Clampdown on Marine Pollution

Use of specialised services and sea patrols to monitor and combat marine pollution

1. Following the alarming phenomena of marine pollution in recent years in the Limassol sea, the Limassol Municipality, in cooperation with the Germasogeia Municipality and the Ayios Tychonas Community Council, step up more drastic measures against this issue.

2. It is reminded that the public services involved in marine pollution issues are the following:

• Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, which is also the general coordinator
• Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (Department of Environment, Department of Fisheries)
• Deputy Ministry of Shipping
• Ministry of Interior (District Administration)
• Ministry of Justice and Public Order (Cyprus Port and Marine Police)
• Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism (private marinas)
• Ports Authority

3. This year a new drastic measure to prevent and combat marine pollution will be implemented. For the first time, specialised services by experts on the matter will be put to the test.

The Limassol Municipality, in consultation with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, through open tendering, commissioned the joint venture VTS Vasiliko Terminal Services LTD - VSS EPE Environmental Protection Services to provide monitoring and detection services in order to combat marine pollution along the Limassol coastline, from mid-May to mid-September. Regular sea patrols will be taking place from 5.30a.m. On this occasion, the Limassol Municipality would like to thank the Government for the financial support relating to this service.  

4. The services to be provided by the above mentioned joint venture include the use of two pollution control vessels, special means and personnel specialising in marine pollution matters. The first vessel will be conducting sea patrols of the sector stretching between the outer boundary of the swimming area and the area where ships anchor. The second vessel, which will be transported along the coastal road by means of a wheeled vehicle, will intervene to deal with incidents of pollution within the boundaries of the swimming areas. 

5. In addition to the above, the public services involved will undertake with the utmost rigour and determination measures pertaining to their own responsibility. These measures include the following:

• Daily sea patrols of the area by both a Limassol Municipality vessel and a Department of Fisheries vessel. Thus, along with the boat of the private provider, there will be 3 vessels for sea patrol within the boundaries of the swimmers area.

• Inspectors of the Deputy Ministry of Shipping will conduct on-site inspections of the sewage treatment systems of vessels at anchorage.  

• Strict implementation of the licensed waste collection process by vessels and their delivery to the new CPA tanks, and from there to the SBLA system.

• Increased control of the cruise boats organising leisure tours, both upon departure and return to the old port and marinas.

• This year, in addition to the State Laboratory analyses, the Municipality of Limassol will also proceed to conduct direct microbiological testing as soon as marine pollution signs have been identified. The Municipality’s 24-hour hotline for marine pollution issues will also be operational this year at 25884590.

6. We would like to thank the Lifeguards and the winter swimmers associations for their cooperation in setting up a network of providing timely information to the relevant services. It goes without saying that the above measures can only be efficient if everyone pitches in, especially the public.  

7. The Mayor, the Municipal Council and the services of the Municipality of Limassol will not cease their efforts in keeping the sea of our city clean and beautiful to be enjoyed by our fellow citizens and visitors.