Mr Nikos Stratos is is one of the fishers that are part of the “Fishing for Litter” program that takes action in the Northeastern Aegean and more specifically in Thermaikos and Evian Gulf. He’s 39 years old and started he’s occupation with fishing by following his grandfathers work path. 

R: How many years have you worked as a fisherman? How did your occupation with fishing begin?

NS: I started professionally fishing at 1998. My grandfather got his first motor trawler at 1963. Currently, we are working with the 4th boat of the family. 

R: Could you describe a day in the sea?

NS: Work never stops, the boat is sailed by my brother and me, so the responsibilities alternate. Our basic hopes for the day are to get good fish and then have luck in the market. One of the things that has been stressing us lately is the crisis of the season and the price of oil. Time on board is spent in between video calls with family and also, constant daily communication with colleagues in order to share information and stay updated about the sea. One of the things that gives me joy is that I enjoy working with a new boat because it makes me fell like my job is also my hobby.

R: What differences do you notice regarding the amount of waste compared to the past?

NS: We always picked up litter. We have noticed a lot of fishing ropes and many plastic bags that make our job even harder because they clog fishing nets and trap small fish inside. 

R: What kind of waste you’ve collected has made the biggest impression on you?

NS: A “Reo”, which is a military truck from war that we found and transfered to the coast. 

R: What does the sea and its protection mean to you?

NS: Health comes first and then the sea, that’s how important it is to us. Its protection is vital in every aspect, from the aspect of fish stock as well as pollution. 

R: What is the message you want to pass along the world?

 NS: Stop polluting the sea and the coast with litter. 

iSea’s «Fishing For Litter» program is implemented for 6 years in a row, in lots of different areas in Greece, in collaboration with the A C Laskaridis Charitable Foundation. The ambassadors of this program, the professional fishermen who actively support the effort of collecting and recording aquatic litter from the sea all over the country, talk about the nature of their profession and share their experience and thoughts about the program.

We would like to thank all the fishermen who cooperated with us, for a more effective implementation of the “Fishing For Litter” program and give a personal touch to this effort.