More than 100 tonnes of dead freshwater fish have created a major environmental and economic crisis in the central port of Volos, Greece. The situation arose after these fish were displaced from their habitats by flooding and ended up in Volos bay and nearby rivers. Greek authorities have stepped in to support local businesses affected by the disaster. Measures announced include subsidies for businesses facing losses, suspension of tax and insurance payments, and the activation of the ‘Thessaly Pass’ scheme to promote regional tourism.
The fish, originating from Lake Karla in central Greece, were drained and then restored in 2018 to combat the effects of drought. Fishing trawlers have been utilized to remove the dead fish from the sea, which are then transported to an incinerator. The regional government is working on measures to swiftly resolve the situation, as the stench from the decomposing fish poses a severe threat to the environment and local businesses. The mayor of Volos expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow response of the regional authority, while the city’s Chamber of Commerce announced legal action to seek damages for the significant drop in commercial activity.
The flooding that occurred last year caused water levels in the area to rise, leading to the displacement of the freshwater fish into the sea. Experts believe that the absence of a net at the mouth of the river allowed the fish to reach Volos bay, where they perished upon contact with seawater. The situation is further exacerbated by the lack of rainfall in subsequent months and the heatwaves experienced this summer, which have contributed to the rapid decomposition of the fish. The impact on tourism in Volos has been severe, with businesses along the seafront, especially in the catering industry, reporting an 80% drop in activity over just three days.
Authorities are working on various strategies to address the crisis, including plans for a comprehensive promotion program for the local area. Deputy regional governor Anna Maria Papadimitriou emphasized the need for collaboration to swiftly resolve the issue. The regional governor has declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources effectively. The city’s Chamber of Commerce is seeking compensation for the losses incurred by businesses due to the sharp decline in tourism activity. As the situation continues to unfold, efforts are underway to mitigate the environmental impact of the dead fish and support the local economy during this challenging period.
