Μake us preferred on Google The pebbly beach in Imerolia, Corfu, may appear tranquil on the surface but the story beneath the sea is a sad one.
The calm Imerolia bay, located some 35 kilometers from Corfu Town, is full of waste, discarded sunbeds and other abandoned beach supplies. The troubling images came to light after Eurokinissi photojournalist Giorgos Kontarinis published the underwater shots and videos he took during a visit to the beach.
Photo: Giorgos Kontarinis / Eurokinissi
“At Imerolia beach, in northern Corfu, the seabed still hides unpleasant images,” Kontarinis wrote on his Facebook page. “My underwater photo report this year reveals sun loungers abandoned on the seabed in a location of natural beauty.”
This is not the first time the Corfu beach has come under the spotlight. Last year, Kontarinis photographed dozens of beach umbrella bases scattered across the seabed.
“A year later,” he said, “the problem not only remains but has become worse. The photos are not just images; they are a reminder that protecting the marine environment is the responsibility of all of us.”
Photo: Giorgos Kontarinis / Eurokinissi
A recent TO BHMA International Edition report found that divers and cleanup groups are finding more and more marine waste, including nets, polystyrene, rubber rings, and rope – debris left behind by questionable fish farm activities.
The issue adds to hundreds of complaints over beach violations, this year, with nine beaches losing their Blue Flag status for 2026 after failing to meet the program’s environmental and management standards.
Last month, authorities launched an investigation after footage showed a municipal truck dumping construction debris near protected areas.
