Amathus mayor calls for action over persistent Limassol sea pollution

Limassol, Cyprus. Amathus mayor Kyriakos Xydias said sea pollution in Limassol results from multiple land- and sea-based factors and called on authorities to resolve the longstanding problem.

His comments followed a meeting at the deputy shipping ministry, where additional measures were agreed to strengthen inspections and tackle marine pollution amid renewed complaints about waters along Limassol’s coastline.

Possible pollution sources

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Xydias said possible sources of pollution included fish farms, recreational boats, commercial shipping and pipelines discharging into the sea.

“We demand that those responsible find a solution,” he said.

Marine pollution in Limassol Bay has concerned municipal authorities for years. Despite studies and decisions taken over time, complaints have continued.

Blue Flag applications

The issue also led Limassol and Amathus municipalities not to apply for Blue Flag status for their beaches in 2026.

Xydias said Amathus had consequently lost the nine Blue Flags it held in 2025.

Drainage pipe works

Xydias confirmed a Politis report concerning a drainage pipe linked to a high-rise development under construction, which he said he had raised during Thursday’s meeting.

He said emergency works were under way to move the pipe further from the coastline so it complied with the conditions of its permit.

According to Xydias, the environment department confirmed during the meeting that a permit existed for the pipe, but it was subsequently established that it should have extended much further from the beach.

He said the pipe had been located within Limassol municipality’s boundaries at Akti Olympion, but works were carried out last week to move it parallel to the coastline towards the Dasoudi area, which falls within Amathus municipality.