Greece’s remote Fournoi archipelago, rich in ancient coral reefs and marine biodiversity, is set to benefit from a government ban on bottom trawling introduced last month to protect its fragile seabed.
Local fishermen, such as 76-year-old Manolis Mytikas, have welcomed the move, describing trawlers as destructive “bulldozers” that have long depleted fish stocks in the area.
The ban follows groundbreaking discoveries by scientists from Archipelagos and Under the Pole, who found thriving coral ecosystems at depths of 60–150 metres, including black corals and red gorgonians.
Experts warn these underwater “forests” are highly vulnerable, with even a single trawl pass potentially causing irreversible damage.
While marine scientists praise Greece’s leadership — becoming the first European nation to phase out bottom trawling in all marine protected areas by 2030 — industrial trawler operators have criticised the decision, citing lack of consultation and concerns over livelihoods.
The debate is expected to feature at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference in Nice.
Source: news.com.au
