illegal fishing

in the turtle sanctuary at lara bay was observed and captured on photo. according to information from the department of fisheries and marine research, fishing is not allowed in water depths less than -50 meters. however the illegal fishing activity was quite obvious when a fishing boat laid nets closed to shore where water depths are about -20 meters.

the department of fisheries and marine research was immediately informed.

sea turtles are an endangered species and the area in lara bay is one of their last breeding places. therefore the government of cyprus protected the area by declaring it a sanctuary.

however little to none control is enforced and protective steps like registered fishing equipment is not existent.

pollution

is very obvious. the shores and beach where endangered turtles land and make their nests is heavy polluted by plastic debris and other garbage. together with Japanese divers aquatec - innerspace operations salvaged and recovered lost and entangled fishing nets underwater at the shores of the turtle sanctuary.

it seems that the authorities of cyprus either do not really care or are unable to keep a nature sanctuary as it should be - a natural refuge for endangered species to save them from extinction.