Over 100 Tons of Dead Fish Collected at Greek Port Due to Climate-Induced Die-Off

Authorities in Greece reported that over 100 tons of dead fish have been removed from the port of Volos and its surrounding areas following a significant die-off attributed to extreme climate conditions.

The fish die-off, which began in the bay 320 kilometers (200 miles) north of Athens and extended to nearby rivers, is linked to severe fluctuations in weather patterns. In 2023, the region experienced swollen water levels due to floods, followed by several months of intense drought. These conditions created a challenging environment for local aquatic life.

The die-off has had a significant impact on local businesses, particularly those on the seafront. According to the Volos Chamber of Commerce, commercial activity in the area has dropped by 80% in the last three days. The chamber has announced plans to take legal action to seek damages for the economic impact, including a sharp drop in tourism.

Regional authorities have mobilized resources to address the situation, including chartering fishing trawlers and utilizing earthmovers to collect the deceased fish. The fish are being moved to an incinerator for proper disposal. Anna Maria Papadimitriou, Thessaly’s deputy regional governor, stated that the cleanup effort involves multiple contractors working to remove dead fish from shorelines and riverbanks.

Lake Karla, from which the fish originated, was drained in the early 1960s and later restored in 2018 to mitigate drought effects. However, the recent combination of extreme weather events has overwhelmed the lake’s ecosystem.

The mayor of Volos has criticized the regional authorities for their slow response to the crisis. Meanwhile, the strong odor from the decaying fish has caused significant discomfort for both residents and visitors, further exacerbating the negative impact on local businesses and tourism.

With input frfom ABC News.