Epanomi lagoon - Map Area - Hellenic Ornithological Society

Criteria: B1i, B2, C2, C3
Coordinates: 40° 23' 6.365" N 22° 54' 23.672" E	Altitude: 0-14 m	Area: 690 ha
Region: Kentriki Makedonia		Prefecture: Thessaloniki

MEMORANDUM

Map:

Site description:

This is an almost triangular flat peninsula in Thermaïkos gulf, the largest part of which is occupied by a coastal wetland with low sand dunes, one small lagoon surrounded by salt marshes, and grasslands. Part of the sand dunes is covered by shrubland with salt cedars (Tamarix spp.). The site also includes small areas of cultivated land. Its proximity to the city of Thessaloniki and the village of Epanomi, in conjunction with the presence of attractive beaches along the coastal zone, make the site particularly popular among tourists during summer, resulting in increased disturbance. The area is also adjacent to the camping site of Skala Epanomis. The main human activities are recreation, livestock breeding and agriculture.

Habitats:

Coastline (54.3 %), Sea (33.8 %), Artificial landscapes (11.9 %)

Birds:

An important area for wintering waterbirds, as well as for breeding and migrating waders.

Species	Year	Season Status	Abundance	Minimum Population	Maximum Population	Units	Data accuracy	Criteria 2000
Branta ruficollis	1987	W		0	5	I	U
Tadorna tadorna	2004-8	B		1	3	P	A
Aythya nyroca	-1997	P		0	3	I	A
Phalacrocorax carbo	2004-8	W		0	300	I	A	B1i, C3
Circus aeruginosus	2000	B		1	0	P	B
Burhinus oedicnemus	-1997	B		2	3	P	B
Recurvirostra avosetta	2004-7	B		15	20	P	A
Charadrius alexandrinus	-1997	B		20	25	P	B
Limosa limosa	2004-8	P	U				B
Numenius arquata	2007	W		0	4	I	A
Glareola pratincola	2004-8	B		8	0	P	B	B1i, B2, C2
Larus melanocephalus	-1997	P		0	3680	I	A
Sternula albifrons	2004-8	B		3	15	P	B

Protection Status:

• SPA: GR1220011 Limnothalassa Epanomis (689 ha, 100 %)

• SCI: GR1220012 Limnothalassa Epanomis kai Thalassia Paraktia Zoni (830 ha, 100 %)

• WR: Tsaïri Dimou Epanomis (839 ha, 98 %)

Conservation issues:

The main threats recorded in the area are road construction through the salt meadows and sand dunes in order to provide access to the beaches, disturbance and destruction of nests from uncontrolled use of roads, and illegal hunting. Fly-tipping of waste and the use of part of the area for tourist infrastructures (canteens, taverns, racetracks etc.) also comprise threats for the wetland. Other threats arise from former drainage works that have modified the hydrology, morphology and structure of the wetland habitats, as well as the infringements on public land and changes of land use that resulted in the expansion of agricultural cultivations within the wetland zone. HOS has formulated a Management Plan and a Special Environmental Study for the protection and management of the area, but also for the establishment of a model Ornithological Park, none however have been implemented by the competent authorities.

References / useful links:

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