21.04.2026 16:51
The General Directorate of Fisheries of Greece declared certain areas in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, where Athens has no jurisdiction, as prohibited zones for fishing. In response to the scandal, Turkey reacted strongly, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "The maps that draw imaginary maritime borders that do not exist between Turkey and Greece in the Aegean and Mediterranean, and violate Turkish maritime jurisdiction areas, have no validity."
The General Directorate of Fisheries of Greece has declared certain areas that overlap with Turkey's maritime jurisdiction in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean as "fishing prohibited areas." This unilateral move by Athens has reignited the debate over maritime boundaries in the region, while Turkey argues that this decision is contrary to international law and violates its sovereign rights.
"THE MAPS PUBLISHED BY GREECE ARE CONTRARY TO INTERNATIONAL LAW"
In a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was emphasized that the maps drawn by Greece have no validity. The statement included the following remarks: "It has been determined that the Greek Fisheries Control Directorate has published various maps that are contrary to international law, establishing fishing prohibited areas in certain regions where Greece has no jurisdiction in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean on its official website.
"IT HAS NO VALIDITY"
The validity of maps that draw imaginary maritime boundaries that do not exist between Turkey and Greece in the Aegean and Mediterranean, and that violate Turkish maritime jurisdiction areas, is non-existent.
The illegal restrictions imposed by Greece on fishing activities in areas and maritime zones beyond its territorial waters of 6 nautical miles, where it has no jurisdiction, as well as in international waters, are also null and void for Turkey.
Turkey will not accept any unilateral and unlawful actions that may be imposed on the legitimate activities of Turkish fishermen based on international law and historical rights.
In this understanding, we remind that Turkey maintains its position that a sincere and comprehensive approach should be adopted for the resolution of issues within the framework of the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness dated December 7, 2023, based on international law, fairness, and good neighborliness."