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It is with great pleasure that
I am here with you today, at the dissemination event about the Benthic Marine
Ecosystems of Cyprus, organized by the Department of Fisheries and Marine
Research of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
The marine environment provides
us with a multitude of Goods and Services such as food and resources, climate
regulation, and also recreational activities. However, multiple pressures
from human activities increase the pressure on the marine environment
and threaten the fragile balance of the marine ecosystems.
The protection of the marine
environment is one of the priorities and main objectives of the Ministry of
Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment. However, in order to be able
to protect it, we need to study and understand it, by collecting data and
information on the abiotic and biotic elements that compose it.
It is widely stated that we
know more of space than we know of our seas. Our country, the Republic of
Cyprus, is surrounded by a large Exclusive Economic Zone that covers an area
of about 98,707 square km. In the past decade there was an increase in the marine
research projects being carried out in our country, the majority of which was
being funded by EU funds.
We are here today at this event
to be informed about the outcomes of two research projects that are funded by
the Operational Programme Thalassa 2014 – 2020, which is co-funded by the
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and national resources.
The first project, aimed to
investigate and evaluate the sensitive benthic marine ecosystems in the
territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Cyprus.
In this 1.5 million euros project, a deep-sea survey was carried out at the Eratosthenes
Seamount, at depths of 700 m down-to 1200m depth. High-resolution seafloor
maps were developed and areas of possible presence of sensitive habitats
according to the Habitats Directive were identified and further visually
investigated with Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs). Furthermore, as part of
the project, coastal benthic marine ecosystems were investigated through some
smaller-scale projects and actions, some of which will be also presented
today.
The Republic of Cyprus, due to
its geographic location, being near to the Suez-canal, is considered a
hot-spot area for marine non-indigenous species, also commonly known as alien
species. The second project that will be presented today, aimed to investigate
the non-indigenous species in the Marine Protected Areas of Lara/Toxeftra,
Pegia Sea Caves and the Natura-2000 Thalassia Periochi Moulia in Cyprus.
Through the implementation of
these two projects, scientific data was collected that is important for
filling gaps of knowledge on our seas. I would like to thank once again the
Department of Fisheries and Marine Research as well as all the parties involved
in the implementation of the projects, for the excellent work and for setting
the bar so high.
Last but not least, I would
also like to express my warm appreciation to everyone present here today,
both physically and online, and I wish you an enriching and fruitful
continuation of this event.
Thank you.
(MG)
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