Chronological Overview
The development of the initiative AMORGORAMA
The journey of the initiative AMORGORAMA started years ago and is still ongoing, extending the way we interact with the sea and maritime life.
Timeline
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2003 · Amorgos
Founding of the Professional Fishing Association of Amorgos
Fishers on Amorgos establish the Professional Fishing Association of Amorgos to represent local fishers and address shared problems, including emerging issues of overfishing, pollution, and protection of traditional kaïkia.
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2010 · Amorgos coastal waters & northern beaches
Fishers observe decline in catches and coastal pollution around Amorgos
From around 2010, professional fishers on Amorgos note decreasing fish stocks, lower incomes, and accumulation of plastic waste on inaccessible northern beaches.
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2013 · Santiago de Compostela
Participation in 2nd European Low-Impact Fishermen (LIFE) conference
Representatives of the Professional Fishing Association of Amorgos attend the 2nd European Low-Impact Fishermen conference in Santiago de Compostela and connect with other small-scale fishers facing similar challenges, reinforcing the idea that alternative management solutions are possible.
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2014 · Amorgos Island
Adoption of an initial local fisheries management plan
Beginning in 2014, the Professional Fishing Association of Amorgos decides to take action through a local management plan aimed at sustaining the profession, tackling overfishing, and addressing marine pollution.
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2015 · Amorgos Island
Agreement on four-pillar master plan by Amorgos fishers
After internal discussions, the fishers of Amorgos agree in 2015 on a four-pillar master plan: halting fishing in April and May, conducting coastal cleanups during this period, transitioning to more selective fishing gear, and proposing three no-take Fisheries Restricted Areas around the island.
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2019 · Amorgos Island
Co-founding of Amorgorama initiative and launch of crowdfunding
The Professional Fishing Association of Amorgos and German artist-scientist Florian Reiche co-found Amorgorama, launch a crowdfunding campaign, and begin building partnerships including with the Cyclades Preservation Fund and the Blue Marine Foundation.
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2019 · Cyclades Preservation Fund, Amorgos Island
Public presentation of Amorgorama and first support from Cyclades Preservation Fund
In late 2019, Amorgorama is publicly presented by the fishers of Amorgos, and the Cyclades Preservation Fund becomes the first external supporter, providing funding, capacity, and visibility to the initiative.
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2021 · Amorgos Island coastal zone
Official presentation of Amorgorama and first documented cleanup season
In spring 2021, Amorgorama is officially presented with more than half of the island’s fishers participating. Actions include documented coastal cleanups and implementation of the seasonal fishing halt, later highlighted in the “Amorgorama in action” update (former homepage) and the mission at Castri.
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2020-09-01 · Cyclades Preservation Fund, Amorgos Island
Early implementation phase documented in "Amorgorama on the go" update (former homepage)
By September 2020, Amorgorama activities are underway and documented in an update titled “Amorgorama on the go” by the Cyclades Preservation Fund, indicating active coastal cleanups and local engagement.
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2022-09-01 · Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens
Memorandum of cooperation with Greek government and partners
In September 2022, a memorandum of cooperation is signed between Amorgorama and the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, together with other public bodies and partners, signalling formal governmental support for establishing Fisheries Restricted Areas around Amorgos.
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2024-04-01 · Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Our Ocean Conference, Athens
Greek government announces approval of proposed Fisheries Restricted Areas around Amorgos
At the Our Ocean Conference held in Athens in April 2024, the Minister of Rural Development and Food publicly announces the Greek government’s approval of the proposed Fisheries Restricted Areas around Amorgos.
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2024-12-01 · Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens
Fisheries Council recommendation and submission of draft Presidential Decree on Amorgos FRAs
Following a positive recommendation by the Fisheries Council of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food in December 2024, a draft Presidential Decree to establish Fisheries Restricted Areas around Amorgos is submitted to the Council of State in February 2025 for consultation.
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2025-06-01 · Cyclades Preservation Fund, Amorgos Island
Community discussion and Fishers Festival on Amorgos ahead of Presidential Decree
In June 2025, the Cyclades Preservation Fund supports a community discussion and Fishers Festival held over two days on Amorgos to discuss the forthcoming Presidential Decree on Fisheries Restricted Areas around the island.
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2025-06-01 · Hellenic Republic, UN Oceans Conference, Nice
Greek Prime Minister highlights Amorgorama at UN Oceans Conference in Nice
At the 3rd UN Oceans Conference in Nice in June 2025, the Greek Prime Minister refers directly to Amorgorama as a model while announcing national commitments to expand marine protected areas and ban bottom trawling in all MPAs by 2030.
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2025-08-01 · Hellenic Republic, Katapola, Nikouria and Gramvousa, Amorgos coastal zone
Designation of Amorgos Fisheries Restricted Areas and scope of closures
In August 2025, following national decisions, the Greek government enacts the official designation of Amorgos’ Fisheries Restricted Areas, introducing full fishing bans in three areas—Katapola, Nikouria, and Gramvousa—for a minimum of five years.
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2025-08-08 · Hellenic Republic, Amorgos Island coastal waters
Presidential Decree establishing Fisheries Restricted Areas around Amorgos
On 18 August 2025, a Presidential Decree is issued that establishes Fisheries Restricted Areas around Amorgos for at least five years, formally implementing Amorgorama’s proposal for three no-take zones.
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2025-10-05 · Cyclades Preservation Fund, Port of Aegiali, Amorgos
Prime Minister visit and public event in Aegiali on future replication of Amorgorama
On 5 October 2025, during an event in the port of Aegiali on Amorgos, the Greek Prime Minister visits the island, publicly commits to using Amorgorama as a model for creating additional fisher-led initiatives across the Cyclades, and takes part in activities including a screening of the film “Ocean” with David Attenborough.