North Aegean Sea Research Articles

Key Drivers of Consumption, Conceptual, Sensory, and Emotional Profiling of Cheeses Based on Origin and Consumer Familiarity: A Case Study of Local and Imported Cheeses in Greece

The origin of a product, consumer familiarity, and purchasing identity are factors that affect the perception of cheese consumption. The present study aims at identifying consumers’ conceptualizations and attitudes towards local Greek cheeses of the North-Aegean Sea islands, such as Ladotyri, Graviera, Kasseri, Kaskavali, Melichloro, and Kalathaki, some of which have a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, as opposed to cheeses of non-Greek origin, such as Cheddar, Regatto, and Gouda. Sensory and emotional attributes of local, local PDO, and imported cheeses, as well as drivers associated with consumers’ choice and acceptance above and beyond their sensory attributes, were studied using three methods: (a) flash profile to gain insight into the sensory positioning of products and description of samples; (b) qualitative analysis of focus groups to pinpoint consumer knowledge, preference, and consumption criteria; and (c) a new methodology for natural language processing and sentiment analysis of social media posts to determine consumer conceptualizations. Social media posts have proven to be a valuable source of linguistic and cultural data for cheeses. Local cheeses, including PDO products, were found to be linked to village life and family gatherings, home, tradition, and childhood memories, with saltiness and hardness being their main sensory attributes. Imported cheeses were linked to fast food, pizza, and snacking, with elasticity and gumminess as prominent sensory qualities. The main criteria for purchase were intended usage and versatility, taste and texture, price, and familiarity. The findings provide key sensory attributes, information about consumer purchasing criteria, and relevant vocabulary for the promotion of cheeses as agri-food and gastronomic identity key products.

Reconstruction of radioactivity and microplastic particles studying sedimentation/accumulation in the deep Lemnos basin, North Aegean Sea, Greece

Reconstruction of radioactivity and microplastic particles studying sedimentation/accumulation in the deep Lemnos basin, North Aegean Sea, Greece

Presence of abnormal otoliths in hallucinogenic fish and their comparison with normal otoliths using light and scanning electron digital imaging.

The otolith organs located in the inner ear of the fish are responsible for vital activities such as balance and hearing. Abnormalities in these organs can adversely affect the vital activities of the fish species. The main purpose of the study is to analyze the abnormalities in the otoliths of Sarpa salpa, known as the hallucinogenic fish. For that, 372 individuals of S. salpa are collected from the North Aegean Sea. As a result of the abnormality analyses in S. salpa otoliths, anomalies were detected such as various prominence structures on the surface of the otolith caused by accumulation and a more transparent appearance due to the different crystal structures in some parts of the otolith. These abnormalities were found in the left and/or right otoliths of male and female individuals in different total lengths. The percentage of individuals with abnormal otoliths of S. salpa is calculated as 52.42%. It was determined that there are statistical differences between the left and right otolith measurements of male and female individuals with abnormal and normal otoliths(p < 0.05). There is no relationship between the percentage of individuals showing abnormality and total length and sex. The current study presents for the first time abnormal otolith information on left and right otoliths in male and female S. salpa. It is thought that abnormalities in hallucinogenic fish otoliths could be related to genetic predisposition as well as stress due to nutritional preference, pollutants, and environmental factors. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The presence of abnormalities in the otoliths of Sarpa salpa, a hallucinogenic fish, was revealed for the first time. Abnormalities in the otoliths of S. salpa were identified, such as the presence of various prominence structures on the otolith's surface, loss of parts as well as a more transparent appearance in the outlines or surface of the otolith. Normal and abnormal otoliths of female and male hallucinogenic fish from different size groups were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Abnormality detected in the otoliths of hallucinogenic fish is not related to the gender and size of the fish.

Anchovy and sardine condition and energy content in the North Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean) in relation to their contrasting reproductive strategies.

