On Amorgos, the iconic Cycladic island in Greece, local fishermen are spearheading Amorgorama—a pioneering initiative to restore marine life by easing fishing pressure and combating pollution.
The project, announced during a teleconference, won the public endorsement of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who pledged to visit the island in October. “If you limit fishing in specific areas and at specific times of the year,” he emphasized, “you will eventually have many more fish.”
A four-pronged strategy for sustainable seas
The approach reflects deep commitment and is built on four pillars:
- Seasonal fishing ban: There is a complete shutdown on local fishing during April and May—the critical months for reproduction—acknowledging that even self-imposed restrictions are essential for population recovery.
- Coastal cleanup mission: During this downtime, fishermen redirect their efforts toward cleaning remote shorelines. In one season, they removed more than 15 tons of debris and plastic, reclaiming coastal habitats before microplastics damage marine life.
- Shift to sustainable gear: Nets have been redesigned with larger mesh sizes and recyclable materials to prevent the capture of juvenile fish and minimize ecological harm.
- Creation of no-take zones: A crucial component is the establishment of three Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along the Amorgos coastline, where fishing is completely prohibited. These areas aim to provide safe havens for marine ecosystems to regenerate.
Amorgos, Greece: From desperation to decree
What began as a fisher-driven response to declining catches and plastic-laden beaches has attracted wider support. Starting in 2014, the Professional Fishing Association formed the initial blueprint, prompting scientific backing from the Agricultural University of Athens. NGO partners—including the Cyclades Preservation Fund and Blue Marine Foundation—helped raise funds, visibility, and institutional support.
On August 18, 2025, the initiative was officially institutionalized through Presidential Decree No. 73, published in the Government Gazette. The decree formalized the conservation zones and granted Amorgorama legal authority to enforce protection measures.
The initiative has drawn international attention. The Financial Times noted that Amorgorama may become the first fisheries reserve in the Aegean, extending beyond the scope of larger government-designated marine parks.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis spotlighted the project during the UN World Oceans Conference, calling it a “model project worthy of support” and a cornerstone of Greece’s broader marine conservation strategy, which aims to protect 10 percent of territorial waters with no-fishing zones.
A model for global coastal communities on Amorgos, Greece
As Angela Lazou of Blue Marine Foundation put it, “This achievement is one of the biggest marine victories in Greece.” Pending further monitoring and enforcement, fishing restrictions are scheduled to begin in April 2026, supported by GPS tracking and a five-year evaluation plan.
This blend of ecological restoration, community-driven leadership, and top-down endorsement positions Amorgorama as a pioneering blueprint—not just for Greece but for coastal communities worldwide.
