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Saronic Gulf Fishing Ban Extended Over Oil Spill Aftermath

November 1, 2017

ATHENS – Fishing trawlers won’t be allowed to operate in the Saronic Gulf for another two months because an oil spill on Sept. 13 off the island of Salamina when a tanker sank, fouling a stretch from the port of Piraeus to Athens beaches.

The ban was extended by Agricultural Development Minister Vangelis Apostolou as a precaution until studies of the water quality in the area are completed by the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (ELKETHE).

Despite assertions by the European Union Greece delayed three days in asking for help with an oil spill from a sunken tanker – and that aid was sent as soon as it was asked – Greek Shipping Minister Pangiotis Kouroumblis said that wasn’t the case, defending his late response to the disaster.

He was away in London when the Agia Zoni II sank and after returning offered to resign over the debacle but then changed his mind and said he hadn’t done anything wrong.

The problem grew worse when one of the ships hired to help clean up the mess was found with oil in its hold that couldn’t be accounted for but prosecution of the owners has been held up in the courts as other ships try to remove the spill, the effects of which could linger for years according to some maritime analysts.

It was reported the sunk ship that spilled oil was not seaworthy, the government said vessels more than 30 years old would be certified as not being seaworthy – on Jan. 1, 2022.

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Over 100 Pilot Whales Beached on Western Australian Coast Have Been Rescued, Officials Say

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — More than 100 long-finned pilot whales that beached on the western Australian coast Thursday have returned to sea, while 29 died on the shore, officials said.

Beyond the ancient stones and historical landmarks, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace invites travelers to immerse themselves in a vibrant tapestry of culture, where the threads of tradition, festivals, and local customs intertwine to create a rich and diverse heritage.

As explorers venture beyond the well-trodden paths of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, they are rewarded with the discovery of hidden gems – charming villages, lesser-known attractions, and off-the-beaten-path wonders that encapsulate the true essence of this Greek region.

The Cities: Alexandroupolis Komotini Xanthi Kavala Drama Towns/Villages: Soufli Orestiada Didymoteicho Maronia Fanari Porto Lagos Eleftheroupoli Keramoti Nea Karvali Doxato - near Drama Kazavitis Limenaria Limenas Chora Samothrace Islands: Thassos Samothrace Museums: Archaeological Museum of Alexandroupolis Archaeological Museum of Komotini Archaeological Museum of Abdera Archaeological Museum of Kavala Archaeological Museum of Drama Archaeological Museum of Thassos Archaeological Museum of Samothrace Municipal Art Gallery of Didymoteicho The Art of Silk Museum of Soufli The Mineral Museum of Evros Municipal Art Gallery of Xanthi The House of Shadows in Xanthi Monuments: Ecclesiastical Museum of Komotini - Imaret of Komotini Halil Bey Mosque of Kavala Remains of ancient Via Egnatia Anastasiadis House (Marbled House) of Drama Archaeological Sites: Evros-Didymoteicho – Land of the Castles: Pythio, Kale, Avanta, Potamou Archaeological Exhibition of Spileo Megalithic Gate of Ancient Ismara in Maroneia Ancient Theater of Maroneia Archaeological Site of Avdira (Abdera) – home of philosophers: Democritus, Protagoras, etc.

Welcome to some highlights of the history, cities, sites, and nature that await visitors to Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

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