The ecological consciousness of the local coastal fishermen of Alonissos for the protection of the environment – the flora and fauna – dates back long before 1992 when the Presidential Decree for the establishment of the Park was passed.

Our fathers, on their own initiative, as members of the Alonissos Fishing Cooperative, without being forced by anyone, decided to create the National Marine Park, the largest in Europe, for the protection of fish stocks and the Mediterranean seal. A large aquarium where fish will breed and seals will multiply.

We, the coastal professional fishermen of Alonissos, have been at the forefront in the creation of the Park, protecting the ecosystem of the area, where today a rich flora and fauna has developed. After all, without our protection, how could the protected species have increased their populations over the years?

The seals have increased and exist because we protect them, even though the increase in their population creates negative consequences for us, such as the destruction of our fishing gear and the taking of our hard-won catches.

It is our conviction that man and the environment must coexist in harmony, without harming either side. The Alonissos National Marine Park cannot function effectively if it does not have the local community and especially the local fishermen as its allies. So we ourselves comply with the law and are vigilant in guarding it.