Archipelagos

  • English
  • Ελληνικα
Who We Are
The TeamThe Team
Research BasesResearch Bases
Research BoatsResearch Boats
Our EquipmentOur Equipment
PartnersPartners
SupportersSupporters
Fields of Action
Marine ConservationMarine Conservation Fisheries Shipping Risks Seagrass Meadows Coralligene Conservation Littoral Ecosystems Invasive Species Jellyfish Sea Turtles
Marine MammalsMarine Mammals Dolphins and Porpoises Whales Seals
Terrestrial ConservationTerrestrial Conservation Island Fauna Forests & Flora Freshwater Ecosystems Aegean Seed Bank
Laboratory ResearchLaboratory Research Microplastics Water Analysis Soil Quality
Projects
Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary
Eco-Navigation
FIsh4Life
Save the Aegean
Join Us
Internships in the Aegean
Remote Internships
Interns Experiences
Field Courses
News
Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus
Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus
Tragedy in Turkey and Syria
Tragedy in Turkey and Syria
Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea
Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale
View All...
Contact us
Publications
Videos
Awareness Material
Donate
Menu

Murdering the Rare Wildlife of our Seas

Murdering the Rare Wildlife of our Seas

by Kleopatra Delaveri / Tuesday, 21 March 2017 / Published in News

During the past few weeks there has been an increase in the killings of rare marine species in various parts of the Aegean Sea: one more monk seal shot, decapitated turtles, stubbed dolphins – tied with a rope in the tail and many more… These are not isolated incidents but a long lasting problem, as has been recorded by the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, along with other organizations. This is an old problem that is reaching a peak. We have to consider that only a small part of the stranded or killed animals are known, as there is easy access to only 20-30% of the Greek coastline, which exceeds 18.000 km in length. Therefore the real number of deliberately killed or stranded animals is estimated to be much larger, with the majority of the incidents never becoming known.

If we are interested in solving this problem, we ought to view it in from a different perspective. Therefore, it is not a solution to demonize the island communities, nor the majority of the true fishermen who have no responsibility for these crimes. In parallel with this large increase in killings of protected species, there is also an equally large increase in illegal and destructive fisheries practices by a small fraction of professional and recreational fishermen. The majority of those who murder the protected species are known to the local communities, however anyone who has attempted to report them is in danger, both themselves and their families. There are certain cases of people who dared to report specific boats that carried explosives and guns, with the sole result of their report becoming known to the perpetrators within a few hours and as a result, receiving personal threats on their lives and of property damage and vandalism. On only a few occasions have these threats resulted in legal action.

Therefore how could citizens be expected to address this problem, when an organization such as Archipelagos Institute, following all formal processes, not be able to get a result concerning such incidents? A typical example with regards to the situation in the southern Cyclades islands, and the regular dynamite and other illegal fisheries practices that take place there. The Archipelagos Institute has submitted several indictments on these incidents, indicating specific people and boats. Even though the relevant details were put in official reports and given to the courts and the internal affairs department of the Coastguard, the appropriate penalties where never applied. Moreover, the same people who have been caught by authorities with large amounts of explosives, today continue to act undisturbed and with greater nerve, destroying the seas of southern Cyclades almost daily with the use of dynamite, and in this way killing everything that lives in the sea.

In order to explain the extent of this problem, a typical example concerns a previous report made by the Archipelagos Institute for the Port Police of Naxos Island, that addressed incidents of fishing with dynamite in combination with illegal diving for the collection of fish. This was reported to have been carried out by specific fishermen on a specific boat, however, a few hours later, we received a threatening call followed by a fax copy of our report as it was recorded in the Incidents’ Log of the Port Police! This of course doesn’t characterize the entire Coast Guard, most of them do make a very big effort, with inadequate means, but also inadequate legislation often governing destructive fisheries.

This mentality of continued perpetration and cover up, which unfortunately results in new people mimicking this behavior, is leading to the desperation of the majority of the fishermen and the islanders who witness this situation on a daily basis. However, they do not dare to report it with the fear that they will themselves become the victims.

