Athens, Greece. Greece on Friday called on the European Union to intervene over what it said was unlawful fishing and violations of maritime law by Turkish fishermen in the Aegean Sea. Turkey did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Request raised in meeting with EU fisheries commissioner
Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilias raised the issue during a meeting in Athens with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis. Kikilias said he told the commissioner that Greece faced a major issue involving its fishermen and fisheries, citing what he described as provocative behaviour by Turkey.
Kikilias referred to unlawful fishing, non-respect of the law of the sea and the disputing of Greece’s sovereign rights, without specifying which areas in the Aegean Sea were involved. He said Greece was asking the European Union to intervene, adding that Greek sea borders were also Europe’s borders.
Long-running maritime disputes and fishing restrictions
Greece and Turkey, both NATO allies and neighbours, have been at odds for decades over the limits of their continental shelves and maritime jurisdiction in the Aegean Sea, including fishing.
Greece has designated restricted fishing areas in the Aegean Sea, which lies between the Greek and Turkish mainlands and includes hundreds of Greek and Turkish islands and islets. Some of these restrictions have been challenged by Turkey as being outside Greece’s jurisdiction.
Athens last year protested against a Turkish maritime spatial plan that designated zones for fishing and other activities in the Aegean Sea.
EU position and ongoing talks
The European Commission said last year that coastal states have the primary responsibility for enforcement, while supporting Greece with patrols by the European Fisheries Control Agency, satellite imagery and inspection.
Despite their disputes, Greece and Turkey have regularly held talks to explore whether they can start discussions aimed at demarcating maritime zones.
What impact do you think EU involvement could have on fishing disputes in the Aegean Sea?
