{"id":22,"date":"2024-04-27T13:48:06","date_gmt":"2024-04-27T12:48:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aktaia.org\/?page_id=22"},"modified":"2025-12-08T15:38:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T15:38:08","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/aktaia.org\/el\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0391\u03c1\u03c7\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae \u03c3\u03b5\u03bb\u03af\u03b4\u03b1"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n\n

Stand with Us for the protection of the marine environment from aquaculture<\/mark><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Aktaia is a Panhellenic Alliance composed of citizen groups, non-profits, scientists, and individuals from over 20 communities across Greece. Supported by evidence and science, we stand united in opposition to the drastic proposal to expand industrial fish farming by 24 times along our coasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No to industrial fish farms, Yes to healthy seas and communities!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nlearn more<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n\n

What is the problem?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The massive 24x area expansion of industrial-scale fish farms across Greece’s once pristine coastlines presents an urgent and severe threat to the environment, local livelihoods, wild fish populations, and the centuries-old way of life cherished by both residents and visitors. This unchecked growth risks forever altering the natural beauty and balance that has defined these coastal areas for generations.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n\n

Shocking facts about Fish farming in Greece<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

1.2 kg of Wild Fish Required to produce 1kg of Farmed Fish<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Oddly enough, carnivorous fish farming as in the case of sea bass and sea bream requires on average at least 1.2 kg of wild fish to produce just 1 kg of farmed fish. This leads to global depletion of wild fish stocks and greater amounts of hunger in poorer countries where the fish are being removed from coastal waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting material: [1]<\/a> [2]<\/a>[3]<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Destruction of Poseidonia Meadows<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Due to massive quantities of waste and eutrophication, open cage fish farming has a very negative impact on the vitally important Posidonia meadows, a major carbon sink in the Mediterranean. Many facilities in Greece illegally operate over Posidonia meadows, despite the clear provisions of Greek and European legislation. Evidence exists of destruction of Posidonia meadows near fish farms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting material: [1]<\/a> [2]<\/a>[3]<\/a> [4]<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Harmful Phytoplankton (Harmful Algae Blooms)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The fish farms contribute to an increase in harmful phytoplankton outbreaks, worsening the state of the marine environment and the effects of global warming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting material: [1]<\/a> [2]<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Mass Mortality and Escapes of Farmed Fish<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Cases of mass mortality of farmed fish are common and have been recorded in various regions, causing great environmental damage. Escaped farmed fish can lead to genetic diversity dilution and competition for resources, affecting the health and adaptability of wild fish while disrupting biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting material: [1]<\/a> [2]<\/a> [3]<\/a> [4]<\/a> [5]<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Extreme Use of Formaldehyde and Antibiotics<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Industrial fish farms use rampant formaldehyde, pesticides and antibiotics, harming the natural environment, free fish and therefore human health. Pesticides cause chemical resistance in sea lice to non-target marine life. Antibiotic use fosters resistance in farmed and wild species, posing risks to human health. Farmed Sea Bass and Sea Bream are categorized as \u201cAVOID\u201d by SeafoodWatch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting material: [1]<\/a> [2]<\/a> [3]<\/a> [4]<\/a> [5]<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Microplastics and Waste<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A survey conducted by Ozon NGO shows that in Greece fish farms produce large amounts of microplastics and waste, which can easily be seen in the marine environment. If the Poay plan is fully implemented, 336,530 tons of waste will be poured into the sea each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting material: [1]<\/a> [2]<\/a> [3]<\/a> [4]<\/a> [5]<\/a> [6]<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Natura 2000 Zones<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Natura 2000 is a network of sites designed to safeguard Europe\u2019s rarest and most endangered species and habitat types. Many fish farms in Greece are located in Natura 2000 zones threatening these valuable ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting material: [1]<\/a> [2]<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Expansion of Existing Fish Farms by 24x all over Greece<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Poay plan expands fish farming areas in Greece by 24x, from 9,800 to 240,000 stremmata. Gulfs filled with fish farms make an unwelcome surprise to visitors coming to Greece for its promised clear blue seas. Six Poay areas will have TWO to THREE times more fish farming area than ALL of Greece prior to the Poay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting material: [1]<\/a> [2]<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

