Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation stresses that the use of live ammunition during military exercises should not be allowed within uncontrolled firing fields or in sea areas containing protected marine species and habitats. It stands in stark contrast to the protection of marine environment, biodiversity, productive coastal ecosystems, public health and the sustainability of fisheries.

The uncontrolled use of heavy weaponry, shooting live ammunition into fragile coastal ecosystems causes incalculable consequences to marine environment and public health. Toxic substances and heavy metals contained in conventional ammunition bioaccumulate in the food chain and indirectly damage the health of local communities. Fishing fields, tourist areas and agricultural lands are also negatively impacted. This unnecessary destruction not only violates international conventions signed by Greece for the protection of nature, but also harms the public image of the country.

Since 2004, Archipelagos has been working closely with the local communities and authorities to stop military exercises which cause widespread environmental damage to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems of the Greek seas. In 2005 the islets of Anydro and Petrokaravo, belonging to the Wildlife Refuge north of Patmos, became the first areas in Greece where military exercises using live ammunition were stopped for reasons concerning environmental protection. It was a result of the coordinated, dynamic intervention undertaken by the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation in close cooperation with the local community and the Municipality of Patmos.

Another example of destruction caused by military activity is the southern part of the island of Chios, which was used as an uncontrolled firing field for several years. It has been characterised by the total annihilation of marine life and degradation of fish stocks. Consequently, it became a fishing ground that can no longer be used by local fishermen. The fish stocks are already plummeting in the Aegean, so this situation only deepens the despair of the local fishing community.