Salamina residents battle fish farm expansion plans

Plans to massively expand aquaculture operations off the coast of the Saronic island of Salamina have sparked widespread backlash, with critics citing grave environmental risks. Residents, officials and local organizations warn the proposed expansion, which would increase farming areas from 18.6 to 463.2 hectares and increase fish production nearly tenfold, could irreparably degrade the island's environment.

Salamina, about 2 kilometers from the coast of Athens' port of Piraeus, is already surrounded by shipyards, natural gas facilities, and industrial zones. Critics argue the new developments would seize remaining beaches and forested areas, disrupt access to natural resources, and jeopardize historical sites like the Mycenaean Acropolis of Kanakia. The Salamina Environmental Group has gathered 11,000 signatures opposing the plan.

Environmental reviews have been...