The Ionian Sea in the eastern Mediterranean: Critical year-round habitats for sea turtles and diverse marine megafauna, spanning all life stages and genders

Conserving marine megafauna is a complex task, particularly due to the gaps in our knowledge regarding their distribution and susceptibility to human pressures. While the Ionian Sea, eastern Mediterranean, is renowned for hosting nesting sites for sea turtles and supporting diverse cetacean populations, identifying key marine habitats for elusive species remains a significant challenge in the region. This study offers insights drawn from 15 years of stranding data collected in the Ionian Sea, shedding light on the utilization of marine habitats by marine megafauna. Stranding records of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), reported even beyond the breeding season, highlight the ecological significance of the area as a year-round foraging and developmental habitat. Stranding records have consistently revealed the presence of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the region, emphasizing the need for further research on their habitat utilization. The higher stranding frequencies observed during the spring/summer months can be attributed to factors such as increased individual abundance, heightened reporting rates, or intensified human activities at sea. While human-induced disturbances are evident in the reporting of stranded cetaceans in the region, the annual records of stranded Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) raise questions about the viability of the local population of this endangered species. This study provides substantial evidence suggesting the significance of the Ionian Sea as a potential hotspot for marine megafauna in the Mediterranean. Results highlight the need for policy measures aimed at safeguarding the marine habitats of these charismatic creatures.