April 27th 2025
Protecting Agathonisi: Research, Overfishing, and the Fight for Survival in the Northern Dodecanese
With the Aegean Explorer and its crew, we are currently focusing on the Northern Dodecanese and the area of Agathonisi island, just before the strong north winds start again in the Aegean.
As the sailing vessel Triton is in the open sea, the crew of Aegean Explorer is now able to focus on more targeted research using its specialized equipment: 7 ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), fish biomass scanner, sonar, chemical and the microbiological field laboratory, while also having the the possibility to collect a variety of samples from deep waters.
One of the most significant problems that Agathonisi faces is the intense overfishing conducted by large trawlers. These vessels travel from the distant ports of northern Greece or of Piraeus. In recent years, the destruction caused is even greater due to the illegal fishing practices of Turkish trawlers in the same area. Consequently, what was for centuries known as a very rich fishing ground has now become a sea where the few remaining fishermen struggle to make a living. On many occasions, local fisheries do not even meet the basic nutritional needs of Agathonisi’s inhabitants.
If governments throughout the years, up to the present day, truly meant even a fraction of their public commitments regarding the protection and sustainable development of the small Greek islands, they would have at least taken measures to safeguard the natural resources essential for the survival of these communities.
On board the Aegean Explorer, we met with the Mayor of Agathonisi, Vangelis Kottoros, to discuss not only environmental issues but also the ongoing efforts by the municipality to tackle the island’s demographic challenges. The municipality even offers incentives to encourage new permanent residents to relocate to Agathonisi. It is important to emphasise that Agathonisi is a unique island that warmly welcomes its visitors and remains free from the pressures of over-tourism.
