Amorgos, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, is introducing its first-ever fishing ban after local fishermen reported a staggering 90% drop in fish stocks over the past 20 years, ekathimerini.com, has reported.
According to an article by Lina Giannarou, pending government approval, the new rules will enforce full fishing bans in three key areas—Katapola, Nikouria, and Gramvousa—for a minimum of five years. In addition, all fishing within 1.5 miles of the island will be suspended during April and May, the peak spawning season.
“There is no other choice. There are no fish. Compared to 20 years ago, the decline is 90%,” said Captain Michalis Vekris, who operates a large fishing vessel out of Aigiali.
The effort, known as Amorgorama, began in 2019 when local fishers joined forces to protect their waters, overcoming early doubts. The island’s entire fishing community, including all 40 members of the Amorgos Fishermen’s Association and the owner of its only trawler, backed the plan.
Michalis Krosman, head of the association, said the sharp drop became evident around 2010. “For many years we thought fish would never run out,” he said.
During the spring closure, fishermen will take on coastal cleanup work and begin transitioning to more sustainable practices. This includes using larger nets and hooks to avoid catching juvenile fish and reduce ecological damage.
The ban marks a significant shift in local attitudes toward marine conservation and aims to restore marine life for future generations.
Source: ekathimerini.com
