Government Intervenes with Financial Aid Following Volos Fish Die-Off Crisis

Measures Introduced to Support Businesses After Mass Fish Deaths in Greek Bay

As autumn provides an ideal backdrop for European walking holidays, the port city of Volos in Greece faces an environmental and economic crisis. On August 29, 2024, workers were seen removing dead fish from the area, an aftermath of last year’s flooding.

(Copyright 2024 Vaggelis Kousioras/AP. All rights reserved.)

Following the devastating arrival of over 100 tonnes of dead fish swept from their habitats into Volos bay, Greek authorities have unveiled a comprehensive support package for local businesses. As stated in a joint release by the Ministries of Economy and Finance, Health, Environment and Energy, Labour and Social Security, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the intervention includes financial aid, tax and insurance deferments, and the activation of the 'Thessaly Pass', aimed at boosting regional tourism.

Efforts are also underway to finance a broad initiative to promote the local area, as discussed by the local government. The fish originated from Lake Karla, a lake restored in 2018 following its drainage in the 1960s to counteract drought effects.

Anna Maria Papadimitriou, the deputy regional governor of Thessaly, expressed determination to quickly resolve the issue. She noted that a state of emergency had been declared due to the situation.

The flooding, sparked by a violent storm last autumn, caused water levels to rise significantly. Although these levels have since declined due to low rainfall and successive summer heatwaves, experts pointed out that a failure to place a protective net at the river's mouth allowed freshwater fish to enter salty sea waters, leading to their demise.

Achilleas Beos, mayor of Volos, criticized the regional authority for its delayed response, warning of a potential environmental disaster triggered by the rotting fish. The local Chamber of Commerce has announced legal action for damages, citing an 80% drop in commercial activity over three days and emphasizing the critical impact on tourism and local businesses, especially those in the catering industry along the seafront.