Fish farming: The imminent threat of their expansion and the ignorance of risk

Ritsa Darsinou talks to us

Ritsa Darsinou talks to us about her business activity in the area. Ritsa Darsinou is an innovative entrepreneur, who contributes in the area of Poros and Troizinia-Methana for the last thirty years. Her company, Darsinos Services, in Galatas, contributes with two ferry boats in the line connecting Poros and Galatas. Also, it is involved in boat trade and supplies, cars and scooters trade and rentals, and green energy photovoltaics and batteries trade for small and large units.

Tell us about your work.

I am a local entrepreneur for over thirty years, the twenty last of which I work on shipping. I believe that private initiative contributes to the local economy and if it is innovative as well, then it can offer many benefits to the society. That’s why, in 2000, my husband and I built our first, double-ended, ferry boat, ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ. A pioneer boat, even today, let alone twenty years ago. With this investment, we upgraded the local ferry line. Because, besides launching a new technology boat, we managed to entice other companies having boats in this particular line to lower the median age of their craft. Then, we built our second boat, ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ Δ., which is the biggest in the terminal, based on a beautiful design and with advanced engineering for lower emissions.

As you may have realized, I have always the concern how to not burden the environment. So, when my next entrepreneurial plans were to rent cars and mopeds, I had to give a good example. I chose to work with clean energy, electromobility. Despite the fact that electromobility is still very expensive for exploitation in cars, I dared to do it. I bought electric cars and mopeds and I offer them for renting in our area. I am also the Argo-saronic representative of Eco-car, which are small, fully electric cars, ideal for our islands, with their narrow streets. Cars that don’t create pollution or noise-pollution and are very efficient (1 euro per 100 km), without road or other taxes.

What is your relationship with the local area?

The local area, and particularly Galatas, is where my husband, Nikos Darsinos, comes from. Initially, together with Nikos, I fell in love with his birthplace. But, now, after 40 years, I love the place and I wouldn’t change it for any other. Besides, it’s proven by the fact that I live and operate here for so many years.

How have your work and your life been affected by the financial and now by the health crisis, and how do you deal with it?

The financial crisis affected us a lot, like everyone else. But with sense and hard work, we managed to get through it. I believe that we’ll be able to get through the health crisis as well, only with individual RESPONSIBILITY and following the special scientists’ instructions.

Which of your knowledge and personality traits have been most useful to you in your professional life?

For every job, you need to know the subject with which you are going to work, at least the basics. My whole family is a nautical family. We have nautical training and experience. But in order to succeed, you need vision, love for what you are doing and hard work.

What would you like to improve in your personality or work? What are your weaknesses and how have they influenced you?

It is human nature to get better as you get older. I hope that I have also managed that.

What would you do differently and what do you consider as right steps in your career?

If I could turn back time, I don’t think I would act differently. In all my life, I was walking the tightrope between family and my entrepreneurial endeavors. I don’t know if I was doing everything right… all I know for sure is that I loved and took care of my family on the one hand and that whatever I have done professionally, I did it with a lot of zest and honestly.

What piece of advice would you give to a young person who would like to do what you do?

My motto, which is “Don’t treat anyone unfairly… but also don’t let anyone treat you unfairly”, is my advice to all young people. The rest, every person must set targets, which, with work, patience and perseverance, will be able to reach.

What are your plans for the future, short-term and long-term ones?

I think I have laid the foundation for long-term entrepreneurial activities beyond my physical presence in them. I also believe that I have two capable successors to my endeavors, my sons Yannis and Yorgos. So, in a few years, I’m going to retire from hands-on action. Upon my retirement, I will pass the torch entirely to my children. Now, in my little spare time, I do wood-carving and painting. Then, if I am physically and mentally healthy, I want to dedicate any time I have left to art, which I love. This is also a target; I hope I will make it.

Ecocars
Previous Article
The EcoCar in Galatas
20 August 2020
Αναζήτηση εργασίας / Job opportunities
Next Article
Job search
20 August 2020

Recent Posts

Korfos fish farm
13 November 2023

These short film documentaries about the Industrial Fish Farms illustrate the global harmful impact on the environment and our health.

