Fish farming

Fishermen from the earthquake-hit city of Kahramanmaraş, the epicenter of the deadly Feb. 6, 2023 twin earthquakes, have made a remarkable recovery and are now exporting fish to 54 countries.

Described as "the disaster of the century," the earthquake devastated 11 southern provinces, but the resilience of local fish producers has seen the industry bounce back.

Cypriot officials have inaugurated two innovative floating fish feeding systems, marking a significant step forward for the country's aquaculture industry.

The number of fish caught in the country has significantly dwindled compared to 2000, with a 50 percent decrease observed over the past 24 years, an expert has warned.

The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry aims to increase the catches of Turkish vessels and obtain new fishing grounds, especially in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, by completing fisheries agreements with 12 African countries and continuing negotiations with 15 more countries.

Giorgos Alevras, 38, plies the coast near the town of Astakos, in west-central Greece, in search of fish. Alevras, who returned to Greece last year after 10 years working abroad in biotechnology, has invested 250,000 euros in a fishing trawler, but the returns have been meager; so far, he says, he has recouped less than 5% of his investment.

Zombie companies, unlicensed units, widespread smuggling and debts of millions of euros make up the dark side of Greek fish farming, not to mention the extensive theft of fish from aquaculture installations.

It is estimated that between 7,000 and 10,000 tons of fish are traded illegally, as they are not recorded in accounting statements.

On the sunny quay of the picturesque Greek island of Poros, veteran fisherman Spiros Papaioannou makes no bones about imminent plans to expand fish farming.

"We don't want them on our island," the rubber-booted man in his seventies grumbled while cleaning his nets.

"We fishermen are going to be chased away, that's for sure," he said.

Unpaid suppliers, fish cargoes that go to waste or are unsuitable when they reach their destination and are forced to be sold at lower prices, successive management changes and funds whose fate is unknown are just some of the elements that paint the picture today at Avramar.

Greek aquaculture has been dealt a devastating blow, as after the losses incurred due to the dramatic drop in exports to Italy, exports to France and Spain are also on the slide. Meanwhile, the flight ban between the European Union and the US makes the cost of shipping Greek fish to the American market pretty much prohibitive.

Fish farming may have nothing in common with the digital world, but it is technology-intensive. That may be one of the factors that has led to the involvement of Microsoft owner Bill Gates in aquaculture, including the sector in Greece.