Cyprus agrees new measures to strengthen marine pollution inspections

Limassol, Cyprus. Additional measures to strengthen inspections and improve responses to marine pollution were agreed on Thursday at a meeting chaired by Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis. She said Cyprus’ waters were clean but acknowledged that improvements were needed.

Pollution complaints

The meeting followed complaints from residents about foam, unpleasant smells and unidentified substances or waste along Limassol’s coastline.

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Affected areas included Armonia beach in Ayios Tychonas, where a white substance covered the sea. On August 15, people reported swimming among nappies, sanitary pads, waste materials and possible sewage or effluent.

Earlier this month, sewage was reported to be overflowing into the sea at Moni in the Limassol district from a sewerage treatment plant.

Measures agreed

Hadjimanolis said marine pollution incidents had been recorded and addressed this year. The additional measures are intended to improve monitoring and enable authorities to respond more quickly.

They include more intensive inspections, increased use of technology such as drones and additional equipment on vessels carrying out checks.

The measures were presented by academic and Shipping Deputy Ministry adviser Angelos Menelaou. They are intended to improve operational readiness and coordination among the relevant authorities by next summer.

Coordination and reporting

The meeting was attended by Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, Amathus Mayor Kyriakos Xydias and representatives of the environment department, the district local government organisation, the fisheries department and the Cyprus Ports Authority.

Hadjimanolis said public complaints would continue to be assessed and investigated, adding that reports should include specific information where possible to help authorities identify the source of pollution.

She also referred to a cabinet decision to establish a coastguard, which she said would support more effective monitoring of Cyprus’ waters.

The mayors called for more immediate action and clearer responsibilities among government agencies.