Forage species with high biomass, such as anchovies and sardines, play a key role in pelagic ecosystems and make up a significant proportion of the world's capture fisheries production. In recent years, condition indices have gained interest as significant indicators for assessing the effects of environmental and human pressures on these species and the quality of their habitats. In the present study, we examined, for the first time in the North Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean), the year-round variation in somatic and gonadal condition, energy density, and percentage of lipid content of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus). Energy density was measured with bomb calorimetry and percentage lipid content with the fatmeter, a portable electronic device. Finally, the monthly changes in gonadal and energetic condition were examined in relation to the annual cycle of temperature and mesozooplankton biomass, simulated by the implementation of a coupled hydrodynamic-biogeochemical model (POM-ERSEM). There was a strong relationship between fish energy density (kJ g-1) and percentage dry weight. Furthermore, the mean monthly energy density and fatmeter measurements were strongly correlated, especially in sardine. Overall, the monthly changes in energetic condition were indicative of the species' different strategies for energy acquisition and allocation to reproduction (capital vs. income breeding): sardine exhibited low energy density and percentage lipid content during the winter spawning period (November-March) and markedly higher energetic condition from spring to autumn (April-October). Anchovy spawning period, as inferred from gonadal condition, lasted from April to September, i.e., during the warm period of the year but its energy density and percentage lipid content did not exhibit any seasonal changes and were markedly lower than in sardine from April to October. Finally, the simulated mesozooplankton biomass was higher from January to July, which corresponded to the second half of the spawning season for sardine, but first half of the spawning season for anchovy.

Distribution and abundance of ichthyoplankton in natural al artificial reefs in Edremit Bay, Northern Aegean Sea, Türkiye

Edremit Bay is one of the important areas for small–scale fishing in the North Aegean Sea. For this reason, more detailed ichthyoplankton studies should be continued to evaluate the fish stock status of the region, calculate the adult fish biomass, and determine the spawning period, place, and time of fish species. In addition, from 2011 to 2013, artificial reefs were constructed in Edremit Bay. Regular investigation of fish eggs and larvae in the region influenced by the Edremit Bay artificial reef would provide better knowledge of the structure and function of the local ecosystem and provide a basis for monitoring the marine ecosystem in the area. The current research examined the species abundance and distribution of surface plankton samples collected in 2015 and 2016. The evaluation also included the influence of abiotic environmental factors such as temperature, pH, chlorophyll a (chl–a), salinity, depth, and dissolved oxygen. Throughout the research, 3345 eggs and 176 larvae were analyzed. 57 species of eggs and larvae were identified. Eggs were not found in the natural reef (S3) in the summer and winter of 2015, while the highest egg abundance (212.83·100 m-3) was recorded in the natural reef (S1) in the summer of 2016. Larvae were not found in the natural reefs (S2 and S3) in the summer, autumn and winter of 2015 and in the artificial reefs (S4 and S5) in the summer and autumn in 2015 while the highest larvae abundance (8.12·100 m-3) on the artificial reef (S1) in summer 2016. Although the natural reefs had the highest number of species (30 species), the artificial reefs showed the lowest species diversity (17 species).

Ontogenetic, Spatial and Inter-Annual Variability in the Diet of European Hake Merluccius merluccius Linnaeus, 1758, in the North Aegean Sea

This study contributes to filling knowledge gaps regarding recent information on the diet of the European hake, Merluccius merluccius Linnaeus, 1758, in the Greek seas, particularly its ontogenetic shifts and its spatiotemporal variability. The trophic preferences of M. merluccius were investigated in the North Aegean Sea during the summers of 2019 to 2023 with visual stomach content analysis to assess its composition, diversity, and variability across body-size classes, years, and subareas. The identified prey are functionally diverse and in many cases also primary targets for local fisheries. The ontogenetic trophic niche of hake was characterized by two distinct shifts, delineated by 10 and 50 cm body-size thresholds. Cephalopods were a prevalent dietary component for large hake individuals. The intermediate body-size classes demonstrated greater trophic niche breadth concerning prey diversity and absolute prey-size ranges. A feeding strategy characterized by the specialization of individuals was also revealed. The effect of the temporal and spatial context on the hake diet was occasionally correlated with spatiotemporal variations in the sizes of their populations. In conclusion, ontogenetic and spatiotemporal variability in the hake diet were found to be significant and should be considered in the data collection design and analyses of the trophic interactions of the species.

