Greek officials offer financial aid following discovery of dead fish in Volos

Greek authorities have announced measures to support local businesses in Volos after over 100 tonnes of dead freshwater fish filled the bay and nearby rivers due to flooding last year. The Ministries of Economy and Finance, Health, Environment and Energy, Labour and Social Security, Climate Crisis, and Civil Protection have implemented subsidies for affected businesses, suspended tax and insurance payments, and activated the ‘Thessaly Pass’ to promote regional tourism. Fishing trawlers were used to remove the dead fish from the sea and incinerate them, as they had been displaced from Lake Karla after it was drained and restored in 2018. The lack of a net at the river mouth allowed the fish to enter the bay and die upon contact with seawater, causing a stench and potential environmental disaster. The regional governor declared a state of emergency, but local officials criticized the slow response, with the Chamber of Commerce taking legal action for damages. The drop in commercial activity, particularly in the catering industry, has had a severe impact on tourism in Volos, with businesses suspending operations due to the odor and loss of customers. The city and regional authorities are working to address the situation and prevent further harm to the local economy and environment.

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