Greek authorities in the city of Volos have begun collecting hundreds of thousands of dead fish that have washed into the tourist port after being displaced from their usual habitats during flooding last year. The floating carcasses have created a silvery blanket across the port, causing a strong stench that alarmed residents and authorities. Trawlers have been deployed to scoop up the fish and more than 40 tonnes have been collected in the last 24 hours, as officials work to prevent the smell from reaching nearby restaurants and hotels.
Volos mayor Achilleas Beos has expressed frustration with the government for not addressing the issue earlier, stating that the rotting fish could pose an environmental threat to other species in the area. Experts believe that the fish were displaced by historic floods in Thessaly, and when they reached the sea, the saltwater likely killed them. The lack of a protective net at the mouth of the river allowed the fish to enter the sea, leading to the current situation.
The disaster in Volos is just the latest impact of extreme weather in Greece that scientists attribute to climate change, including higher temperatures and erratic rainfall that have caused wildfires and flooding. Local prosecutor have ordered an investigation into the situation in Volos, as authorities work to clean up the dead fish and prevent further environmental damage. The government has not yet responded to requests for comment on the issue.
Business owners in the area, like Dimosthenis Bakoyiannis who owns a beach restaurant near Volos, have experienced a significant drop in turnover this summer as fewer tourists have visited the region following the flooding. Bakoyiannis stated that it may be too late to close off the barrier now, as the tourist season is effectively over. The impact of the dead fish and the resulting smell on tourism in the region is likely to be significant.
The scale of the dead fish in Volos is significant, with city council member Stelios Limnios noting that it spans kilometers along the coast and into the Pagasetic Gulf. The sight and smell of the dead fish have caused concern among residents and officials, as efforts are made to clean up the area and prevent further environmental damage. The local community is working together to address the situation and ensure that the port and surrounding areas are restored to their normal state.
Despite the challenges presented by the dead fish in Volos, the community is coming together to address the issue and prevent further harm to the environment. The impact of climate change on extreme weather events like flooding and wildfires is a growing concern in Greece and around the world. As authorities work to clean up the dead fish and investigate the causes of the disaster, residents and officials are focused on protecting the environment and preventing similar incidents in the future.