Impacts of three severe storms on Aegean Sea oceanography (2018–2020)

AbstractThis study presents a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of severe storms on the oceanography of the Aegean Sea, with specific focus on storms occurring on 15 November 2018, 14 September 2019, and 7 January 2020. Notable changes in oceanographic variables are observed on the storm day and in the subsequent days, gradually returning to pre-storm conditions. During storms, Aegean Sea surface temperatures were 2–3 °C below average, with cooling particularly evident along the west coast and northern part. Salinity increases of 0.5–1 PSU are observed during storms, with the most significant effects noted on 7 January. Storms consistently led to a decrease in sea level in our study area, with the western coast and north Aegean Sea experiencing levels 6–10 cm lower than the monthly average. Surface currents along the west coast and within latitudes 36–40° are 0.3 to 0.4 m/s stronger than average during storms. Storm-induced changes in the Thracian Sea’s anticyclonic gyre on 5 January reveal a speed increase of 0.3–0.4 m/s. Notably, both temperature and salinity fluxes exhibit significant changes during storms, characterized by a shift from east-to-west transport, contrasting with the west-to-east pattern observed before the storms. This shift is mainly influenced by Ekman transport, which predominantly directs water westward and north-westward when the wind comes from the northeast to southwest. Storms contribute to heightened salinity, increased kinetic energy, and enhanced transport, accompanied by a decrease in temperature, with the most pronounced effects near the surface along vertical layers.

Radiocarbon dating of samples connected to rock-cut features at Myrina Kastro (Lemnos Island, Greece) and calculation of the regional marine reservoir effect in the Late Bronze Age in the Aegean Sea

AbstractThe Kastro peninsula constitutes the extension towards the West of Myrina, the Lemnos capital, on the western coast of the island, in the North Aegean Sea. The ongoing research project on rock-cut features and rock-art of this complex site included a five-year (2002–2007) subsurface investigation, during which, among other mobile finds, charcoal and seashell samples were also collected, associated in situ to rock-cut features. Subsequently, in an attempt to bring about information on the dating of the rock-cut site, an investigation based on 14C has also been undertaken. Therefore, the purpose of the present paper is the AMS dating of the unearthed anthropogenic deposits and the calculation of the regional marine reservoir effect during the end of the Late Bronze Age. Our results show that the age of the deposits is spanning from the 13th century BC till the 6th century AD. Moreover, the 14C ages of two pairs of charcoal-seashell samples showed that the mean marine reservoir age R(t) in this region from the 13th to the 10th centuries BC is 175 ± 59 14C yrs and the mean local sea surface reservoir deviation ΔR is found to be –288 ± 108 14C yrs (within 1σ).

Evidence for Reduced Black Sea Water Outflow to the North Aegean

AbstractThe Black Sea Waters (BSW) exported into the Aegean Sea largely control its overturning circulation as well as the regional biogeochemical characteristics. Observational evidence from ARGO floats and satellite‐derived sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll indicate a recent drastic reduction of Black Sea Water presence in the surface layer of the North Aegean Sea. This evidence is also supported by the long‐term negative sea level difference trend between the southwestern Black Sea and the northeastern Aegean Sea. The role of the Black Sea in hindering deep water formation processes in the North Aegean seems to be diminishing. The future evolution of the Aegean overturning cell will depend on whether this trend will continue, in addition to the variability of local atmospheric forcing.

Capture of a new-born shortfin mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus (Lamniformes: Lamnidae), with updated records from the Turkish marine waters

The study reports on the capture of a new-born specimen of shortfin mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1810 off Karantina islet coast, Urla, Izmir (north Aegean Sea). This specimen measured 761 mm in total length and weighed 2900 g. The historical and recent captures of the species in the area shows the presence of new-born, juvenile and adult males and females. The distribution of these specimens suggests the potential occurrence of a nursery ground in the same area. To preserve the extirpation of the species throughout the area where it finds favourable environmental parameters to live, a management plan should be conducted to ensure the establishment of a viable population in the Turkish marine waters

Non-native fish species in the North Aegean Sea: a review of their distributions integrating unpublished fisheries data

Fisheries-dependent data and information gathered through fisheries-related scientific surveys can significantly contribute to research on the patterns and processes underlying marine biological invasions and their interactions with fisheries. This study presents an overview of the presence of non-native fish species in the North Aegean Sea, offering insights into their distributions and impact on fisheries. The findings are based on a comprehensive compilation of commercial fisheries-dependent and scientific survey data collected in Greece from 2016 to 2023, along with a systematic review of the international scientific literature. The study resulted in the documentation of the presence of 37 non-native fish species, including several recorded for the first time in the area. The results suggest that non-native fish species invasions in the North Aegean Sea are dynamic. Although most species were classified as casual, and the frequencies of occurrence as well as the quantities in commercial fisheries catches of established species are smaller than in the South Aegean Sea, species introductions and the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy of several species have been increasing since the 2000s. The significance of non-native fish species is becoming increasingly relevant to commercial fisheries in the study area. This is particularly evident in the Northeastern Aegean Sea, where catches of non-native species are on the rise, and new species with potential commercial value have emerged in recent years.

