Volunteers from Sea Shepherd, supported by Greek authorities, have removed thousands of illegal octopus traps from the seabed off northern Greece since early July, freeing more than 1,500 octopuses. The campaign aims to combat illegal overfishing that threatens octopus populations and contributes to marine pollution.
Despite these efforts, campaigners estimate that half a million illegal traps remain on the seabed in northern Greece. The traps, plastic pots weighted with stones, are banned or restricted during the summer breeding season but are often left in the water year-round, tied to long lines of rope.
Sea Shepherd’s CEO Alex Cornelissen described the number of traps as “mind-blowing” and warned that the problem extends across Europe, particularly in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. The global trade in octopus has surged over the last decade, with climate change also affecting reproductive habits.
Greece, where grilled octopus is a staple dish, is one of the worst-affected areas. The crew of the Sea Eagle vessel has recovered 288km of line from the seabed. Most pots are untagged and many disintegrate when pulled out, adding to plastic pollution.
Valia Stefanoudaki, Sea Shepherd’s campaigns director in Greece, highlighted the broader ecological impact: “It’s a chain, from the tiniest creature in the sea to the biggest. When the chain breaks, it’s over.”