\u0391 Threat to the Tourist Industry<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A national poll indicated that 42% of Greeks would choose NOT to visit a place with fish farms. According to research the tourist sector provides 5x more job opportunities and 5x more income than the proposed fish farm expansion. On the other hand, only an average of 3.9, often low-income and seasonal jobs are provided per fish farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting material: [1]<\/a> [2]<\/a> [3]<\/a> [4]<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Outdated Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) used for the approval of the Poays in Greece are of extremely poor quality, based on data older than 9 years, have significant omissions and do not include a full analysis of the impacts on local infrastructure, economy and tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting material: [1]<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Exclusion of Community Input<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Views of local communities were not sought during the EIAs preparation. Public consultation is short and not well publicized. Reports are very long, written in scientific jargon and often many years old, thus obsolete. In many cases communities and municipal authorities were not informed in time or at all about the public consultation on their own areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting material: [1]<\/a> [2]<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Privatization of Public Land<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Poay plan gives the region -forests, coastal areas, beaches- to the exclusive use of fish farming and specifically excludes any other use, such as yachting, fishing or habitation. Fish farms themselves have sole responsibility for managing the area including environmental control and further expansion onto public land. Local government is excluded from overseeing land use and farm expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting material: [1]<\/a> [2]<\/a> [3]<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Illegal Use of Land<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Fish farms on Poros and Aitoloakarnania make illegal use of land-based facilities. According to the demolition protocols issued the company must demolish their illegal facilities on Poros and restore the site at its own expense. Also, many fish farms on the coast of Aitoloakarnania and the Ionian Echinades Islands operate on land owned by municipalities or private individuals without approval.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
<\/div>\n\n
\n\n

Destruction of our Environment for Pennies<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Companies lease vast areas for shockingly low fees. On Poros and Salamina they pay only \u20ac12.50 per month per stremma. This minimal rent covers only a small fraction of the occupied area. On Poros, they will only pay for 300 out of 2,870 stremmata allocated to them; an absurdly low cost of \u20ac1.03 per stremma per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting material: [1]<\/a> [2]<\/a><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n
\n\n

What is the POAY?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2011, during a financial crisis and on the eve of a government collapse, Greece enacted a controversial and poorly understood law establishing 25 planned zones for aquaculture, known as the POAY. The acronym \u03a0\u039f\u0391\u03a5 (POAY) stands for “\u03a0\u03b5\u03c1\u03b9\u03bf\u03c7\u03ae \u039f\u03c1\u03b3\u03b1\u03bd\u03c9\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03b7\u03c2 \u0391\u03bd\u03ac\u03c0\u03c4\u03c5\u03be\u03b7\u03c2 \u03a5\u03b4\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf\u03ba\u03b1\u03bb\u03bb\u03b9\u03b5\u03c1\u03b3\u03b5\u03b9\u03ce\u03bd,” which translates to “Areas of Organized Development of Aquaculture Activities” in English. This legislation dramatically increased the permissible areas for aquaculture, expanding them 24-fold from 9,800 stremmata to 240,000 stremmata, effectively granting vast stretches of the country’s coastline to private companies for their exclusive use and self-monitoring. Each designated zone must undergo a multi-stage process, culminating in a decree by the President to finalize its establishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\nlearn more<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\n\n

What do we want?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Cancellation of POAY<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\n\n

The first and main demand is the immediate repeal of the K.Y.A. 31722\/4-11-2011 on “Approval of the Special Framework for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development for Aquaculture” – Government Gazette 2505\/B\/4-11-2011 – of November 2011, which came to legalize the existing anarchic situation and its serious environmental impacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The POAY plan is extreme: it relies on outdated data and flawed studies, permitting companies to self-regulate. The site selection is inadequate, facing significant opposition from local communities, all while the environment is facing significant threat as the areas around existing fish farms are already severely damaged.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Immediate implementation of a Sustainable National Marine Spatial Plan with Active Participation of Communities<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\n\n

Second, the immediate institutionalization of a sustainable National Marine Spatial Plan, in accordance with the Community directives and international experience, with the binding opinion of the first and second level local government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plans of this magnitude -with a significant environmental, social and economic footprint- should have the approval of local and neighboring communities.The opinion of local authorities should be changed from advisory to binding.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n
\n\n

<\/path><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/span>International best practices for aquaculture planning<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\n\n

Thirdly, the establishment of a sustainable Special Framework for Aquaculture, with direct categorisation of aquaculture types – intensive, extensive, etc. – and the strict normalisation of their spatial planning conditions in accordance with Community legislation and international experience. Indicatively:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. minimum permitted installation depths (at least 50 metres) rather than the 18 metres currently in force by law,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. registration of the Neptune River,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. monitoring,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. minimum distances from the coastline (at least 1.5 km) and not 50 metres from the coastline, as is currently the case in Greece,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. minimum distances from natural areas (land and sea), archaeological sites (both inland and on land), estuaries, tourist sites, Neptune sites, settlements, industrial installations, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. removal of aquaculture facilities from enclosed bays and single marine ecosystems,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. permanent controls to ensure compliance with legality and the quality of fish produced, etc.
    <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Fish farming in Greece has been implemented in bays, close to shore which are the most harmful implementation for the marine ecosystem, poseidon meadows and visual pollution. When planning aquaculture, it is important to adopt international best practices, always in consultation with local communities and local government. The Greek government must strengthen the requirements and the reliability of research of EIAs to ensure that the documents are reliable and serve their purpose: protecting our environment and allowing community participation in managing public resources. Allowing current low standards constitutes gross negligence and a threat to our country. Greece deserves and demands high standards, including no fish farms in MPAs.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

