The growing threat of ocean pollution is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. To celebrate World Environmental Day and World Oceans Day and, most importantly, raise awareness on the distress our oceans are facing, ACG co-organized and hosted a lecture and hands-on workshop on June 2, 2025.
Jointly organized by the ACG Center of Excellence in Sustainability, the ACG Office of Sustainability – Public Affairs, and the Foundation Healthy Seas, this one-day event gave participants the opportunity to take a deep dive into marine plastic pollution and better practices for a healthier ocean.
Christina Zantioti, Animal Scientist, MSc. PhD.c., delivered an insightful lecture on microplastics and their far-reaching consequences on all of us, humans and animals alike, and the pathways through which they enter marine environments. Additionally, she spoke about plastics in fisheries and aquaculture, and the contribution of abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) to marine plastic pollution.
“The presentations delivered by the Healthy Seas at The American College of Greece provided a thorough insight into the aquaculture status in Greece and on the related ghost farm and ghost net removal activities organized by the Healthy Seas and partners. We thank Healthy Seas for the inspiring good practices they shared with us,” stated Stella Apostolaki, Executive Director, ACG Center of Excellence in Sustainability.
The presentation ended on a positive note, highlighting the positive contribution of Healthy Seas, a foundation with global action, including in Greece, whose primary mission is to remove plastic from the oceans and, primarily, abandoned fishing gear, such as nets. Their action does not stop at the removal of plastic waste. They abide by circularity practices, transforming marine waste into textile products!
“Teaching at The American College of Greece workshops on marine plastic pollution was a great experience. We focused on the impact of abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG). The students were engaged, curious, and brought inspiring ideas to the conversation,” shared Christina Zantioti.
The specialized workshop delved further into the issue of marine pollution resulting from aquaculture ALDFG, offering insights into the sector’s growth, the presence of plastics across its value chain, and sustainable aquaculture practices.
Ms. Zantioti also spotlighted Healthy Seas’ work in Greece, including major marine cleanups and their larger-scale initiative, “Ghost Farms: Reclaiming Waters,” a project that aims to map abandoned fish farms, clean up the areas, and restore the waters, in alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
“Raising awareness is just the beginning – we must act to protect our oceans. At ACG, sustainability means action, education, and lasting impact. Through this event, we highlighted the power of circular solutions and the need to reclaim and restore our marine ecosystems,” emphasized Rania Assariotaki, Director, Office of Sustainability – Public Affairs.
