The opposition of the local community and the Municipal Council of Poros to the establishment of Organized Aquaculture Development Areas (OADAs) on the island has now been upgraded to an official strategic action. With its recent decision, the Municipality requests the immediate suspension of the OAD establishment procedures and the exclusion of Poros from the relevant Special Spatial Planning Framework of the “GR-ECO Islands” Program. At the same time, it is underlined the need not to proceed with any action regarding the siting of fish farms until the completion of the Special Urban Plan of the Municipalities of Poros and Ermionida.
The decision includes the inclusion of the Municipality in the Panhellenic Network for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Industrial Fish Farms “Aktaia” and highlights the need for an immediate response from the Ministry of Environment regarding omissions in the Strategic Environmental Impact Study, especially regarding the actual production of fish farms in Poros from 2009 to 2020, which were not taken into account during the environmental assessment.
The history of the case shows a long-term effort to protect coastal zones and the marine environment. The first fish farm installations date back to the 1990s, with permits issued in violation of the regulations in force at the time. The first serious reaction began in 2008, with the identification of illegalities and the information of local authorities and residents. Since then, citizens, local bodies and previous administrations of the Municipality have undertaken extensive actions, which included dozens of appeals to the Council of Europe, complaints, criminal reports, letters to Ministries and meetings with high-ranking government officials.
As stated in the decision, thanks to this action, significant impacts on the environment of Poros have been avoided to date: the operation of a fish farm has stopped, two units have been relocated, and several permits have not been implemented, while protocols for the demolition of unauthorized installations have been issued. The decision points out that the continuation of the appeasement strategy by the current municipal authority has left room for companies to promote their interests, while political pressure on the Government remains insufficient.
The new strategy of the Municipality, as recorded in the resolution, foresees direct and continuous pressure on the Government, coordinated participation in marine environment protection networks and full information of the society on the developments. The goal is clear: to prevent the creation of POAY on the island and to ensure the sustainability of the coastal zones, with respect for the environment and the interests of the local society.
