Episode description

Abandoned fish farms in Greece are plaguing the coastline with marine debris; however, Healthy Seas is working to clean up some of the sites and raise awareness for support to tell the Greek government that fish farm owners should be responsible for cleaning up their sites once the business is done operating. 

In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the pressing issue of ghost farms—abandoned fish farms that are polluting oceans, particularly in Greece. The episode highlights the work of the organization Healthy Seas, which is actively involved in cleaning up these ghost farms.

• Definition of Ghost Farms: Ghost farms are abandoned fish farms that were once operational but have been left to deteriorate, leading to significant environmental pollution. Unlike ghost nets, which can be found randomly in the ocean, ghost farms are known sites with identifiable owners.

• Extent of the Problem: There are over 150 ghost farm sites identified in Greece, with one cleanup in 2024 removing over 40 tons of marine debris, including plastics and fishing nets. The cleanup costs range from 100,000 to 200,000 euros, depending on the site's location and accessibility.

• Healthy Seas' Approach: Healthy Seas, led by Veronica Mikos, began addressing this issue after encountering a local environmentalist while on a project in Greece. They have since cleaned up two ghost farms and are advocating for better policies and enforcement to prevent future abandonment.

• Challenges in Cleanup: The cleanups are labor-intensive and require specialized equipment. Many of the materials, such as polystyrene, degrade and pose risks to marine life, as fish may mistake them for food.

• Policy and Enforcement Issues: Although laws exist regarding environmental protection and aquaculture, enforcement is lacking. Veronica suggests that fish farming companies should be required to deposit funds to cover cleanup costs, ensuring accountability.

• Community Involvement and Awareness: Healthy Seas emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about ghost farms and involving local communities in discussions about aquaculture practices. They aim to educate future aquaculture professionals about the environmental responsibilities associated with fish farming.

The episode concludes with a call to action for better policies and community engagement to ensure that abandoned fish farms are cleaned up and that the aquaculture industry operates sustainably.

Healthy Seas Podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/show/speak-up-for-the-ocean-blue/show-199/

YouTube Video from Healthy Seas: https://youtu.be/yu56xH8MQxg?si=--VsZQIK7fk3yhlO

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