Greece Announces Major Marine Parks in Ionian, Aegean Seas

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday officially announced the creation of two new National Marine Parks — one in the Ionian Sea and the other in the southern Aegean, a development that was more-or-less expected and which marks an obligation by the EU member-state vis-a-vis the Union.

The initiative marks a significant expansion of Greece’s environmental protection efforts, with the new zones expected to become some of the largest marine protected areas in the Mediterranean.

According to the government, the marine parks are designed to safeguard 30% of Greece’s territorial waters by 2030, setting the country ahead of international targets. The initiative aims to establish vast marine sanctuaries that will support biodiversity, aid in ecosystem restoration, and promote long-term sustainability.

One of the core measures includes a ban on bottom trawling — a fishing method considered highly destructive to marine habitats. This step is seen as central to preserving underwater life and halting the degradation of critical ecosystems.

The announcement builds on commitments