Illegal fishing near Alonissos

On October 2022 fisherman from Alonissos was arrested for fishing in the archaeological site near the island. The fisherman denied the offence, even though he was witnessed by a passing boat. The Fisherman claimed in court that he was simply passing through the area and washing his nets from the mud.

The Volos Single-Member Misdemeanor Court was not convinced and found him guilty and sentenced him. It was heard at court last week that a vessel of a voluntary organization that has a contract with the State and patrols the area, spotted two trawlers fishing illegally with a bottom-drag fishing gear. The vessel photographed the two fishing boats and informed the Port Authority, which proceeded to arrest the two fishermen.

Last week the trial of a 50-year-old owner and captain of a boat, who was accused of fishing at an archaeological site, took place at the Single-Member Misdemeanor Court in Volos.

It was claimed that it wasn't the first time that boats had fished in a prohibited area, and the court was saddened by the fact that the fishermen are locals who know that fishing is prohibited in the area. The court found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to 8 months in prison, suspended and with the right to appeal.