly hunt toothcarps) and grey herons. Another common species in spring is the squacco heron.
Twenty species of gulls and terns have been recorded in Alyki. Significant numbers of Mediterranean and Black-headed Gulls and yellow-legged gulls often gather in Alyki and the sea in almost all seasons.
Most of them appear in the summer when they can comfortably stand on the dry bottom or on the very shallow waters. Several slender-billed gulls also appear in summer, which constantly hunt for toothcarps. Terns feed by by diving for fish in Alyki and the sea. A typical species is the Sandwich tern, with the characteristic “tufted hair” on the back of the head, the only one that can be found in winter, which we often see sitting on spikes.
The most important species is the little tern, the champion of survival in Alyki, as it nests on the dry bottom and beach, carefully camouflaging its eggs. Parents constantly carry fish to the chicks with the constant stress of protecting their nests from hooded crows, magpies, dogs, and the trampling of a careless passing visitor.
A pair of common terns nests on an islet of Alyki (in some years more). The Gull-billed tern is another significant species because Alyki hosts internationally important numbers of it numbers from it. A few hundred ones pass almost every year from Alyki in groups of up to 150 birds from the end of August until the end of September. Plovers in flight.
Yellow-legged gull
Black-headed gull
Many dozens of species of small birds live all year round in Alyki or passing through and in Alyki, passing through migration or visit the area in winter. Some are typical wetland species, such as the western yellow wagtail, which mainly passes through the spring; the common reed warbler, which nests in the reed beds; and the common reed bunting, primarily found in winter. Some species remain year-round. Most typical is the zitting cisticola, one of the smallest birds of Europe. However, its presence is evident with the continuous undulating flight, during which its characteristic call “zip, zip, zip” can be heard. Typical species are the stonechat and the penduline tit, which builds elaborate hanging nests from tree branches. Many small birds also come to Alyki from the surrounding areas to perch the reedbeds in winter (as many common starlings do) or feed on the many insects that live in the wetland. A very characteristic species in spring is also the Bee-eater, which often appears in large flocks. Finally, a very typical picture of Alyki is the various species of swallows and swifts that usually fly by hundreds low over the surface of the water to catch emerging insects (such as Chironomids).
Alyki hosts small rodents, Lesser white-toothed shrews, badgers and foxes that we can see in summer in the dry lagoon. The last jackal in the area was observed in 1987. However, the most important mammals of Alyki also…fly. Every dusk, dozens of bats feed over Alyki. Other important vertebrate species recorded in this wetland include the beach marten and the least weasel.
At least twelve species of reptiles live in Alyki and around it, such as the dice snake, the snake-eyed skink, the Four-lined Snake, the Green Lizard and the small endemic Greek algyroides, which also appears in the coastal zone. There are also four species of amphibians. The most noticeable among them is the European tree frog, whose call is already heard by the end of winter. Green toads from the surrounding areas (and often, many are killed by cars on the road) also gather here to lay their eggs. There used to be many lake frogs in the canals and Alykovrysi. There are a few terrapins and grass snakes.
Today, after the embankment of many parts of the regional canal and other “small” waters that existed, all of these are in danger of extinction from Alyki. All these species are protected by the Berne Convention.
The European Tree Frog is a small amphibian (males range between 32-43 mm and females between 40-50 mm). It stands out from its uniform green colour. We hardly see it as it is hidden in the vegetation. It has, however, a very loud voice, which we hear in the evenings during the breeding season.
Snake-eyed skink is a small lizard with a thin cylindrical body and very small legs. Its length does not exceed 13 cm, including the tail, which is 1.5 times larger than the body. On the spine, its colour is dark, glossy brown with tiny spots. A thin, light-coloured line runs down the sides from the head to the tail. It has no eyelids, and transparent skin protects the eye. It is included in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC and in Annex II of the Berne Convention.
The invertebrates of Alyki have not been studied much. Vital are the species that live or breed in water, such as the crustaceans Gammarus and the small (non-stinging) mosquitos of the Chironomidae family, which lay their eggs and their characteristic red larvae are an essential food for birds. When it’s time to transform into insects, they emerge in massive numbers from the surface, attracting again large numbers of insectivorous birds and bats.
Also, in Alyki live many species of Coleoptera (beetles), Lepidoptera (butterflies), while characteristic are the Dragonflies, especially in the areas with fresh water in the eastern part of the wetland.
