Gyaros: management plan in force — visit permits and anchoring rules
The ministry announced on 26 October the plan published in Gazette D 886/19 October 2026. Its implications for visitors and boats, and the measures requiring further implementation.
The management plan for the protected biodiversity area “Gyaros Island and marine zone” was presented on 26 October 2026 by Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy. The joint ministerial decision was already published in Government Gazette D 886 of 19 October 2026; Article 12 makes it effective from publication.
Today’s announcement explains an already published framework. Implementation and monitoring belong to Greece’s Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency, NECCA.
Implications for visits and boats
Article 8 requires a special visit permit from NECCA, following an application by an individual or organisation. The permit specifies the area, time and any additional conditions. Zone ZAPF-01 is accessible only for scientific research.
Anchoring is allowed in the designated zones using specially installed, marked, environmentally friendly moorings. Where these are absent, anchoring is prohibited in marine areas with substantial Posidonia seagrass meadows. The decision does not establish that all moorings have already been installed.
A programme of spatial or time restrictions on the entry and movement of sightseeing or leisure boats requires a NECCA proposal and approval by the competent maritime-traffic authority. The plan’s provision does not replace approval of a specific programme.
Species protection and implementation
The plan covers habitat conservation and restoration, scientific monitoring, information, activity rules and surveillance. The area is important for Mediterranean monk seals, protected seabirds and Posidonia meadows. Measures include invasive-species control and a fish-stock assessment.
NECCA draws up an annual or multi-year implementation programme. Regulatory approval does not mean the studies, works or equipment installation have already been completed. The ministry links the fish-stock assessment to the existing fishing ban within three nautical miles; it is not presented here as a new ban introduced today.
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