"Tourists Flee Due to Foul Odor"... Greek Port City Covered with Dead Fish

Tourists Decline Due to Fish Carcass Odor
About 40 Tons of Carcasses Collected Over 24 Hours
Likely Impact of Last Year's Major Flood

In the central Greek port city of Volos, the discovery of a mass of dead fish weighing over 100 tons has led to a decline in tourist visits.

According to foreign media including the AP on the 29th (local time), recently, the harbor in Volos was filled with dead fish. The severe stench from the decaying fish is reportedly so intense that it is difficult to breathe.

On the 27th (local time), two women are looking at dead fish floating in the sea at the port of Volos, a city in central Greece. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Anna Maria Papadimitriou, Deputy Mayor of Volos, stated, "There are millions of dead fish starting from Lake Kala extending 20 km eastward," adding, "We are currently in the process of collecting them." The Volos authorities have collected 40 tons of carcasses in the past 24 hours. The total weight of the carcasses is estimated to exceed 100 tons.

Beachfront shops that were busy preparing for tourists have now temporarily closed. Visitors turned away from the beach due to the foul odor emanating from the dead fish. A restaurant owner operating on a beach 10 km from Volos port lamented, "With the decrease in tourists, this summer's sales have dropped by 80%. Even if they start collecting the carcasses now, it is too late. The peak tourist season is already over."

On the 28th (local time), dead fish appeared on the surface of the sea at the port of Volos in central Greece. [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

The mass death of fish covering Volos appears to be a consequence of last year's massive floods in the Thessaly region. The floodwaters had significantly increased the water levels of nearby lakes, which then rapidly decreased this year, causing freshwater fish to flow into the sea. These fish could not survive in the sea, resulting in mass deaths. Achilleas Beos, Mayor of Volos, held a press conference the day before and criticized the government for not taking measures such as installing protective nets until the dead fish reached the city.

The Volos Chamber of Commerce issued a statement saying, "Coastal businesses, especially those in the food service industry, have currently suspended operations," and pointed out, "The severe stench along the coast causes disgust among both residents and visitors and is dealing a serious blow to the tourism industry."