Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced the creation of two new National Marine Parks—one in the Ionian Sea and one in the Southern Aegean. These protected areas will cover a combined area of 27,500 square kilometers, making them among the largest marine protected areas in the Mediterranean. Trawling with bottom trawlers will be entirely prohibited within these zones.

A Promise Kept

In a video statement, Mitsotakis emphasized Greece’s long-standing relationship with the sea and its responsibility to protect marine ecosystems:

“The sea has always been Greece’s silent force. It shapes our culture and nourishes our people. At the recent UN Ocean Conference in France, I pledged to protect this maritime heritage for future generations. Today, I fulfill that promise.”

He highlighted the significance of these parks not just for biodiversity, but for redefining humanity’s relationship with the sea—not as owners, but as guardians.

Key Objectives and Environmental Impact

The initiative aims to:

• Protect 30% of Greece’s territorial waters by 2030—sooner than planned.
• Restore ecological balance and halt destructive practices such as bottom trawling.
• Collaborate with local communities, scientists, and international partners to implement sustainable marine management.

Mitsotakis cited Sir David Attenborough’s documentary Ocean as a key inspiration for accelerating Greece’s marine protection efforts.

Eight Questions Answered About the Marine Parks

1. What Are National Marine Parks?
They are interconnected networks of protected marine zones, designed to preserve biodiversity, restore habitats, and raise public awareness. The new parks were first announced in April 2024 at the 9th International Ocean Conference in Athens.

2. What Changes With Their Establishment?
The parks will be managed under strict environmental criteria. Trawling is banned, and further restrictions will be introduced to protect vulnerable species. Monitoring will include drones, radar, and satellite imagery, coordinated by the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA).

3. What Is the Purpose of These Parks?
To showcase the global ecological importance of the Ionian and Southern Aegean regions, safeguard marine and coastal ecosystems, and promote sustainable human activity that aligns with environmental protection goals.

4. How Were the Boundaries Determined?
Based on Special Environmental Studies (SES), in line with EU and national law. The areas consolidate existing Natura 2000 zones—18 in the Southern Aegean park and 24 in the Ionian.

5. Why the Southern Aegean – Specifically the Cyclades?
This region is ecologically fragile and under pressure from tourism. It was selected as the first phase due to its significance and feasibility for effective management. A marine park already exists in the Northern Aegean (Alonissos).

6. Why the Ionian Sea?
The Ionian trench is critical for marine mammals, which are endangered due to ship collisions and underwater noise. The Ionian park spans approximately 18,000 km².

7. What Are the Next Steps?
The environmental studies are open for public consultation until September 22. Then, the Environment Ministry will draft a Presidential Decree, aiming to submit it to the Council of State by October’s end for final approval.

8. What Comes After the Southern Aegean?
The Southern Aegean Marine Park is the first phase of a broader strategy for marine conservation across the entire Aegean. More regions will follow as planning progresses.

By taking this step, Greece seeks to set an example in marine conservation—protecting not just its waters, but the shared ecological heritage of the Mediterranean.