Lesvos faces potential industrial pollution from Turkey's Aliağa region

Scientific simulations conducted by the University of the Aegean suggest that industrial pollutants from the Aliağa region in Turkey could reach the shores of Lesvos within approximately one month. The Aliağa area, located about 40 kilometers north of Izmir and 35 kilometers from the southeastern coast of Lesvos, is a major Eastern Mediterranean industrial hub containing shipbreaking yards, oil refineries, petrochemical units, and steelworks.

The Technical Chamber of Greece (Northeastern Aegean Department) has highlighted these findings, noting that international literature identifies high concentrations of heavy metals and organic pollutants in the Aliağa waters and sediments. The Chamber has requested funding from the Governor of the North Aegean to continue research and determine the actual extent of environmental impact on the marine area surrounding Lesvos.