Member State report / Art18 / 2018 / D6 / Cyprus / Mediterranean: Aegean-Levantine Sea

Report type Member State report to Commission
MSFD Article Art. 18 Interim report on programme of measures
Report due 2018-10-15
GES Descriptor D6 Sea-floor integrity/D1 Benthic habitats
Member State Cyprus
Region/subregion Mediterranean: Aegean-Levantine Sea
Reported by Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Ministry of Agriculture Rural Development and Environment
Report date 2021-02-09
Report access msfd-ART18.xml
Marine reporting units
Features
Measure code
1
10
12
13
14
15
17
18
19
6
62
63
64
7
8
Measure name
Protection of species and habitats
Establishing MPAs with artificial reefs (AR)
Regulating the disposal of dredged materials
Mapping of the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows outside MPAs
Implement management plans in MPAs
Studies for establishment of new MPAs and Fisheries’ Protected Areas.
Noise and visual survey of cetaceans in waters of Cyprus
Create a new artificial reef area and / or development of existing artificial reef areas to improve their management and biodiversity protection
Study on marine food webs.
Establishment of coastal MPAs
Application of SEA and EIA procedure (Directives)
Database of Marine data
Administrative support and monitoring tools
Management plans for MPAs
Evaluation of the ecological state of the coastal environment
Measure category (type)
1a
1a
1a
2a
2a
2a
2b
2a
1a
1a
1a
2a
2a
1a
1a
Progress in implementation
Implementation started
Measure implemented
Measure implemented
Implementation started
Measure implemented
Implementation started
Implementation started
Measure withdrawn
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Reason for withdrawal
Year of implementation (Temporal coverage - timeline for implementation)
2023
2012
2012
2016
2012
2023
2017
Delay
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Reasons for delay
Other obstacles (Obstacles to implementation)
No
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
Type of obstacle
Technical implementation
Further information on obstacle (Description)
Data are not always stored electronically and are not centralised. Information regarding the MSFD are collected and archived, not always in a formats that can be readily accessed. There is a need to build a centralised database that can collect store and disseminate data for the MSFD. The goverment bodies that collect data related to MSFD are: Department of Fisheries and Marine Research Department of Enviroment, Department of Works -Marine Division Department of Lands and Surveys Fauna and Wildlife Service (Birds) Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism
Brief description of progress (measurement of effectiveness of measure)
There are now 6 MPA with artificial reefs in relation to 2016. The new MPA with artificial reef is in Larnaca. Evaluaion of new areas is under consideration.
DFMR guidelines in relation to dumping based on OSPAR relevant guidelines. Moreover guidelines prepaired under UNEP MAP are also taken into consideration.
The new mapping of the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows that includes MPAs and the areas outside MPAs will be completed by 2023.
One new MPA and FRA (Kakoskali) has been established and another MPA is in the process of being approved by the relevant goverment body after completion of studies for establishment of new MPAs.
Research project implemented 2016-2017. Sound of Whales ??? and Accobams ASI participation.
New artificial reefs are being evaluated.
A new offshore MPA has been OCEANID (SiteCode: CY4000024).
The database currently used by the DFMR is called "THETIS". Thetis is not connected to the other government agencies collecting data related to MSFD. The process for upgrading the database to make it more functional has began. The DFMR has contacted various MS requesting information on their databases. Measures to be taken are the evaluation of Databases currently used by MS, applicability for the Cyprus MSFD program, tender and acquisition of a modern internet based database. Input of all data related to MSFD. This process is estimated to be completed by 2023.
Monitoring tools and administrative support for D11 is in the process of being planned and evaluated. Quietmed II and Quietseas that Cyprus has and will participate in will assist in the administrative implemetnation. Monitoring tools for D11 are currently lucking but a process has been initiated and funds have been requested. The DFMR is in discussion with the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) an independent, international, scientific and business Centre of Excellence for marine and maritime research, technological development and innovation.
Restictions imposed relating to access and ban on fishing.