Paphos, Cyprus. AKTI study and research centre president Xenia Loizides has called for targeted measures to address plastic pollution along the Paphos coast, saying high concentrations of microplastics have been recorded in the district for several years. She said the problem has been documented through systematic research conducted since 2022.
Monitoring data and findings
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Loizides said the issue was neither new nor unexpected, citing data collected through a monitoring programme carried out by AKTI since 2022.
According to the organisation, systematic measurements are conducted four times a year on ten beaches across Cyprus. Some beaches in Paphos have recorded concentrations of up to 4,000 microplastics per square metre.
Loizides said the findings had already been presented at scientific conferences and stressed that the extent of the problem had been established through research rather than recent observations alone.
Seasonal patterns and regional factors
Loizides said she was surprised by the intensity of recent public discussion on the issue, adding that elevated concentrations of microplastics are generally observed during the winter months.
She said recent strong wave activity across the Levant may have increased the deposition of plastic particles along the coast during the summer, making the problem more visible to the public.
Sources of pollution and proposed measures
Addressing the sources of pollution, Loizides said significant quantities of microplastics reach Cyprus through the marine environment, particularly from illegal coastal dumping sites and river outflows in neighbouring Middle Eastern states.
She also said local authorities must address domestic sources of pollution.
Loizides called for inspections of stormwater drainage systems that discharge into the sea, stricter controls on excursion vessels, improved recycling options for discarded fishing gear and more effective management of agricultural plastics.
She also raised concerns about coastal infrastructure projects and urged authorities to halt the construction of new hard coastal defences.
