The illegal hunting of octopus in Greece and its consequences by overfishing comments in his extensive publication by Reutrers.

Since the beginning of July, Sea Shepherd Volunteers, with the support of the regional authorities, have recovered thousands of traps from the seabed and saved more than 1,500 octopuses in an effort to overturn the illegal overfishing that threatens the population of octopuses And it can indirectly increase the pollution of the Greek seas, the report comments.

However, activists and authorities estimate that overall half a million octopus traps are found at the bottom of the sea in northern Greece, with the aim of serving the increasing needs.

“The numbers are absolutely amazing,” said Sea Shepherd CEO Alex Cornel, referring to the number of traps towed. “If you want to keep the octopus, then you have to do something about it.”

As he commented The problem extends across Europein Italy, Spain and Portugal. This is happening as Global Octopus Trade has been launched rapidly In the last decade and as climate change has changed reproductive habits.

Greece, where the roasted octopus and ouzo are basic dishes in the country’s seaside restaurants, seems to be one of the most affected areas, Cornelisen said.

Hunters lure their prey by placing pots that look like pots at the bottom of the sea. Barrel -shaped traps resemble nests and rocks where octopuses usually prefer to find refuge and take care of their eggs. They are tied in long lines of ropes tied to small buoys.

Fisheries are prohibited or restricted during the summer breeding season in northern Greece. But instead of fishermen gathering the traps in late June and putting them back in October, some add lines.

The Sea Eagle crew has recovered 288 kilometers of line. The traps should be named the owner’s name, but most are anonymous.