Spatiotemporal characteristics and earthquake statistics of the 2020 and 2022 adjacent earthquake sequences in North Aegean Sea (Greece)

The two moderate earthquakes that occurred close and to the north of the North Aegean Trough (NAT) on 26 September 2020 (Mw5.3) and 16 January 2022 (Mw5.4), both followed by aftershock activity, are examined. Seismic activity along the NAT and its parallel branches is continuous and remarkable, with numerous strong instrumental (M≥6.0) earthquakes. Yet, the frequency of moderate (5.0≤M&lt;6.0) earthquakes outside these major fault branches is rather rare and therefore their investigation provides the optimal means to decipher the seismotectonic properties of the broader area. The temporal and spatial proximity of the two seismic excitations from late September of 2020 through early 2022, intrigues for exhaustive investigation of seismic activity with the employment of earthquake relocation techniques, moment tensor solutions and statistical analysis. Our research revealed that this seismic activity purely falls inside the Mainshock – Aftershock type, with fast aftershock decay rates and moderate productivity. According to our findings, the two seismic sequences, despite their close proximity, exhibit distinctive features as a result of the intricate stress field generated at the western termination of the NAF system in an extensional domain.

Trajectories of trace element accumulation in seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) over a decade reveal the footprint of fish farming

To evaluate the effect of trace element (TE) release from fish farms on seagrass Posidonia oceanica, we compared TE concentrations (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, Zn) in shoots near fish cages (Station ‘Cage’) with those away from them (Station ‘Control’) in two fish farm facilities (Site 1 and Site 2, North Aegean Sea, Greece). We assessed the present (i.e., 2021, year of sampling) and past (reconstructed period 2012–2020) accumulation of TEs using the living compartments (leaf blades, sheaths, rhizomes, roots, epiphytes) and the dead sheaths, respectively. We also assessed possible seagrass degradation by reconstructing past rhizome production. P. oceanica rhizome production at the ‘Cage’ stations was up to 50% lower than at the ‘Control’ stations. Most TE concentrations were higher at ‘Cage’ stations, but the differences often depended on the seagrass living compartment. Significant differentiation between ‘Cage’ and ‘Control’ stations was observed based on the TE concentrations of the dead sheaths during 2012–2020. The contamination level at the ‘Cage’ stations was mostly moderate in Site 1 and low in Site 2, during the reconstructed period, while an increasing contamination trend was found for certain potential phytotoxic TEs (As, Cu, Cd, Mo, V). Our results emphasize the need for the aquaculture industry to work towards a more ecologically aware approach.

Net Transport Patterns of Surficial Marine Sediments in the North Aegean Sea, Greece

The spatial distribution of sediments on the seafloor reflects the various dynamic processes involved in the marine realm. To analyze sediment transport patterns in the North Aegean Sea, 323 surficial samples were obtained and studied. The granulometry data revealed a diverse range of grain sizes of surficial sediments, ranging from purely sandy to clay. The predominant size classes were silt and muddy sand, followed by sandy silt and mud. However, there were very few samples that fell within the clay classes. The sorting coefficient ranged from 0.21 to 5.48, while skewness ranged from −1.09 to 1.29. The sediment transport patterns were analyzed based on the grain-size parameters (mean, sorting, and skewness). The results showed the variability of flow parameters involved in sediment distribution. River influx and longshore drift near the shoreline are the most significant factors affecting sediment transport. At the open sea, sediment distribution is mainly controlled by general water circulation patterns, especially by the outflow of low-salinity waters from the Black Sea through the Dardanelles and the Marmara Sea. The heterogeneity of sediment textural parameters across the study area suggests that seafloor sediments are further reworked in areas where water masses are highly energetic. It can be concluded that open sea water circulation controls sediment distribution patterns at the open shelf, while close to the coast, river discharge plays a key role.

