Tons of dead fish have washed ashore in the coastal town of Volos Greek authorities have started collecting hundreds of thousands of dead fish that washed up this week in the harbor waters of Volos, a city in the Thessaly region.
The fish died as a result of last year’s floods, which displaced them from their usual freshwater habitats. The decaying fish are emitting an unbearable smell, driving tourists away from the area. According to Reuters and Keep Talking Greece, this situation has become a significant issue.
Over 40 Tons Collected in a Day
The dead fish formed a large silver-colored layer on the water, creating a strong and unpleasant odor. “The layer stretches for several kilometers,” said Stelios Limnios, a local council member, in an interview with Reuters. “It’s not just along the coast, but also in the middle of the Pagasetic Gulf,” where the city of Volos is located, Limnios added.
On Wednesday, trawlers began using nets to collect the fish. According to local authorities, more than 40 tons of dead fish were removed from the water within 24 hours.
Achilleas Beos, the mayor of Volos, described the smell as intolerable. During a press conference on Wednesday, he criticized the government for not addressing the issue sooner. He warned that the decaying fish could cause an environmental disaster, posing a threat to other animal species in the area.
Historic Floods
Experts have explained that the issue was caused by last year’s historic floods, which hit the lowlands of northern Thessaly. Freshwater fish were carried into the Pagasetic Gulf via the Xiria Stream, which flows from Lake Karla and the surrounding northern areas.
They also pointed out that no protective netting was installed at the mouth of the river leading to Volos. Once the fish entered the sea, the saltwater likely killed them. “They didn’t do what was necessary, like installing a protective net,” the mayor said, blaming the relevant government agencies.
Angry restaurant, café, and beach bar owners along the coast are frustrated as the dead fish are scaring away customers. They are now demanding refunds for the fees they paid to authorities for the use of the coastal and beach areas.
