Home / Environment / Shift in Action: Ghost Farms Cleared from Greek Seas
Shift in Action: Ghost Farms Cleared from Greek Seas
29 May
Summary
- Abandoned fish farms release nets, plastics, and timber into the Ionian Sea.
- Media coverage and NGO pressure spurred operators to clean up Modi site.
- A drifting fish farm ring prompted Coast Guard intervention and recycling efforts.
The Ionian Sea, particularly near Ithaca, has suffered significant pollution from abandoned aquaculture structures, including nets, tiles, plastics, and timber. These 'ghost nets' pose environmental hazards and maritime risks. Recent missions, spurred by media coverage and the efforts of organizations like Healthy Seas, have initiated a crucial shift.
In a notable development, abandoned aquaculture structures near Modi in western Greece were recently removed by the operator and reportedly sent for recycling. This action followed years of monitoring by environmental groups and a specific incident in February 2026 when a large fish-farming ring drifted into busy shipping lanes near Ithaca, necessitating Coast Guard intervention.
This case highlights a new approach where strategic pressure and institutional accountability prompt operators to take responsibility for decommissioning their abandoned infrastructure. Healthy Seas emphasizes this coordinated cooperation as a vital pathway, moving beyond solely relying on NGO clean-up operations to ensure cleaner Greek waters and maritime safety.
