Environmental Concerns about Gas Exploration Plans West of Corfu

The Ionian Environment Foundation’s work is grounded in the protection and regeneration of the natural ecosystems and coastal communities of the Ionian Islands. We support local initiatives that safeguard marine biodiversity, restore habitats, and strengthen community engagement in long-term environmental stewardship.

Given the recent developments regarding potential offshore gas exploration west of Corfu and further South of the Ionian Sea, we believe it is important to reflect on how such activities may intersect with the areas and communities where we work.

Ionian Archipelago’ important marine mammal area (IMMA) (blue), the ‘Hellenic Trench’ IMMA (pink) and oil and gas development concessions ('Under concession' = pending; 'Concession' = finalised) awarded by the Government of Greece (map courtesy of Oikoskopio.gr, WWF-Greece, modified)

The Ionian Archipelago is an Important Marine Mammal Area providing habitat for dolphins, whales, monk seals, and other species that are sensitive to underwater noise, seismic survey activity, and increased vessel traffic. Disturbance to acoustic environments and migration patterns can directly undermine the conservation gains our partners are working to secure. Several of our grants directly support monitoring, research, and community-led protection of these species and ecosystems.

Some of our supported initiatives depend on the health of seagrass meadows and fish populations, which are vulnerable to disruptions from exploratory activity and infrastructure. Even temporary seabed disturbance can have long-lasting ecological effects.

On several regions in the Ionian islands, sustainable nature-based tourism and community-led fishing management are emerging as viable economic pathways. The perceived or real risk of environmental degradation may undermine these local transitions and discourage long-term planning.

Our partner communities also dedicate considerable time and care to building sustainable local practices. Their efforts depend on a sense of continuity, trust, and the belief that small, collective actions contribute to a healthy environment. It is therefore reasonable to consider how large-scale industrial activity in the region may be perceived locally, and how it may affect their sense of empowerment and long-term stewardship.

At this stage, there remain open questions regarding the scope and outcomes of environmental impact assessments, precautionary measures to safeguard marine mammals and seabed habitats, emergency response procedures in the event of disturbance or spill, ongoing monitoring, transparency, and accountability processes.

“Our interest is to ensure that any activities in the Ionian Sea proceed with a level of environmental care proportional to the ecological and cultural value of this region. Protecting the integrity of local ecosystems, and maintaining the trust and participation of coastal communities, are foundational to the long-term sustainability of the Ionian.” Dr. Simon Karythis, Executive Director of IEF

For more information on the potential impacts of relevant human activities on marine mammals, seagrass ecosystems, and vulnerable fish populations, see the following resources: