The death of a loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), victim to a fisherman’s long-line off SODAP beach has caused outrage amongst bathers in Paphos.
President of Paphos Winter Swimmers, Mattheos Ierokipiotis, in a written statement, voiced his disappointment saying “the joy that swimmers felt was brought to an end in a most tragic way.”
“This is an unacceptable and condemnable act,” he added as it seems that the long-line was dropped within the swimming zone, something which is prohibited.
Ierokipiotis called on the relevant authorities, the Fisheries Department, to step up its controls and to severely punish fishermen who flout regulations.
“It’s a shame to be fortunate enough to have turtles and seals, which are endangered, in the area, and to lose them to human recklessness.
Concluding, Ierokipiotis called on the Fisheries Department to finally allow the creation of a sea park.
“In this way, fishing will be banned and we will be able to protect the turtles and the rich marine habitat we have in the area.”
Source: in- cyprus.com
