Empowering small-scale fishers to enhance marine protection: AMORGORAMA (Greece)

Video credits: Giorgos Moutafis/Alexandros Avramidis
Production: Blue Marine Foundation

In 2019, the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPF) provided support for a sustainable management plan proposed by the Professional Fishing Association of Amorgos to address the degradation of the marine environment.

The resulting initiative, AMORGORAMA, has garnered recognition and support from the local community, authorities, conservationists, academic institutions, NGOs, and media, playing a vital role in safeguarding the Greek seas. The small-scale fishers of Amorgos have developed a comprehensive plan to preserve marine life, which includes refraining from fishing, actively collecting waste, adopting sustainable fishing methods, and designating no-fishing zones.

This initiative has received extensive praise and support from local communities, conservationists, authorities, and stakeholders at various levels, both domestically and internationally.

AMORGORAMA aims to expand the co-management of fisheries and involve small-scale fishers in the establishment and administration of Marine Protected Areas. Ongoing research efforts are underway to facilitate the restoration of fish populations and marine habitats on Amorgos Island, contributing to the overall health of the marine ecosystem.

 

Read the full article by VANGELIS PARAVAS, CPF consultant & scientific advisor of AMORGORAMA