Toward a Renewable and Sustainable Energy Pattern in Non-Interconnected Rural Monasteries: A Case Study for the Xenofontos Monastery, Mount Athos

The scope of this article is to study and propose optimized electricity production plants powered by renewable energy sources, in the frame of energy transition in non-interconnected, rural monasteries. Energy transition, namely, the transition from fossil fuels to renewables and rational use of energy, constitutes a major component of sustainability. In particular, monasteries constitute a special and unique category of rural communities, given their size and the scale of the electricity demand. As a case study, this work focuses on the Xenofontos Monastery, in Mount Athos. Mount Athos, practically a mountainous peninsula at the North Aegean Sea (central-south Macedonia, Greece), is an independent and self-governed community of 20 different monasteries, with no electrical interconnection between them. The electrification of these monasteries started in the 1980s, with the installation of autonomous small diesel generators. Since 2010, an attempt has been initiated to replace these generators with power production and storage technologies based on renewable energy sources, aiming to approach a more energy-independent and sustainable pattern in the peninsula. The article examines two alternative systems, with small wind turbines and photovoltaic panels as the power production units and small pumped hydro storage or electrochemical batteries as storage technologies. New operation algorithms were developed and the sizing of the systems was accomplished through the computational simulation of the examined plants’ annual operations, aiming at full coverage of the power demand. The article proves that 100% power demand coverage from hydro power plants is possible with the support of pumped storage, achieving a Levelized Cost Of Electricity in the range of 0.22 EUR/kWh. This feature can be reduced at 0.11 EUR/kWh with the support of lithium-ion batteries, yet with annual power demand coverage at 90%.

Estimación de parámetros poblacionales seleccionados para salmonetes de aguas marinas turcas Mullus barbatus ponticusEssipov, 1927 (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Mullidae)

In order to calculate the length–weight and length–to–length relationships for red mullet Mullus barbatus ponticus Essipov, 1927 in Turkish marine waters, samples were collected from the Marmara Sea, the Northern Aegean Sea and the Western Black Sea by trawler from 2013 through 2016 fishing season. In the study in which 1,756 individuals were sampled, the number and proportion of individuals obtained from the Western Black Sea Region was 9.7% with 171 individuals from Amasra and 65.3% with 1,148 individuals from Ereğli; it was 1.7% with 30 individuals from the Marmara Sea, while it was 23.2% with 407 individuals from the North Aegean Sea. The total length was 6.3 to 20.5 cm, while the weight ranged from 2.54 to 89.53 g. In addition, 49 length–weight relationship values were examined from the literature of red mullet sampled in Turkish marine waters from 1977 to 2017. The smallest b value was determined as 2.84 from Iskenderun Bay and the highest was 3.3916 from the Izmir Bay. The median value of b was 3.188; it was observed that 50% of the b values ranged from 3.092 to 3.26.

GEODETIC EVIDENCE FOR POST-SEISMIC DEFORMATIONS FOLLOWING THE 2014 NORTH AEGEAN MW 6.9 EARTHQUAKE

The 2014 North Aegean Sea earthquake was a strong (Mw 6.9) event that caused significant crustal deformations. In the present study we investigate the long-term impact of the earthquake on the kinematics of the North Aegean Trough (NAT). For this purpose, we analyzed GPS observations collected from May 2010 to April 2022 at five permanent GPS reference stations. Two of these stations are located close to the epicenter(s) on the Islands of Lemnos and Samothrace. We processed the data using the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) technique. The analysis of the obtained coordinate time-series revealed a post-seismic deformation (PSD) period lasting for more than two years leading to cumulative 2D post-seismic displacement of 22 mm and 27 mm for Samothrace and Lemnos, respectively. The magnitudes of these post-seismic slip vectors correspond to 23% and 49% of the co-seismic vectors at Samothrace and Lemnos, respectively. The long-term analysis showed that after the end of the PSD period the stations are characterized by stable velocities that are noticeably different compared to the velocities prior to the event. We observed a change in the velocity in the order of 2 mm/yr for both Samothrace and Lemnos. It is the first time that PSD and velocity changes have been reported for the 2014 North Aegean Sea earthquake shedding light on the characteristics and the impact of this important earthquake on the kinematics of NAT.

Unravelling the genetic pattern of seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) meadows in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

AbstractThe genetic traits of seagrass populations are a crucial aspect of their ecology and evolution, influencing their adaptability and resilience. Here, we studied the genetic diversity, population structure, and connectivity of eighteen Posidonia oceanica meadows extending in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Aegean, Ionian and Cretan Seas, Greece), combining twelve microsatellite markers and Lagrangian particle drift modelling. Our findings revealed a strong genetic differentiation between the Ionian Sea and the Aegean and Cretan Seas, suggesting limited genetic exchange between these two groups. High gene flow was observed within the meadows of the Aegean and Cretan Seas, indicating a well-connected group of populations. Notably, populations of the North Aegean Sea displayed the lowest genetic diversity and the highest clonality compared to the rest of the populations. The lack of substantial oceanographic connectivity between Ionian and Aegean/Cretan Sea populations supported their genetic differentiation. However, the Lagrangian simulations did not fully support gene flow patterns in the Aegean Sea, suggesting that in addition to contemporary processes, historical events may have contributed to the formation of the observed genetic pattern. The genetic information provided here can be incorporated into management strategies aimed at identifying suitable areas as management units in conservation efforts and determining meadows that may serve as donor sites in transplantation initiatives.

