January 19, 2026
Marine pollution is a persistent reality in the Gulf of Laganas and represents one of the most significant pressures on the area’s fragile marine ecosystem, as well as on the endangered sea turtle Caretta caretta.
As part of the Caretta² Zakynthos project, the study covered the entire protected area, with a particular focus on its marine zone. Underwater clean-up operations and surveys were conducted at fishing shelters and beaches with high levels of human activity, including Keri, Agios Sostis, Alykanas, Dafni, and Gerakas.
The results are striking: more than half of the recorded waste consisted of plastic, a large proportion of which was linked to fishing gear. This was followed by metal and glass debris. Dafni Beach showed the lowest levels of pollution, while Alykanas and Keri recorded the highest concentrations of marine litter.
Through three targeted underwater clean-up actions, approximately 70% of the identified debris was removed, substantially alleviating pressure on the marine ecosystem.
The key findings of the study are presented in the infographic below.
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