Greece: 15,000km of coastline to protect

Greece has the fastest-deteriorating environment and poorest marine conservation status in Europe, caused by overfishing, pollution, coastal development, unsustainable tourism, invasive species and marine traffic.  

In partnerships with environmental NGOs, governmental institutions, and local communities Blue Marine has launched more than ten projects across Greece in the past three years. Their focus has been the creation of new marine protected areas (MPAs), strengthening management of existing ones, safeguarding vital habitats and species, and a monitoring and enforcement plan for the protected islet of Formicula in the Ionian.

A breakthrough came in 2024, when the Greek government committed to expanding its MPA network from 20 to 32 per cent, and announced a gradual ban on bottom-trawling within all MPAs by 2030 – the first in Europe. Then in July 2025, the president of Greece announced the establishment of four new fishing-protected areas around Amorgos in the Aegean, after an 11-year campaign by local fishers – the ‘Amorgorama’ initiative – supported by Blue Marine. A vision had become a reality.

Collaboration between the fishers of Amorgos, the Cyclades Preservation Fund, Blue Marine, and the Agricultural University of Athens was a key factor in establishing the protected areas. Amorgorama has become a shining example of cooperation between fishers, scientists, institutions, civil society and both local and national authorities, inspiring hope for fishing communities across Greece and the Mediterranean. The protection of Amorgos is the first step in Greece’s commitment to designate 10 per cent of its territorial waters as no-fishing zones.

Blue Marine’s innovative programme in Greece aims to recover fish stocks, protect endangered species and preserve carbon-trapping seagrass beds.