Amorgos, 19 August 2025
Yesterday, August 18, 2025, Presidential Decree No. 73 was published in the Government Gazette (No. 148) which defines the regulatory measures for fishing in the coastal zone of the island of Amorgos.
It is the result of a proposal and initiative the Professional Fishing Association of Amorgos started 11 years ago as the product of a courageous collective decision for the future of the sea and the local economy. A movement that was encouraged from the very beginning by the Municipality of Amorgos and the Region of the South Aegean, and that the local community of the island has supported over time. An effort that the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF) supported with all its might, and the Blue Marine Foundation strengthened with its expertise. The scientific documentation for the delimitation of the Fishing Restriction Areas (FRA) described in the PD was prepared by the Agricultural University of Athens.
AMORGORAMA, as our initiative was called, has become known internationally over the last five years as an excellent example and definition of sustainable fishing, participatory action, and the creation of Marine Protected Areas from the “bottom up”. In the last two years, there has also been a response from the “top down”. The much needed support of the State has become visible through the willingness to cooperate from the General Directorate of Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the coordinated responses of both the General Secretariat for the Aegean and Island Policy, and the General Secretariat for Shipping and Ports of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in discussions addressing concerns and solutions within their field of influence.
Just a month earlier, at the UN World Oceans Conference, the Greek Prime Minister referred to AMORGORAMA as a model project worthy of support, specifically highlighting the targeted measures that the Greek government is committed to take for the restoration, recovery and resilience of our marine species and biodiversity, with the aim of declaring 10% of our territorial waters as no-take zones. Today, a vision is finally becoming a reality.
Our team thanks everyone who contributed to the relentless struggle that justifies the fishermen of Amorgos and gives hope to many fishing communities in the country and the Mediterranean. We continue our efforts and cooperation with all relevant authorities for the proper management of fishery resources and the protection of fishermen and the marine environment.
On behalf of AMORGORAMA initiative,
Michael Krosman, President, Amorgos Professional Fishermen’s Association ‘HOZOVIOTISSA’
Anni Mitropoulou, Executive Director, Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF)
Vangelis Paravas, Scientific Advisor, Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF)
Angela Lazou Dean, Head of Marine Programs in Greece, Blue Marine Foundation
Stefanos Kalogirou, Associate Professor, Agricultural University of Athens
