The waters where the North-East Levantine Sea meets the Central Aegean are rich in biodiversity, home to endangered species like monk seals, loggerhead turtles, and sandbar sharks. Gökova Bay, once severely overfished and polluted, had the lowest fish abundance in the Mediterranean. Blue Marine and its partner AKD established six no-take fishing zones covering 27 sq fm, supported by daily patrols. Since then, fish populations have increased tenfold, and local small-scale fishers have seen a 400% rise in income. This successful conservation model demonstrates how marine protection can restore ecosystems while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Fish Aggregating Devices in Responsible Tuna Fisheries Symposium Report
The European Union has held a dominant position among Indian Ocean tuna fleets since the 1980s, despite the ocean’s distance from Europe. At times, vessels flying Spanish or French flags accounted for nearly 40 per cent of the catch of the region’s three key tropical tuna species: skipjack, yellowfin and bigeye.
07 May 2026
