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

The first phase of 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.

A Community Lead Initiative

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.

Recognizing the urgent need for action, as a first step we are proud to support a community-driven initiative to remove the ghost nets around Gravia. This project is supported by Edminston and brings together a diverse group of local stakeholders who care deeply about their home waters:

• Arillas Cultural Association – hosting meetings, local art project and community engagement.
• Special Missions 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.

 

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, we kick off with the first mission of this initiative!

The mission started with the removal of abandoned fishing nets by the divers of the Corfu Diving Fun Club, with the support of the Special Missions Response Team of North Corfu. Approximately 60 kg of abandoned fishing gear were recovered from the islet of Gravia, some of which had been trapped on the seabed for many years.

The presence of local fishermen, Mr. Stamatis Louvros, Mr. Spiros Katsaros, Mr. Charalambos Glykiotis – President of the Fishermen’s Association of North Corfu, and Dr. Simon Karythis, Executive Director of IEF, reinforced the spirit of trust and collaboration that defined the day.

Part of the nets were brought to the Arillas Cultural Association, where they are now being used in an awareness raising and artistic program for children under the guidance of teacher Dimitra Klironomou. Through this program, children will learn about marine life, the dangers of ghost nets, and create artworks from recycled materials, fostering environmental awareness.

‘Thank you so much to Edmiston for their support. The success of such initiatives is measured not only in kilograms of waste removed, but also in shifts in mindset, community engagement, and the empowerment of local residents. We encourage people and businesses who love the Ionian Islands to help us support more local initiatives, protect nature, and inspire communities to live and work more sustainably.” Dr. Simon Karythis, Executive Director of IEF

The mission was also supported by Akrotiri Lounge Caffe, Corfu Buddha Hall, and photographers Peter Hardiman and Iscah Hunsden Carey, who captured unique moments from this meaningful day.