Rich in cod is the Toroneos Gulf in Halkidiki, according to the results of research funded by the Region of Central Macedonia for this particular area, which is considered one of the biggest nurseries of cod.

The deputy governor of Halkidiki, Aikaterini Zografou, speaking to APE-MPE, said that the results of the research are encouraging and not only is there no shortage of the species, on the contrary, there is an abundance.

At the same time, it is positive results of the survey and for tuna which while it has been treated as a protected species and under special management in recent years, its populations have increased, so it is not endangered.

The situation is different, however, with regard to the swordfish, since research data on its populations indicate the need to put it under special management in the future.

The upgrading of aquaculture and fishing activities in Halkidiki, after all, is an important part of the Region’s policy for the development of the coastal area and the promotion of “smart blue development”, as presented by Mrs. Zografou during the events which took place within the framework of the participation of the Region of Central Macedonia in the European project “Blue Growth Smart Adriatic Ionian S3 – BLUEAIR”, which is co-financed by the European Interreg ADRION Program 2014-2020.

As far as tourism is concerned, Mrs. Zografou noted to APE-MPE that in recent years, through the Fisheries Leader program managed by Halkidiki Development, with the Halkidiki Regional Unit as the main shareholder, the creation of glass-bottomed tourist boats has been promoted, which operate routes in the area from Vourvourou, Ormos Panagias and Ouranoupoli to Mount Athos. “These vessels were financed in this context and they give another tone of development to the place. These are private investments with public funding and operate in parallel with the larger tourist boats that offer visitors the opportunity to circumnavigate Mount Athos,” he added.

She also referred to the private marinas in Halkidiki (in Sani, Porto Karras and Ouranoupoli) but also to the blue flags that certify the control of the quality of the swimming waters and bring Halkidiki to first place nationwide this year as it obtained the most blue flags in country. The framework of the planning for the blue development in the area is “complemented” by the management of the protected coasts, with a typical example being the lagoon of Agios Mamas which hosts flamingo populations in recent years and indeed throughout the year.