Submerging of Amphorae in the Larnaca Marine Protected Area

Giorgos Pagiatas

21 September 2022
Nautical

Submerging of Amphorae in the Larnaca Marine Protected Area

A sustainable action aimed at increasing both marine life and interest in diving in Larnaca region was implemented today by Larnaka Tourism Board through the submerging of amphorae at the natural reef located by the LEF1 wreck within the Larnaca Marine Protected Area (MPA) that was established by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research in 2020.

The reef in question is located approximately 1 km from the coast of Voroklini and at a depth of 13 m, and is home to various types of marine life such as grouper, wrasse, damselfish, mullet, sardines, seabream, lionfish, seahorses, while turtles also sometimes visit the spot.

Currently, with the problem of overfishing, and significant threats and degradation to the marine environment, the placement of environmentally-friendly underwater structures in a planned and organised manner offers refuge for marine life; especially as Larnaca region’s seabed is mostly sandy and absent of rocks and other suitable substrate that that are suitable habitat for marine organisms. As such the creation of artificial reefs is all the more pertinent, whilst also enriching Larnaka region’s diving product alongside environmental benefits - an ongoing aim of Larnaka Tourism Board.

A total of 60 amphorae were recently submerged, while an additional number of the traditional vases kindly donated by the ‘Christakis’ company will be added around mid-September. It is important to note that the amphorae are made from clay and do not contain glazes, paint, or any other toxic materials that could negatively affect marine life. The action was carried out with the support of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and the diving schools Viking Divers, Zenobia Divers, Undersea World Scuba Diving; Hippocampus Larnaca Sub Aqua Club, and AAK Larnaca Napa Sea Cruises.

Representative for the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Research Officer, Giorgos Pagiatas, stated that the department is doing its upmost for the effective management of the artificial reefs in Voroklini, noting that several informative signs have been posted in the area. Furthermore, the demarcation of the area is expected to be completed within 2023, which will help in its effective policing.

It is recalled that the new Larnaca artificial reef was created as initiative of Larnaka Tourism Board and the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, with the support of local authorities, agencies and businesses of Larnaca in December 2019.