The protection of Greek fisheries, complaints about illegal activities by Turkish fishing boats in the Aegean, and the need to activate European mechanisms were the focus of an interview given today by PASOK MEP Nikos Farantouris on NEΟ 103.3 with journalists Spyros Baxevanos and Eirini Theodoropoulou.
Farantouris shared accounts from professional fishermen during the annual General Assembly of the Panhellenic Union of Owners of Medium Fisheries, which he attended. He described a situation that directly threatens the survival of the sector.
“The Greek fishermen described to me a situation of destruction”
The MEP reported that fishermen denounced the presence of Turkish fishing vessels inside Greek maritime areas. He claimed these operations occur with the tolerance or even support of Turkish authorities.
“The Greek fishermen described to me a situation of destruction. Turkish fishing vessels enter Greek waters with the backing of the Turkish authorities, they fish and then sell them in Greece as Turkish,” he stated.
He made special reference to the market in Michaniona, noting that, according to the data presented to him, more than 70 tons of cod are traded every month through the fish market from Turkey.
These figures, he stressed, raise reasonable questions and require immediate investigation by the competent Greek and European authorities.
Invocation of the European Regulation on Illegal Fishing
Nikos Farantouris emphasized that there are complaints and records that necessitate the activation of EU Regulation 1005/2008, which concerns the prevention, deterrence, and elimination of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
He explained that this regulation stipulates that only fishery products accompanied by certificates of legal origin—issued by the flag state or the exporting state—can enter the European market.
According to him, the strict application of the European framework is a key tool for protecting legitimate professional fishermen and ensuring fair competition in the market.
“The protection of Greek fishermen is an obligation”
The PASOK MEP argued that Greece must utilize all available European tools to safeguard the interests of Greek fishermen and effectively address phenomena of illegal fishing.
“Greek fishermen need support. The exercise of our sovereign rights and the protection of Greek fishermen is neither a unilateral nor a hostile act. It is an obligation. That is why we turn to the European mechanism and ask the European Commission to take measures. We call on the Greek Government to do the same,” he declared.
Focus on the Sustainability of Greek Fisheries
The interview highlighted the problems currently facing Greek medium fisheries, according to Farantouris and the complaints from industry professionals. Key demands include intensified controls and the full implementation of European legislation.
The PASOK MEP stressed that protecting marine resources, upholding legality, and supporting those working in Greek fisheries are essential prerequisites for the sustainability of a productive sector that contributes significantly to the economy and local development.
READ MORE: “A New Security Architecture”: BESA Highlights Greece-Israel-India Role in Securing IMEC.