The Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Nikos Kougialis stated that "the creation of artificial reefs with the parallel establishment of a protected area is a strategic priority of the Ministry of Agriculture since, among other things, it creates new challenges that can contribute to economic diversification of coastal areas. of blue growth ".
Welcoming the launch of the Nemesis III artificial reef, the Minister of Agriculture said that "growth within the blue economy can help create jobs and new growth resources, while maintaining biodiversity and protecting the marine environment."
Mr. Kougialis stated that "without a doubt, marine protected areas, including artificial reefs, provide the opportunity to promote activities that have growth potential, such as blue ecotourism which may include the development of diving tourism, ecological surveillance of suburban areas, coke.".
At the same time, he continued, "they provide incentives to generate additional income for coastal fishermen through the development of fishing tourism, which will also contribute to education and awareness on marine protection issues."
The Minister of Agriculture said that "achieving this strategic goal, which is part of the sectors of sustainable blue development, certainly requires a joint effort by all stakeholders to ensure that any similar ecotourism activities are compatible with the principles of protection and sustainability. of areas ".
He added that "the Fisheries Fund is an important tool to support such actions with the ultimate goal of restoring biodiversity and fish stocks by 2020, with the direct or indirect support of fishermen and local coastal areas."
Regarding the first artificial reef that was piloted in 2009 in the sea area of Amathus, Mr. Kougialis said that "it shows positive results, since the artificial infrastructure that was placed at the bottom of the area has attracted various organisms resulting in resembling" natural "Reefs".
The Minister of Agriculture said that "the artificial reef that will be developed in the sea area of Paralimni, in addition to the boat Nemesis III, which will be placed on the seabed today, will include various other constructions from concrete blocks and other environmental aggregates, which are expected in in the coming years to be colonized by dozens of species of fish and marine organisms ".
He said that "the project is expected to revitalize the sea area of Paralimni in the medium term, providing benefits to both fishermen and the local community with opportunities for alternative blue ecotourism."
The Minister of Agriculture said that "in total, within the next year, five marine protected areas with artificial reefs will have been created, including the sea area of Amathus".
He added that "assistance in the implementation of these innovative projects for the marine environment of Cyprus is the Fisheries Operational Program 2007-2013, which is co-financed by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Fisheries Fund, while their further enrichment, the formulation of management plans and implementation of an integrated monitoring and surveillance program will be promoted through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020 ".