Pafos Live 26 May 2023
The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment informs the public that during the summer season in the waters of Cyprus and our beaches we are fortunate to host 2 out of 7 species of sea turtles in the world. These two species are the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas).
Both are spectacular and emblematic species and their presence in our areas is part of their life cycle, both for feeding, mating and spawning.
Although sea turtles are found in relatively large numbers in our coastal waters during the summer season and the opportunity to observe them is offered, at the same time this presupposes a special responsibility to avoid annoyance and stress to these animals, as well as actions that are not consistent with their natural behaviour.
Therefore, we kindly request that the public comply with the relevant announcements, suggestions and advice of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research and the provisions of the relevant legislation, in order both to ensure the preservation of the marine environment and to avoid nuisance and causing disturbance and anxiety to the organisms it hosts and not to affect their natural behaviour.
On the occasion of the recent relevant complaints about incidents of harassment of sea turtles in coastal tourist areas, we inform the public, and especially the operators/owners of tourist coastal boats and users of water sports (watersports) and speed boats, 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.
It is clarified that harassment includes offering/providing food to lure sea turtles to take photos or swim in close proximity to them.
A person who violates the provisions of the Law is guilty of an offence and, if convicted, is liable to imprisonment of up to 3 years or to a fine of up to €17,000 or to both of these penalties.
In addition, regarding sea turtles, please consider and apply the following:
– Observe them from a distance.
– They must not be harassed and/or touched. This may disrupt them, creating anxiety and triggering their reaction.
– They should not be fed. This affects the natural behaviour of animals and may also have negative consequences on their natural feeding instinct.
Let the animals decide how close they want you to be. If you see signs of disturbance (such as sudden movements), then you should stop your approach and/or move away.
– In photo shoots, limit the number of photos of individual animals and/or organisms, especially when using flash.
