At IEF, we are committed to supporting grassroots initiatives that protect the ocean and empower local communities to take meaningful action.

Our latest project focuses on the waters around Gravia, a small island off the northwest coast of Corfu, where abandoned fishing nets—known as ghost nets—pose a serious threat to marine life and coastal livelihoods.

With the support of Edminston and in collaboration with passionate local groups, this project marks an important first step in tackling this urgent issue.

The Problem

The uninhabited island of Gravia, just off the northwest coast of Corfu, is part of a delicate marine ecosystem that sustains life across the Ionian Sea. Yet these waters face a hidden but deadly threat: ghost nets – fishing nets lost or abandoned at sea. Ghost nets continue to trap marine life long after they are discarded, destroying habitats, endangering biodiversity, and disrupting the delicate marine food chain. Carried by currents, they often get caught on reefs and rocks, causing long-term damage to both the environment and local fishermen.

A First Local Response Initiative

Recognizing the urgent need for action, we are proud to support a community-driven initiative to remove the ghost nets around Gravia. This project is supported by Edminston and represents one of the first local efforts to address this environmental challenge directly.a

The initiative brings together a diverse group of stakeholders who care deeply about their home waters:

• Arillas Cultural Association – hosting meetings, local art project and community engagement.
• Civil Protection Response Team of North Corfu – assisting with safety and ground logistics during dives.
• Corfu Diving Fun Club – offering expertise in underwater recovery and safe handling of ghost nets.
• Local Fishermen – sharing their knowledge of the sea and helping with the collection of the nets
• Mermaids of Corfu – advocates and volunteers committed to marine conservation and facilitating change.
• Dr Melita Samoilis – marine biologist specialising in LMMA’S is a local resident, advisor and honorary team member.

 

Together, this coalition of community members and organizations is taking direct action. The project includes:

• Two coordinated dives to recover ghost nets from reefs and seabeds.
• Art projects inspired by the initiative to connect people emotionally to the cause.
• Educational programs for children and the wider community to raise awareness of marine pollution.
• Roundtable discussions to share insights, learn from each other, and plan future efforts.

By supporting this initiative, we are helping to amplify the efforts of dedicated local stakeholders—fishermen, divers, volunteers, and cultural organizations—who are working together to protect marine life and restore the health of the Ionian Sea.

On October 5, this initiative that brings together community members who care deeply about their home waters will come to life. IEF is proud to help bring this vision to life, a symbolic first cleanup that shows how caring for Gravia’s waters can inspire lasting change.