Filenews 4 August 2023 - by Ioannou Mantzipia
The Deputy Ministry of Shipping assumes a coordinating role on the initiative of Marina Chatzimanoli, with the aim of intensifying controls and supervision for the prevention and suppression of marine pollution, mainly in the city of Limassol.
The problem has plagued the city for years with the last stakeholder meeting recorded in 2018. Since then, the Limassol Municipality has focused its efforts on the bathers' area – where it is responsible – but during yesterday's meeting it was decided that the problem should be combated in a timely and effective manner.
The meeting was held by the Deputy Ministry of Shipping in the presence of the Mayor of Limassol, Nikos Nicolaides, representatives of the Department of Fisheries, the Port Police, the Health Services of the Municipality and a representative of the Air Operations Unit. During the meeting, the problem in its entirety was discussed, with stakeholders agreeing to intensify efforts to prevent marine pollution.
Various suggestions and prevention measures were put on the table, such as stricter controls on marinas, ports and private yachts. It was also suggested that flying means and drones should assist in identifying the unconscious that pollute the seas with various wastes. Another measure that will be studied is the possible change of existing legislation and the imposition of harsher fines on those found polluting.
A new meeting will follow in the near future, where drastic measures will be taken, with each government agency assuming its role and responsibility. Both the Cyprus Ports Authority and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism are expected to be involved.
In statements after the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Chatzimanoli, said that the purpose of the meeting is to intensify everyone's efforts to prevent marine pollution. He noted that the various suggestions will be evaluated and in a new meeting with all stakeholders they will come up with drastic and imposed measures in order to achieve the desired result. "Supervision is the main tool so that you can get to who is really causing the problem and that's what we've identified. Together, with each other's help, we can fight this damage from the beginning," he said.
Asked to comment on whether there is also an issue with the legislation, Chatzimanoli noted that the Deputy Ministry is studying all legislation that falls under its umbrella and if an amendment is needed, it will be done.
The mayor of Limassol, for his part, noted that the Municipality has been focusing its efforts on the bathers' area for years, stressing, however, that it is the last stage of any pollution of the sea.
"We need to increase surveillance and surveillance measures at the sources of the problem. Before the problem reaches the bathers' area and needs to be fought there. Whether these springs are called fish farms, anchorages, ports, marinas or from the land area. Each government service should assume its area of responsibility with increased surveillance measures so that they can come to the aid of the efforts of the Municipality and prevent harm before a problem arises in the bathers' area," Nikolaidis said.
