Turkiye slams Greece over maritime maps, says measures ‘Null and Void’
In an official statement, the ministry said it had identified maps on the authority’s website that designate fishing restriction zones in areas where Greece does not have legal authority, including parts of the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. The statement argued that these maps depict non existent and imaginary maritime boundaries between the two countries and infringe upon Turkiye’s maritime jurisdiction.
Such maps have no validity, the ministry said, adding that Greece’s attempts to impose fishing restrictions beyond its territorial waters limited to six nautical miles are unlawful. It stressed that any unilateral measures affecting international waters or areas outside Greek jurisdiction are considered null and void by Turkiye.
The statement also reaffirmed Ankara’s position that it will not accept any restrictions on the activities of Turkish fishermen that are not grounded in international law or historical rights.
Referring to the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighbourliness signed on 7 December 2023, the ministry called on Greece to adhere to its commitments. It emphasized that disputes between the two countries should be resolved through a sincere and comprehensive approach based on international law, equity and good neighbourly relations.
Turkiye concluded by reiterating its willingness to pursue dialogue within this framework while rejecting what it described as unlawful unilateral actions by Greece.
"No: 72, 21 April 2026, Regarding the Restrictions and Maps published on the Official Website of the Fisheries Control Directorate of Greece
Greece has established “no fishing zones” in some maritime areas in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean where Greece has no jurisdiction and has published various maps contrary to international law, as seen on the official website of the Fisheries Control Directorate of Greece.
Maps that draw non-existent and fictitious maritime boundaries between Türkiye and Greece in the Aegean and the Mediterranean, which also violate the Turkish maritime jurisdiction areas, have no validity."
As for the illegal restrictions on fishing activities imposed by Greece beyond its 6 nautical miles of territorial waters, in places and maritime areas where it has no jurisdiction and in international waters, these are null and void for Türkiye.
Türkiye will also not accept any unilateral and illegal practices imposed on the legitimate activities of the Turkish fishermen, which are based on international law and historic rights.
With this understanding, Türkiye reiterates its position that a sincere and comprehensive approach should be adopted to resolve issues on the basis of international law, equity and good neighborliness within the framework of the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness, dated 7 December 2023."