In the lagoon, the conditions are very adverse for the fish. According to the season, the water salinity ranges from fresh to hypersaline, while water temparture fluctuates from cold to fifty degrees. The only species of fish that can survive is the Mediterranean toothcarp, a tiny fish only six centimetres long. In summer, it survives in the few spots with water near the beach. In winter, it’s distributed throughout the lagoon. In years of severe drought, too many die, but always a few survive and breed rapidly. The Mediterranean toothcarp is a key species for the Alyki ecosystem because it is valuable food for several species of birds.
Mediterranean toothcarp belongs to the Cyprinodontidae family and is a family of mainly tropical fish distributed in the central and western parts of the Mediterranean coasts. Many of its populations are threatened with extinction in various habitats due to anthropogenic interventions.
Mediterranean toothcarp is included in Annex II of Directive 92/43 of the EEC “For the preservation of natural habitats as well as wild fauna and flora”. This demonstrates the importance of the specific species for the European ecosystems and the great importance
Alyki lagoon is inextricably linked to the Gulf of Corinth. These ecosystems are two out of four areas of the Management Unit of Corinthian Gulf that belong to the Natura 2000 Network. The Corinthian Gulf (GR2530007) is also an IMMA (Important Marine Mammal Area).
The marine ecosystem of the area provides feeding and wintering habitats for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle Caretta caretta and Green Turtle Chelonia mydas, which are included in the priority species of Annex II of Directive 92/43/EEC.
Particularly important is the presence of marine mammals, such as the cetaceans Tursiops truncatus (Bottle-nose Dolphin) of Appendix II, as well as Delphinus delphis (common dolphin), Stenella coeruleoalba (Striped Dolphin) and more rarely Grampus griseus (Risso’s Dolphin) of Appendix IV. This mixed population of Corinthian dolphins is globally unique. The striped dolphin predominates and although it is a completely pelagic species, it has not been observed anywhere else in the world in an enclosed bay, as is the case in the Gulf of Corinth. Fin Balaenoptera physalus and Sperm Whales Physester macrocephalus individuals have also occasionally been recorded.
Despite its effective protection, compared to many other sites of the Natura 2000 Network, and even though wild nature and human activities can co-exist, Alyki still faces protection problems such as:
• The non-existence of an established management framework.
• The risks of degrading the area’s naturalness, mainly due to residential development and expansion of infrastructure incompatible with the area’s character in the surrounding region.
• The risk of cutting off the freshwater supply of Αlyki from its natural supplier Alykovrysi and other changes in its hydrology due to construction works upstream.
• The risk of increased disturbance and death of amphibians and reptiles due to the increased traffic on the road surrounding Alyki.
• The disturbance of wildlife in the coastal zone due to vehicle access and intense recreational activities (kite-surfing).
• The disturbance of wildlife by uninformed visitors or unpredictable loud noises (e.g. fireworks).
• The disturbance of wildlife from a potential increase in night-time electricity in the perimeter road.
• The traffic congestion on the Alyki perimeter road during summer months.
• The predation of eggs and chicks by domestic predators (dogs, cats) that acquire access to dry Alyki in summer.
• The dumping of garbage on the perimeter of the lagoon.
• The collection of plants by visitors.
• The introduction of non-native species that are planted with good intentions but drastically alter the natural functioning of the ecosystem.
Wildlife, especially birds, are familiar with the presence of humans in Alyki. However, there are some limits, and sadly, there has been no end to the cases of serious disturbance that have driven birds from the area or destroyed nesting habitat. Therefore, every visitor must observe some simple rules of behaviour:
1. We do not enter the lagoon (we stay on the road or on the beach).
2. We do not approach or disturb the birds with noise, hand movements, throwing objects etc.
3. We do not let dogs into the lagoon and we always keep them with us.
4. We do not feed the birds and, in general, we do not leave food for any animal in and around Alyki.
5. We don’t fly drones. It causes panic to birds.
6. We always take our rubbish with us.
7. We do not leave or take animals or plants from Alyki (we do not cut flowers etc).
8. Drivers should always pay attention on the road, due to animals crossing, especially during spring evenings.
The Municipality of Aigialeia was financed by the Operational Program “Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014 - 2020”, priority 4 “INCREASING EMPLOYMENT AND TERRITORIAL COHESION”, which is co-financed by EMFF under the title: “PUBLIC INVESTMENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF FISHING AREAS” (Measure 8.3.3: Art. 63.1 of Reg. 508/2014 “Implementation of local development strategies with the initiative of local communities” [-for interventions of a public nature]), LOCAL CLLD/LEADER PROGRAM OF ACHAIA 63.1 –CLLD.26, version 2.0 and n/a MIS NSRF 4288, entitled: “Mild interventions for the tourism upgrade, monitoring and promotion of the biodiversity of the lagoon Alyki Aigio of the Municipality of Aigialeia (Natura 2000/ GR 2320006) through the Program FISHERIES & SEA LEADER 2014 – 2020” and with code MIS 5074969.
