When you think of fishermen, most people conjure up a picture of a rugged man, or sometimes a woman, pulling a big grouper or porgy from the briny depths.

Well, the members of the Gouves Association of Amateur Fishermen certainly do a lot of that kind of stuff, but, in addition, they are totally involved with the local environment.

"We are committed to keeping the water and the beach clean," said Yiorgos Spanakis, executive secretary of the association, indicating, with a wave of his arm, the neat and well-maintained marina at the old American base in Gournes.  "Sure, our primary purpose is in fishing and boating, but we have a vested interest in keeping this entire area, the docks and the beach, as well as the water, clean for everyone to enjoy. If you remember what this place was like just a short time ago, and what it's like now, you'll see what we mean."

Indeed, the large sandy beach adjoining the marina was totally litter free, as was the marina itself, which, after the American base closed, had deteriorated into a litter-filled waste land.

"Our members volunteered to do all the work, and the Mayor's office helped by providing us with trucks to carry off all the debris and waste," he said. "We were even able to renovate the deserted buildings around the marina so we could use them as temporary offices and meeting rooms for the association."

The fishermen's group, founded in 1999, has 80 active members, all boat owners, who are committed to fishing as a hobby, without destroying the environment. In addition to its sporting and environmental interests, it keeps its hand in local cultural activities.

This month, as we do each year, our association, in conjunction with the Gournes Cultural Association, will organize The Epiphany celebration with the casting of the Holly Cross in the waters of the harbour," Yiorgos explained.  "And, on January 30th, we will cut the traditional New Year cake in a well known eatery and invite everyone to participate."

He said that the event will help raise money for the association, making it possible for it to continue its work on the marina, such as the necessary maintenance of the north-eastern jetty.

"We also plan a fishing competition, with a nice prize going to the winner," he said. "We had one before and it was a great success, with the winner getting an outboard engine."

In addition, he said the association will put together a fish night sometime in May so that people can get closer to the sea and experience its magic, and show the necessary respect keeping it clean from garbage.