29 September 2023

Sport is an activity that develops body and mind equally. Through sport, our youth learn new skills and socialize, creating friendships and partnerships in an environment of healthy competition.

29 August 2023

A look back at Poros Arts Festival 2023. This summer, the Poros Arts Festival was spread all over the island.

Resources about fish farms featured image
29 July 2023

An innovative information tool which brings together data, research, videos and articles about industrial fish farming.

24 July 2023

Fishing for Profits: Aquaculture company meeting resistance from local communities in Greece and Spain.

27 June 2023

An innovative digital events calendar that covers the area of Poros, Troizinia and Methana. The calendar informs locals and visitors about planned events related to culture, education, sports, etc, in Greek and in English.

01 June 2023

A number of enlightened countries have already banned industrial fish farms in open marine net pens such as those on Poros.

winetasting-featured-image
27 April 2023

The wine routes in our area have existed since antiquity. Nowadays, wine remains a popular drink and an important agricultural product.

poros trails
26 April 2023

Poros trails bring us in contact with the pine forest and the untouched natural environment of the island.

performing arts
02 December 2022

The creative work of people in this area is our identity. So, let’s take a taste of the local performing arts.

kyouka
03 November 2022

“KYUKA” is a modern life-story movie about a family sailing to Poros for their summer vacation.

sundesmos-troizinioi
28 February 2022

The Association of Troizinians living in Athens and Piraeus was founded in 1895, is based in Piraeus and has many events to its credit.

agios dimitrios
26 January 2022

The byzantine chapel of Agios Dimitrios in Methana was built at the edge of the lava, circa the end of the 13th or the beginning of the 14th century and hides a lot of mysteries. 

sillogos poriotissa
25 January 2022

The variety of customs reflects the particular character of each small society and composes a larger, colorful, multivalent image, that of culture. Knowledge of our traditions and history shapes our future common course as a community. This is the reason why Katheti supports all those people who strengthen with their actions the local cultural life and keep our cultural heritage alive. One such example is the Cultural Association of Poros Women “Poriotissa”. 

oi-filoi-tis-paradosis
23 December 2021

The Cultural Association of Galatas “Friends of Tradition” was founded with the aim of promoting the area of Galatas and preserving the tradition and history of the area. 

volunteering
25 October 2021

Volunteering means compassion and care. It creates friendships and helps us achieve multifaceted personal development.

olive tree
01 October 2021

We live in an area that can be described as land of the olive tree. An area with awards and tradition in the production of excellent quality olive oil.

Hiking trails of Poros, Troizhnia and Methana
28 May 2021

The hiking trails of Poros, Troizinia and Methana unfold in a place with special geography and variety of landscape.

27 April 2021

Our region, has an idyllic landscape and tradition in fishing and tourism. What better than a fishing trip with the Saronic Gulf as a view!

feature image Voluntary Fire Unit of Poros
24 March 2021

The altruism of these people preserves our right to live safer.

22 January 2021

Handmade creations combine knowledge and traditional techniques with modern aesthetics to produce functional, useful products and serve practical needs. Local artisans have a two-way relationship with the area in which they live.

21 December 2020

Sustainable tourism, which respects people, the environment and culture, is ideal for this blessed place. This is the belief of Ec(h)o, the local team of Project Resound, a social design organization, which uses its creative skills to bring a positive change in the world.

24 November 2020

What better gift than a book? Katheti compiled in one article all books with a local flavor we managed to discover and we present them to you.

29 October 2020

Some say that people resemble the place they come from. In order to discover the area, its beauty and specificities, the most suitable way is through a gastronomic adventure. The local products and producers are going to reveal surprising hidden treasures, by giving us a glimpse of the Saronic Gulf’s charm.

30 September 2020

Katheti visited the space of the association “Cultural Action of Troizina” at the Municipal Office of Troizina.

28 February 2024

The sculptor of the Mermaid of Poros, George Xenoulis, left his indelible mark with the statue he sculpted for our island.

02 February 2024

On January 25 the educational program “Why we say no to fish farms on Poros” took place at Katheti in collaboration with EPAL Galatas!

01 December 2023

Katheti is ready for a year full of events and activities!