Alonissos marine park faces new fishing threat

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The Culture Ministry has lifted sportfishing restrictions within Alonissos National Marine Park successful the Aegean, sparking biology concerns. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni’s May determination removed sportfishing bans beyond two nautical miles from shorelines, initially imposed to support underwater archaeological sites.

The ruling created a backdoor for trawlers due to the fact that archaeological instrumentality violations transportation transgression penalties, unlike biology infractions that enforce lone fines. Three trawlers entered the parkland successful precocious September aft the seasonal sportfishing prohibition ended.

Environment General Secretary Petros Varelidis issued a counter-decision prohibiting trawling passim the marine park, citing an approved biology study. However, fishermen cull the restriction, believing it lacks ineligible unit until formally ratified by statesmanlike decree.

“The ministry’s determination opened the way for mechanical trawlers. This creates large problems for the National Marine Park,” said Valia Stefanoudaki of Sea Shepherd, which patrols the area.

Separately, the Council of State upheld entranceway fees for boats and visitors entering the park’s superior zone.