The practical part includes the implementation of the design of artificial reefs in the Cypriot seas. The first boat sinks tomorrow in the area of Protaras, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and the Municipality of Paralimni.
With the sinking of the boat "Nemesis III", the marine protected area with artificial reefs is established at the same time. The event for the sinking of the ship - from which it should be noted that all objects that may cause marine pollution have been removed - will take place tomorrow at 11 am in the area "Vrysoudia", in front of the hotel "Kouzalis".
According to a relevant announcement of the Ministry of Agriculture, this is the first time that a boat is drowned in Cyprus for the creation of artificial reefs.
Artificial reefs are structures deliberately placed on the seabed, which aim to mimic the properties provided by a natural reef, such as shelter, nutrition, reproduction, growth and increase in size and population of living marine organisms.
Various materials are used for the construction of artificial reefs, such as concrete, iron, pylon and limestone. Once the appropriate shapes and sizes are selected, the artificial reefs are properly designed and located on the seabed.
Over-exploitation of fishery resources and consequent overfishing is the main reason for the creation of artificial reefs.
Multiple benefits
The ultimate goal of creating areas where artificial reefs are placed is to create fish shelters, increase fish stocks and improve long-term fishery production.
In addition, the creation of artificial reefs achieves other goals, such as the protection and enrichment of marine biodiversity, the revitalization of degraded ecosystems, the conduct of scientific research, the raising of public awareness of marine life and as well as the attraction of diving tourism.
The artificial reef construction project is co-financed by the European Fisheries Fund 2007-2013: "Investing in sustainable fisheries". According to the plan of the Ministry of Agriculture, three more ships are expected to be launched at a later stage in the sea areas of Ayia Napa, Limassol and Paphos.
Source: FILELEFTHEROS