This proposal was included according to the no. 398/CL/EMFF/19 – 3 – 2021 decision of the CLLD/LEADER Program Management Committee in the Operational Program “FISHERIES AND THE SEA 2014 - 2020” (OPN 933146МОБ2-5МΔ) and was financed with the amount of 152,201.20 euros, while the final cost of the operation amounted to 135.488,60 euros.
For the first time, through the above program, Alyki of Aigio acquired ultramodern equipment for monitoring the hydrological and meteorological data (automatic telemetric and meteorological station for monitoring physicochemical parameters within the lagoon), wireless monitoring camera (webcam), telescopes and binoculars. In addition, wooden urban equipment, an above-ground observatory, and information sign boards were constructed, while a three-fold information brochure and this field guide were published.
The aim is for Alyki of Aigio to become a pillar for the development of soft forms of tourism due to its ecological value and its geographical location to become a field of scientific research for the management of EU coastal lagoons, as well as an essential field of environmental education for children and adults through direct exposure of target groups to experiential learning.
Βibliographic references
• Blazencic, J., Stevanovic, B., Blazencic, Z., Stevanovic, V., 2006. Red data list of Charophytes in the Balkans. Biodiversity Conservation, 15: 3445–3457.
• Christia, C., Tziotzis, I., Fyttis, G., Kashta, L., Papastergiadou, E., 2011. A survey of the benthic aquatic flora of transitional water systems of Greece and Cyprus (Mediterranean Sea). Botanica Marina, 54: 169-178.
• European Parliament, 2000. Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the council of 23th October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.
• Kontopoulos, N., Avramidis, P., 2003. A late Holocene record of environmental changes from the Aliki lagoon, Egion, North Peloponnesus, Greece. Quaternary International, 111: 75–90.
• Ντάφης, Σ., Παπαστεργιάδου, Ε., Λαζαρίδου, Ε., 1999. Τεχνικός οδηγός αναγνώρισης, περιγραφής και χαρτογρά-
φησης τύπων οικοτόπων της Ελλάδας. Ελληνικό Κέντρο Βιοτόπων-Υγροτόπων (ΕΚΒΥ). 180 σελ. +90 σελ.
• Χρηστιά Χρυσούλα, 2013. Οικολογική εκτίμηση των λιμνοθαλασσών της Δυτικής Ελλάδας με χρήση υδρόβιων μακροφύτων, ως βιολογικών δεικτών. Διδακτορική Διατριβή, Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών, Τμήμα Βιολογίας, 277 σελ., Πάτρα.
• Φυτώκα Ε., Τοµπουλίδου, Μ., Χατζηιορδάνου, Λ., Αποστολάκης, Α., 2020. Υγρότοποι στην Ηπειρωτική Ελλάδα: πλήθος, έκταση, χωρική κατανοµή. Μουσείο Γουλανδρή Φυσικής Ιστορίας / Ελληνικό Κέντρο Βιοτόπων - Υγροτόπων (ΕΚΒΥ). 78 σελ., Θέρµη. Online Sources
• Hellenic Ornithological Society: https://www.ornithologiki.gr/el/
• Management Body of the Corinthian Gulf: https://necca.gov.gr/mdpp/m-d-korinthiakou-kolpou/
• https://www.thalassapedia.gr/
• https://greece.inaturalist.org
ΔΗΜΟΣ
ΑΙΓΙΑΛΕΙΑΣ
Deputy Mayor’s Office of Development & Planning of the Municipality of Aigialeia.
We sincerely thank for the distribution of photographic material. Special thanks to:
Kostas Papakonstantinou, Toula Arvaniti, Kostas Karakatsanis, Toula Stavropoulou, Michalis Kotsakis, Christos Tsanis, Chrysoula Christia, Loukas Hapsis
Co-funded by Greece and the European Union
The project was carried out in collaboration with the General Directorate of Development, Forest Protection and Natural Environment of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and the Forestry of Aigio.