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Andros island and surrounding islets 24° 52’ 34.050” E, 37° 49’ 14.021” N Area: 187 km 2 Region: Notio Aigaio • Prefecture: Kyklades
B3, C6 Seaward Extension
Site Description This is an extensive marine site which contains the coastal area around the island of Andros, excluding the part extending from the port of Andros up until the southern arm of Korthi Bay. Overall, 16 islets and rocks are contained within this marine area. The IBA encloses a 0.5 n.m. marine extension which has been delineated around most of the island, along the afore-mentioned sections of Andros and nearby islets. The coastline is mainly rocky consisting of highly weathered metamorphic rocks (schists), forming eroding cliffs intermittent with numerous sandy beaches with shallow waters. Several perennial streams flow in the area forming small coastal wetlands. Islets are in general low-lying or flat with a smooth relief and are covered by phrygana and
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halophytic vegetation. The maximum depth in the site does not exceed 130 m. Strong northerly winds blow in the area, especially in the Strait of Kafireas (Kavo Doro) between Andros and Evvoia, thus the site is much preferred by shearwaters. The marine environment surrounding Andros includes important marine habitats, such as Posidonia beds and reefs, which remain in relatively good condition. The area is important for cetaceans, such as the Common Bottlenosed and Striped Dolphin, while Sperm Whales have been found stranded. The Mediterranean Monk Seal has been recorded in the waters around Andros. The site is adjacent to the island of Gyaros, one of the main breeding areas of this species in Greece.