Filenews 25 August 2022
Following relevant complaints about incidents of harassment of sea turtles in coastal tourist areas, the Department of Environment informs the public and mainly the operators / owners of tourist coastal boats and users of water sports and speedboats, that according to the Protection and Management of Nature and Wildlife Laws of 2003 to 2015, the intentional harassment of fauna species of community interest is prohibited.
The harassment also includes offering food to lure the sea turtles to take pictures or to swim in close proximity to them.
A person who commits a violation of the provisions of the Law is guilty of an offense and, in case of conviction, is subject to imprisonment or a fine or both of these penalties.
It is reminded that in case of detection of an injured sea turtle, the public can contact the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research at the landlines shown below within the normal hours of the State.
PROVINCE | Landline Daily (07:30 -15:00) | Service Phone (16:00 – 20:00 Weekdays) (06:00–20:00 Saturday/Sunday) |
Nicosia | 22 807 853 | N/A |
Larnaca | 24 304 294/24 422 888 | 99 48 96 45 |
Famagusta | 23 834 172 | 99 48 96 43 |
Limassol | 25 306 800/25 306 804 | 99 48 96 51 |
Paphos | 26 821 680 | 99 48 96 42 |
