In the heart of the Mediterranean, the Greek islands are a treasure trove of natural beauty and economic vitality, but they’re facing some serious challenges when it comes to keeping their seawaters clean. A recent study, led by Ioannis Mozakis from the Hephaestus Laboratory at Democritus University of Thrace, has taken a deep dive into the issue, and the findings are a wake-up call for everyone with a stake in the maritime world.
Mozakis and his team scoured decades of research to get a clear picture of what’s polluting the waters around the Greek islands. They found that agricultural runoff, untreated wastewater, and emissions from maritime traffic are the main culprits. But here’s the kicker: new pollutants like pharmaceuticals, PFASs, and nanomaterials are flying under the radar. As Mozakis puts it, “Emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, PFASs, and nanomaterials have been insufficiently studied.”
So, what does this mean for the maritime sectors? Well, it’s a mixed bag. On one hand, the study highlights the need for better monitoring and management strategies, which could open up opportunities for tech companies specializing in advanced monitoring technologies. Remote sensing, fuzzy logic, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are already being used, but there’s room for growth, especially in regions that are currently lagging behind.
On the other hand, the tourism industry, which is the lifeblood of many Greek islands, could take a hit if seawater quality continues to decline. As the study notes, “Achieving long-term sustainability requires integrated, region-specific water governance linked to the UN SDGs, with stronger emphasis on preventive measures, advanced monitoring, and cross-sector collaboration.” In other words, it’s time for everyone to work together to protect the waters that support the local economy.
The good news is that the Greek islands have made strides in recent years, with many areas achieving high bathing water quality standards, as reflected in the Blue Flag program. But the study makes it clear that there’s still work to be done. As Mozakis explains, “The current monitoring and management strategies… do not fully address the spatial, temporal, and technological challenges posed by climate change and emerging pollutants.”
For maritime professionals, the message is clear: the time to act is now. By investing in advanced monitoring technologies and collaborating with other sectors, the maritime industry can help ensure that the Greek islands’ seawaters remain clean and safe for generations to come. After all, as the study published in the journal ‘Applied Sciences’ (translated from Greek: Εφαρμοσμένες Επιστήμες) makes clear, the future of the Greek islands’ marine ecosystems, public health, and tourism-based economies depends on it.