Nevertheless, it has to be emphasized that the lack of protection of endangered species begins with the national authorities and those who have served them over the years, who were never involved with the essence of the problem and have contributed to the waste of a large amount of funds, in the name of the “protection of nature”. These funds, instead of reaching the communities in the form of investments and infrastructure which would ensure (among other things) the protection of the rare species in our seas, they have been wasted mainly in Athens, on reports, studies, campaigns and other beaurocratic approaches, by a small number of individuals and organizations who for years operate as an “environmental lobby”. A lobby which is not only wasting resources, but also using underhanded tactics, with every opportunity, to hinder the work of organisations like the Archipelagos Institute and many others, who dare to oppose them and carry out efficient action for the protection of nature and of the local communities who live close to it.

If something does not change quickly and drastically, we can only expect this situation to get worse. The crisis we are experiencing is not only financial, but is the result of a generalized crisis that slowly degrades all the unique aspects of our country. Therefore, all those who know the real cause of the problem and the solution and never did anything about it should stop crying crocodile tears. The solutions have always been known to the politicians, as well as the relevant national and regional authorities. However, the citizens and citizen organizations should not quit their efforts to protect our unique nature. The Archipelagos Institute will continue to be on the front line and will walk together with all those who want to see a final end to the destruction of our seas.

0
0
0
0
0

What you can read next

Στα βαθιά νερά της Ικαρίας τα «Aegean Explorer» και «Πηνελόπη»
In the deep waters of Ikaria “Aegean Explorer” and “Penelope”
Happy ‘Thoughtful’ Holidays!
Blue Whales of Sri Lanka – Managing the Deadly Ship Strikes

HIGHLIGHTS

  • International Visitors at the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary Project

    International Visitors at the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary Project

    1 June 2021
    At Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation an important visit took …
  • The Efkranti Award was Granted to the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

    The Efkranti Award was Granted to the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

    27 July 2020
    It was a great honor but also great moral support …
  • The President of the Hellenic Republic’s visit to Archipelagos research vessel, the Aegean Explorer

    The President of the Hellenic Republic’s visit to Archipelagos research vessel, the Aegean Explorer

    30 June 2020
    Yesterday, during the President of the Republic’s visit to the …
  • Award to Archipelagos: Best Heroic Act of Environmental Stewardship

    Award to Archipelagos: Best Heroic Act of Environmental Stewardship

    19 February 2020
    The Short Documentary Film presenting the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary, …
  • Award to Archipelagos Institute from the International Propeller Club of the United States

    Award to Archipelagos Institute from the International Propeller Club of the United States

    6 February 2020
    We would like to thank the International Propeller Club of …

Recent Posts

  • Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus

    Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus

    15 February 2023
    Twelve Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) have been found stranded, …
  • Tragedy in Turkey and Syria

    Tragedy in Turkey and Syria

    15 February 2023
    Our past week of silence across social media amounts to …
  • Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea

    Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea

    23 December 2022
    Before the closing of schools for Christmas break, students from …
  • Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

    Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

    20 December 2022
    Cuvier’s Beaked Whale in the waters of the North Aegean …
  • From dawn in the open sea

    From dawn in the open sea

    8 December 2022
    From dawn in the open sea, having 2-3 hours until …
  • Archipelagos in the 8th Meeting of the Members of ACCOBAMS

    Archipelagos in the 8th Meeting of the Members of ACCOBAMS

    2 December 2022
    The 8th meeting of the members of ACCOBAMS (Agreement for …
  • The International School of the Sea – Action Continues during the Winter Months

    The International School of the Sea – Action Continues during the Winter Months

    1 December 2022
    As winter is approaching, Archipelagos’ International School of the Sea …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is committed to researching and defending the biodiversity of the Greek seas and islands.

Our action is possible only with your help!

donate
  • Contact us
  • Placements

Archipelagos - Institute of Marine Conservation © All Rights Reserved || Web Design and Development by Red Web Design & Fekas Brothers

TOP