Greece Asks EU To Step In Over ‘Unlawful Fishing’ By Turkey

ATHENS, May 15 (Reuters) – Greece has asked the European Union to intervene and address what it claims is illegal fishing and violations of maritime law by Turkish fishermen in the Aegean Sea, located in the eastern Mediterranean.

Greece and Turkey, both NATO allies, have disagreed for many years over the limits of their continental shelves and maritime rights in the Aegean Sea, particularly concerning fishing rights.

Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilias raised the issue during a meeting with European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, in Athens on Friday.

“I discussed a significant issue for Greece regarding our fishermen and our fisheries, as well as the provocative actions of our Turkish neighbors related to illegal fishing, disrespect for maritime law, and the questioning of our sovereign rights,” Kikilias stated, though he did not specify which areas in the Aegean Sea were affected.

“We request the European Union to step in,” he added, highlighting that Greek maritime borders are also the borders of Europe.

There was no immediate response from Turkish officials regarding the claims.

Greece has set up restricted fishing zones in the Aegean Sea, which lies between the Greek and Turkish coasts and features numerous islands from both countries. Some of these restrictions have faced challenges from Turkey, which claims they fall outside its jurisdiction. Last year, Greece protested against a Turkish maritime plan that designated areas in the Aegean Sea for fishing and other activities.

The EU Commission mentioned last year that coastal states are primarily responsible for enforcement, while it supports Greece with patrols conducted by the European Fisheries Control Agency, satellite monitoring, and inspections.

Despite their ongoing disputes, Greece and Turkey have frequently held discussions to determine if they can begin talks about defining their maritime boundaries.