    \n
    \n\n

    <\/path><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/span>To take into account what is mentioned in the Special Spatial Framework for Aquaculture (Joint Ministerial Decision 31722\/4-11-2011)<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
    \n
    \n\n

    Tourism and aquaculture are incompatible land uses, and aquaculture units should not be placed in areas with any level of tourism development. Small, locally-owned tourism businesses, which generate income and help retain population in communities, are particularly affected by such placements.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

    \n
    \n\n

    <\/path><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/span>To opt for small-scale cultivation of algae, bivalve or herbivorous fish with no support for unsustainable methods<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
    \n
    \n\n

    Cultivation of algae, bivalve and herbivorous fish offers numerous advantages compared to carnivorous fish farming such as lower environmental impact, sustainability and fewer external inputs. No subsidies or compromised standards for carnivorous and unsustainable industrial fish farming.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

    \n
    \n\n

    <\/path><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Government-funded independent oversight of fish farming operations<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
    \n
    \n\n

    We propose independent oversight of fish farming operations, funded by increasing currently low sea space rents. This would ensure sustainable practices and regulatory compliance, benefiting both the environment and local communities.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

    \n
    \n\n

    <\/path><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Guarantee payments for cleanup of fish farms<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
    \n
    \n\n

    We ask for the implementation of guarantee payments for the cleaning of fish farms in the event of bankruptcy, in order to prevent ghost fish farms – even for current farms<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

    \n
    \n\n

    <\/path><\/svg><\/path><\/svg><\/span>Transparency on the feed, medicines, chemicals, and nutritional value of farmed fish<\/span><\/h3>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
    \n
    \n\n

    For the protection of our own and for our children\u2019s health, it is imperative that the government and international bodies make clear what our farmed fish are fed and treated with.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

    \n
    \n\n

    Map of Greek POAYs<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n
    \n
    \n
    \n\n

    Map of Greek POAYs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Current hotspots and planned expansion sites. <\/h3>\n\n\n\nView interactive map<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
    \n\nView interactive map<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
    \n
    \n\n

    Upcoming events<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n\n

    S.O.S. \u0395\u03a5\u0392\u039f\u03aa\u039a\u039f\u03a3<\/strong>
    \u0395\u039d\u0391\u039d\u03a4\u0399\u0391 \u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03c2 \u0392\u0399\u039f\u039c\u0397\u03a7\u0391\u039d\u0399\u039a\u0395\u03a3 \u0399\u03a7\u0398\u03a5\u039f\u039a\u0391\u039b\u039b\u0399\u0395\u03a1\u0393\u0395\u0399\u0395\u03a3<\/strong>
    \u0395\u039a\u0394\u0397\u039b\u03a9\u03a3\u0397 \u2013 \u0397\u039c\u0395\u03a1\u0399\u0394\u0391 <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \n\n

    Date & Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    \u03a3\u03ac\u03b2\u03b2\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf 29 \u039d\u03bf\u03b5\u03bc\u03b2\u03c1\u03af\u03bf\u03c5 \u2022 18:00 \u2013 20:00<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    \u0391\u03af\u03b8\u03bf\u03c5\u03c3\u03b1 \u03a3\u03c5\u03bd\u03b5\u03b4\u03c1\u03b9\u03ac\u03c3\u03b5\u03c9\u03bd \u03c4\u03b7\u03c2 \u0391\u03bd\u03c4\u03b9\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03b9\u03c6\u03ad\u03c1\u03b5\u03b9\u03b1\u03c2 \u03a3\u03c4. \u0395\u03bb\u03bb\u03ac\u03b4\u03b1\u03c2
    \u039b\u03b5\u03c9\u03c6. \u03a7\u03b1\u03ca\u03bd\u03ac 93 \u03a7\u0391\u039b\u039a\u0399\u0394\u0391<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u039f\u039c\u0399\u039b\u0397\u03a4\u03a1\u0399\u0395\u03a3\/\u0395\u03a3:<\/p>\n\n\n\n