Strengthening scientific research on ecosystems in the marine waters of Cyprus
(
Government
)
#OceanAction41325
Description
The abovementioned objectives will be pursued through the following actions, co-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020 and expected to be completed by 2020:
a) Mapping of the meadows of the marine angiosperm Posidonia oceanica and other habitats:
Detailed mapping of the meadows of the Mediterranean endemic marine angiosperm Posidonia oceanica in the coastal waters of Cyprus. Posidonia meadows constitute the most important marine ecosystem of the Mediterranean. The project will provide detailed information on the geographical and bathymetrical distribution of Posidonia meadows, their extent, density and condition at an adequate spatial scale so as to fulfill the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EC). Moreover, the mapping will cover other important habitats, i.e. reefs and sandbanks.
b) Cetacean population survey research:
A comprehensive assessment of cetacean distribution and population abundance for all species present in the marine waters of Cyprus. In addition, the project aims to identify critical habitats and provide ecosystem information for important marine areas and identify the biodiversity features and areas where impacts and threats arise; especially noise pressure from vessel routes. Such surveys have been conducted and will further be conducted using low noise level vessels equipped with acoustic hydrophones and A-frame platform for visual and acoustic research.
The survey will search for delphinids, such as Stenella coeruleoalba, Steno bredanensis, Tursiops truncatus, Grampus griseus etc, in addition to the recordings of sperm whales (Physeter macrocepalus) in mid-frequency recordings; also higher frequency recordings should be captured in order to detect beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris).The entire acoustic system should be able to detect signals from 10Hz to 200kHz.
c) Survey of the benthic biodiversity of Eratosthenes Sea mountain:
Oceanographic deep-sea survey to deliver high resolution seafloor mapping and characterization of benthic habitats in selected areas on Eratosthenes seamount in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus. Eratosthenes is the most prominent geomorphological feature in the Eastern Mediterranean, located between Cyprus and the Nile Cone, rising more than 1500 m from the sea bottom. The existing information on the biodiversity of Eratosthenes is very limited, but the few available research findings suggest that Eratosthenes is of great conservation importance. The Seamount has already been declared as a Fisheries Restricted Area by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean.
This project aims to identify the presence on the seamount of sensitive deep-sea benthic habitats and provide information on their distribution, extent and condition assessment. The outcomes of this project will seriously increase the very limited knowledge of the deep-sea biodiversity of the Levantine-Eastern Mediterranean.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.2 | By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans |
| 14.a | Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries |
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Contact Information
Marina Argyrou, Director, Department of Fisheries and Marine Research