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The Culture Ministry has suspended its decision to allow trawling in the Alonissos-Northern Sporades National Marine Park after reports that large fishing vessels entered the protected waters.
The ministry had lifted a long-standing ban in May, maintaining restrictions only within 2 nautical miles of the coast. Following complaints from environmental groups and park authorities in October, the Environment Ministry and coast guard intervened, and Culture Minister Lina Mendoni formally froze the measure pending a new presidential decree.
Days earlier, the Council of State upheld a 2020 rule imposing entry fees on boats and passengers visiting the park, rejecting a challenge by a family from Skiathos who operate a tour boat.
The court ruled the €5.50-per-person and €33.50-per-vessel fees are justified to fund park operations and conservation. It also found lawful the exemption for Alonissos residents but struck down the use of mobile phone data to track visitors.
Park ticket revenues reached €127,101 in 2024, rising steadily since 2022.