420
H. Coccossis and K. Dimitriou
(small sized nets, dynamite use, etc), it still has a certain positive significant
on island’s economy. Another aspect of the fishing sector with potential
negative impacts on the environment is aquaculture which could compete for
the use of sea space with other uses, mainly recreation, but also with
traditional fishing activities, industry, etc. The impacts from aquaculture
installations are not restricted to the use of sea space but also include possible
pollution from excessive use of fishfood, a problem which can be particularly
important in enclosed bays and estuaries
Secondary sector. There is a concentration of small industries (timber
treatment, dockyards, marble treatment, storehouses) at the town of Thassos
in an industrial park within an area of 20 ha, the only one on the island.
There are possible impacts of industry on the marine and underground water
resources pollution through effluents. Indirect impacts of industry such as
overconcentration, land-use conflicts and urban development on the coasts
have to be also considered
Tertiary sector. The island’s economy is supported to a great degree by this
sector and more precisely by tourism. There is an average increase of 5% to
the arrivals each year. A total of 60,000 tourists visited the island last year.
The main tourist attraction can be considered the nature and the landscapes
of the island with the unique combination of sea and forest. Relevant research
revealed that 41% of all tourists visit the island because of the combination
described above. There are a wide variety of other tourist attractions such as
ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine temples, fortification constructions,
monuments etc. Tourism in Thassos appears strongly seasonal and becomes
increasingly more intensive. This results in a reduction of natural sites and
open space, substantial alterations of coastal landscapes and conflicts between
the use of land, water and other resources. These adverse effects could be
further exacerbated by the associated indirect effects of tourism related urban
development for trade, transport facilities, vacation houses, infrastructures,
residences for those working in the tourism sector etc. Recreation and leisure
activities would also have adverse impacts on coastal ecosystems due to
physical effects or disturbances from human presence. Pressures on the
coastal zones of Thassos are likely to increase in the future
The impacts of urban development on Thassos coastal resources are very limited. They
are restricted to phenomena such as: loss of natural habitat areas due to reduction of
vital space or pollution and waste disposal, which are localized to few urbanized sites.
The impacts of various facilities for sea transport requiring coastal locations
have not yet been studied. Theses facilities can affect the marine environment through
pollution or as a result of the coastal engineering works required. Coastal habitats and
beaches of Thassos can be severely affected due to loss of vital space and changes in
coastal processes.
H. Coccossis and K. Dimitriou
(small sized nets, dynamite use, etc), it still has a certain positive significant
on island’s economy. Another aspect of the fishing sector with potential
negative impacts on the environment is aquaculture which could compete for
the use of sea space with other uses, mainly recreation, but also with
traditional fishing activities, industry, etc. The impacts from aquaculture
installations are not restricted to the use of sea space but also include possible
pollution from excessive use of fishfood, a problem which can be particularly
important in enclosed bays and estuaries
Secondary sector. There is a concentration of small industries (timber
treatment, dockyards, marble treatment, storehouses) at the town of Thassos
in an industrial park within an area of 20 ha, the only one on the island.
There are possible impacts of industry on the marine and underground water
resources pollution through effluents. Indirect impacts of industry such as
overconcentration, land-use conflicts and urban development on the coasts
have to be also considered
Tertiary sector. The island’s economy is supported to a great degree by this
sector and more precisely by tourism. There is an average increase of 5% to
the arrivals each year. A total of 60,000 tourists visited the island last year.
The main tourist attraction can be considered the nature and the landscapes
of the island with the unique combination of sea and forest. Relevant research
revealed that 41% of all tourists visit the island because of the combination
described above. There are a wide variety of other tourist attractions such as
ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine temples, fortification constructions,
monuments etc. Tourism in Thassos appears strongly seasonal and becomes
increasingly more intensive. This results in a reduction of natural sites and
open space, substantial alterations of coastal landscapes and conflicts between
the use of land, water and other resources. These adverse effects could be
further exacerbated by the associated indirect effects of tourism related urban
development for trade, transport facilities, vacation houses, infrastructures,
residences for those working in the tourism sector etc. Recreation and leisure
activities would also have adverse impacts on coastal ecosystems due to
physical effects or disturbances from human presence. Pressures on the
coastal zones of Thassos are likely to increase in the future
The impacts of urban development on Thassos coastal resources are very limited. They
are restricted to phenomena such as: loss of natural habitat areas due to reduction of
vital space or pollution and waste disposal, which are localized to few urbanized sites.
The impacts of various facilities for sea transport requiring coastal locations
have not yet been studied. Theses facilities can affect the marine environment through
pollution or as a result of the coastal engineering works required. Coastal habitats and
beaches of Thassos can be severely affected due to loss of vital space and changes in
coastal processes.