Evolution of the North Anatolian Fault from a diffuse to a localized shear zone in the North Aegean Sea during the Plio-Pleistocene

SUMMARY The North Anatolian Fault is the ∼1200-km-long active continental transform boundary between Anatolia and Eurasia. This strike-slip system initiated around 10–12 Ma and experienced diachronous episodes of strain localization along its strike. The structural evolution of the ∼350-km-long fault segments crossing the North Aegean Sea remains to be accurately investigated. There, the modern North Anatolian Fault is localized along two main branches: the northern branch ends at the North Aegean Trough and the southern branch ends at the Edremit-Skyros Trough. The Evia Basin is located in the North Aegean Domain between the North Anatolian Fault and the Corinth Rift. This study presents seismic reflection lines crossing the aforementioned structures of the North Aegean Domain, which document their subsurface structure and the sedimentary record of their activity since the Messinian. The seismic-reflection data set is tied to regional-scale stratigraphic markers, which constrains the age of main tectonic events related to the formation of the North Anatolian Fault. The seismic-reflection lines show that the two main branches of the North Anatolian Fault became localized structures at 1.3–2 Ma, coevally with the formation of the Evia Basin. Since 2 Ma, the North Aegean Troughs developed as a series of horsetail basins propagating westwards at the termination of the branches of the North Anatolian Fault. On a regional scale, the wide and diffuse North Anatolian transtensive shear zone active from Serravalian to Late Pliocene turned into a narrower shear zone at the two main branches of the North Anatolian Fault since the Early Pleistocene. This abrupt episode of strain localization occurred in the frame of the major Early Pleistocene change in stress regime from NE–SW to N–S extension, which has been observed throughout the Aegean Sea.

Tectonic Geodesy Synthesis and Review of the North Aegean Region, Based on the Strain Patterns of the North Aegean Sea, Strymon Basin and Thessalian Basin Case Studies

Satellite geodesy, an indispensable modern tool for determining upper-crust deformation, can be used to assess tectonically active structures and improve our understanding of the geotectonic evolution in tectonically active regions. A region fulfilling these criteria is the North Aegean, part of the Eastern Mediterranean. It is one of the most tectonically, and hence, seismically, active regions worldwide, which makes it ideal for applying a satellite geodesy investigation. Although many regional studies have been carried out across the entire Aegean region, there are three more focused case studies that provide better resolution for different parts of the North Aegean. The synthesis of these case studies can lead to an overall geodynamic assessment of the North Aegean. The North Aegean Sea case study is characterized by the North Aegean Trough (NAT), which is directly associated with the westward prolongation of the North Anatolian Fault (NAF). Both NE–SW normal and strike-slip faulting have been documented in this offshore region. Geodetic analysis considers geodetic data, derived from 32 permanent GPS/GNSS stations (recorded for the 2008–2014 time period). This results in the estimation of the Maximum (MaHE) and Minimum (MiHE) Horizontal Extension, Maximum Shear Strain (MSS) and Area Strain (AS) parameters, based on triangular methodology implementation; the same strain parameters have similarly been estimated for the Strymon and Thessalian basins, respectively. The Strymon basin (first case study) is located in the central part of the northern Greek mainland, and it is dominated by NW–SE (up to E–W) dip-slip normal faults; this area has been monitored by 16 permanent GPS/GNSS stations for seven consecutive years. Regarding the Thessalian basin case study, E–W, dip-slip and normal faults are noted at the basin boundaries and within the Thessalian plain. This region has also been monitored for seven consecutive years by 27 permanent GPS/GNSS stations. However, this case study is characterized by a strong seismic event (Mw6.3; 3 March 2021), and thus all strain parameters depicted the pre-seismic deformation. Analysis of these three different case studies confirmed the current tectonic setting of the North Aegean region, while revealing new aspects about the geodynamic evolution of the wider region, such as highlighting areas with significant tectonic activity and the crucial role of strike-slip faulting in the broader Aegean region.