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

Corfu Mission

The first mission of our 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.

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 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 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.

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.

Mission Paxos

On 5 June, World Environment Day, the second Ghost Nets Project mission took place in the marine area south of Lakka, Paxos.

The mission brought together professional fisher Lefteris Anemogiannis, Angelos Moumouris from Oasis Paxos Club, Leonardo Bogdanos, diver Vasilis Tsoukalas, marine biologist and diver Dimitra Tsoukalas, and project coordinator Sofia Michalopoulou.

The selected site is a well-known local fishing ground where abandoned fishing gear has accumulated over time. During the dive, the team identified at least four separate ghost nets, some of which are estimated to have remained on the seabed for more than a decade. Using specialised lift bags, the nets were safely recovered and brought to the surface.

Key Outcomes

In total, approximately 100–120 kg of abandoned fishing nets were removed. While this exceeded the amount recovered during the project’s first mission at Gravia, the area of seabed that was cleared was larger, removing multiple concentrations of ghost nets from a wider marine area.

The operation also documented plastic waste and confirmed the continued presence of ghost nets in important fishing habitats of the Ionian Sea. As observed during the first mission, some of the recovered nets had become colonised by marine organisms, highlighting the complexity of removing long-abandoned fishing gear while minimising impacts on surrounding ecosystems.

Among the most significant outcomes was the continued development of partnerships between local fishers, divers and scientists, as well as growing interest from new volunteers, creating opportunities to expand similar conservation actions across the Ionian Sea.

‘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