Nicosia, Cyprus. Oceana has urged Cyprus to strengthen protection of its marine environment, warning that climate change, rising temperatures, overfishing and pollution are putting pressure on the island’s sea. The organisation said the country has an opportunity to protect its coastal economy while safeguarding the waters it depends on.
Marine pressures
A new study on Cyprus’ maritime environment highlights the challenges facing marine life and fishing, while setting out possible measures for sustainable management. Oceana Europe policy adviser Odran Corcoran presented the findings in Nicosia and said Cyprus’ territorial waters are important for tourism, leisure and biodiversity.
Blue economy
According to Oceana’s findings, Cyprus’ blue economy had an estimated gross value of €1.8 billion in 2022, with more than 56,000 people employed in the sector. The organisation said the urgency of building marine climate resilience is especially high in Cyprus because of the accelerated rate of warming and related impacts in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Coastal protection
Oceana also said the maritime environment can help protect people from climate change impacts. It pointed to Mediterranean sea grasses such as Posidonia oceanica as providing important coastal protection.
