Solomon Media Lab: How To Investigate Fish Farms in Greece

Solomon invites journalists to a two-day workshop on fish farming in Greece, taking place on September 18 in Athens and September 19 on the island of Poros.

This workshop offers a unique opportunity for journalists to explore one of Greece’s most critical environmental and social issues. Participants will exchange knowledge, strengthen investigative skills, and gain practical tools for reporting. 

Over two days, 12 selected journalists will: 

– Learn how the fish farming industry operates in Greece.
– Understand the regulatory framework shaping the sector.
– Explore research methods for investigating financial, environmental, spatial, and labor dimensions of fish farming. 

The workshop is organized by the Solomon Media Lab, Solomon’s educational hub created to empower and support the journalistic community, and is supported by the Earth Journalism Network. The working language of the workshop will be GREEK.

Fish Farming in Greece

The European Union has made the expansion of fish farming a key priority, channeling hundreds of millions of euros into boosting production. The Greek government has followed suit, announcing plans to multiply the areas designated for aquaculture across the country. 

The sector is almost entirely export-driven: around 80% of Greece’s output–mainly sea bream and sea bass–is shipped abroad, primarily to Italy, Spain, and France. In 2024, the value of fish farming production in Greece was estimated at €775 million. 

The Workshop

Although fish farming is of major economic importance to Greece, many aspects of the industry’s planned expansion remain largely uncovered by the media. 

To encourage deeper reporting, Solomon, which has been covering the sector in recent years, is organizing a two-day workshop with the support of the Earth Journalism Network.

The goal is to equip 12 journalists with the tools needed to carry out their own investigations. Participants will have the opportunity to:

– Learn about the industry’s development since the 1980s and the legislation that governs it today.
– Speak with experts, scientists, environmental organizations, and local communities.
– Explore investigative techniques, including on-site reporting preparation, financial data research, and fact-checking.
– Take part in a field visit to Poros, an island at the center of international attention due to the planned expansion of fish farming.

The workshop will take place on the afternoon of September 18 in Athens and on September 19 in Poros. Attendance on both days is mandatory.

The program is open to professional journalists of all levels and specialties, including reporters, researchers, photojournalists, documentary makers, videographers, and content producers. Participation is free and includes coffee and snacks in Athens and Poros, one meal in Poros, and round trip ferry transport.

Support for Two Journalistic Investigations

At the end of the workshop, participants will be invited to submit proposals for their own stories. Two journalists will be awarded €1,000 each to carry out their investigations, with guidance and editorial support from Solomon, and mentoring from the Earth Journalism Network team.

Application deadline: September 11

Apply using this form, or contact info@wearesolomon.com for more details.