Marine Parks in the Aegean: Plans and Reactions

Greece is proceeding with the creation of marine parks in the Aegean Sea, sparking reactions from Turkey. Petros Liakouras, Professor of International Law, analyzes the plan in 11 paragraphs.

The marine parks concern delimited areas within the territorial waters of selected islands, with the aim of protecting marine biodiversity, including seabirds, seals, dolphins and other marine mammals. A ban on fishing with trawlers is foreseen in certain areas.

Turkey reacts, questioning the unilateral delimitation of parks in areas it considers "grey zones" and arguing that the Aegean is a semi-enclosed sea, requiring consultation. Greece rejects the Turkish claims, based on the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923.

The new marine parks extend from Antimilos to Levitha, including islands such as Milos, Santorini and Amorgos, as well as islets that Turkey considers disputed.

Mr. Liakouras emphasizes that Greece can enact national legislation to protect the marine environment within the parks, without requiring the consent of any other state.