Kalymnos sponge fishermen: a thousand-year old tradition

The beautiful island of Kalymnos in the Dodecanese is known for its deep connection with the Aegean and for an ancient and unique tradition: sponge fishing. The sponge fishermen of Kalymnos have ancient roots and a complex history. A profession that tells of courage, dedication, sacrifice and teachings passed down from generation to generation. A fascinating world full of traditions waiting to be discovered.

The origins of sponge fishing

Sponge fishing has very ancient origins as they were used for personal hygiene rather than for cleaning and in many cases also as a method of medication. In the Roman and Hellenistic period, they were a precious commodity for their durability, ability to absorb liquids and because they were extremely soft and delicate. In the Dodecanese, the Aegean is rich in biodiversity and seabeds suitable for hosting the habitat for these small marine animals. Kalymnos then became one of the main centers for sponge fishing in the entire Mediterranean and its fishermen quickly managed to become specialized in this activity by introducing new techniques and recognizing the most favorable areas for harvesting.

Traditional sponge diving techniques

In the beginning, this profession was highly dangerous and required special skills, great courage and a great deal of experience of the sea. Fishermen would dive without equipment, often using only a stone tied to a rope to weigh themselves down and quickly descend to the depths, holding their breath to collect the sponges. This primitive method, known as “skandalopetra,” was risky and limited to the time the fisherman could hold his breath. Divers would descend to depths of up to 30 meters, risking their lives each time. With the advent of technology and the introduction of the first diving equipment in the 19th century, fishermen began to use rubber diving suits and bronze masks, connected to the surface by an air tube. Although this equipment increased safety, the profession was still dangerous, particularly because of decompression sickness, which affected many fishermen. These risks, however, did not discourage the fishermen of Kalymnos, who continued to develop ever more advanced techniques to improve diving and reduce the dangers.

Boats and equipment

The boats used by Kalymnos sponge fishermen are an essential part of this tradition. The boats, called “Kaikia” or “Trechantiri,” are small, agile and maneuverable wooden boats that allow fishermen to reach the most distant fishing grounds. These boats are handcrafted in local shipyards, following methods passed down from father to son. Every detail is taken care of: the structure must be resistant, but at the same time light and easy to maneuver. The Kaikia are equipped with nets, ropes and winches to facilitate the raising of the sponges from the seabed. The equipment of a traditional Kalymnos sponge fisherman included, in addition to the skandalopetra and the wetsuit, a diving knife to detach the sponges from the rocks. With the use of modern equipment, today you can also find oxygen tanks and neoprene suits on board, but the tradition and respect for the sea remain unchanged.

The value of sponges and the earnings of fishermen

The sponges fished in Kalymnos have a high commercial value due to their high quality. Each sponge, in fact, can last for several years without losing its properties, unlike synthetic sponges. This makes them highly sought after for personal hygiene, cosmetic and even medical purposes. Therefore, sponge fishing was an important source of income for the families of Kalymnos, who based their economy on this activity. Each collected sponge was carefully cleaned and dried, to then be sold in local markets or exported to other islands and countries. For many years, the sponge trade was one of the main sources of livelihood on the island, and fishermen earned a good income, despite taking great risks at sea.

The golden age of sponge

Fishing The golden age of sponge fishing on Kalymnos was in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when sponges were in high demand throughout Europe and beyond. During this period, Kalymnos was the hub of the sponge trade, with fishermen setting out for months, sometimes an entire season, in search of the finest sponges. Ships would set sail in May and often not return until October. The port of Kalymnos became a bustling trading centre, with sponges being processed, catalogued and shipped all over the Mediterranean. Ships would set sail in groups and each time it was a celebration for the whole family to gather together to bid farewell to their loved ones, knowing full well the danger they were about to face.

Decline and rebirth of sponge fishing

As the world progressed in the 50s when synthetic sponges came onto the market, the demand for natural sponges began to decline as they were much more expensive than the others and the entire industry was negatively affected. Many fishermen had to find an alternative to support their families, thus abandoning this tradition with deep-rooted origins. Fortunately in recent years the trend is changing, people are starting to prefer natural and high quality things even if the cost may be higher, finally we are starting to understand that nature can give us everything we need while polluting our planet less. Today, Kalymnos is experiencing a sort of renaissance in this sector, and sponge fishing has also become a tourist attraction. Visitors can watch demonstrations by local fishermen, who show the ancient fishing techniques, and can buy sponges directly from the producers, thus supporting this precious tradition.

Why visit Kalymnos and meet the sponge fishermen

Coming into contact with a real sponge fisherman is a very interesting experience because you will be able to realize how much culture there is behind it but above all you will be able to understand how strong the bond of the Kalymnians with the sea is. It is not just a job, but a real cultural identity that is passed down with pride. During a visit to Kalymnos, you will have the opportunity to visit the Sponge Fishing Museum, where tools, historical photographs and stories of the fishermen’s lives are exhibited.

Furthermore, walking around the port of the island, you can still see the traditional Kaikia docked, and some fishermen will be happy to tell stories of the sea and sponges. If you are lucky, you can also witness the processing of the sponges, a process that requires skill and patience, but which is essential to make them ready for sale

Sponge fishing in Kalymnos is not just a job, but a story of sacrifice, of a bond with the sea and of a community that, despite the changes, continues to keep alive a unique tradition. If you find yourself in Kalymnos, take the time to get to know these men and their story. Not only will you discover a fascinating and ancient profession, but you will take with you a piece of the true essence of this beautiful island.