Environmental Concerns Over €34 Million Aquaculture Project
In light of recent scientific findings, the Audit Office has called for a thorough reevaluation of plans to develop aquaculture facilities in the Moni-Vassiliko area, emphasizing the need for a revised site allocation study. This environmentally sensitive region has been identified as crucial for the conservation of the Mediterranean monk seal, a species of significant ecological importance.
The Department of Public Works, undeterred by the ecological concerns, issued a tender for the project on March 1, 2024, with an ambitious budget of €34 million, not inclusive of VAT. However, the Audit Office has highlighted several shortcomings in the current environmental assessments, which could potentially lead to project delays and the loss of critical funding, including a loan from the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
An expert report commissioned by the Audit Office urges the Fisheries Department to update the National Action Plan for Monk Seal Conservation and to make all related assessments and references available to the public. The report points out that the authorities have not fully adhered to Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive, leaving significant concerns about the balance between aquaculture development and monk seal protection unresolved.
The 2014 Site Allocation Study, which considered alternative locations for the marine farm facilities, is now under scrutiny for its lack of detail and failure to account for the Mediterranean monk seal. The Audit Office insists on a revised study that incorporates the latest data on this species.
Furthermore, criticism has been directed at the Department of Environment’s pre-screening report for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The Audit Office argues that it does not sufficiently reflect the scientific evidence on the area’s importance to the monk seal population and suggests a more comprehensive EIA may be necessary.
Discrepancies between government departments and NGOs concerning the marine boundaries of protected natural interest regions (pNIR) have arisen due to conflicting scientific studies, particularly regarding suitable habitats for the monk seal. The Audit Office has recommended that both the Fisheries and Environment Departments present an analysis of the scientific evidence that shaped their positions.
The proposed aquaculture project is designed to support seven out of nine existing marine farms in Cyprus, addressing a critical gap in support infrastructure. With plans to accommodate at least 35 vessels, alongside facilities such as warehouses, offices, and maintenance areas, the project aims to bolster Cyprus’s aquaculture industry while navigating the complex waters of environmental responsibility.
