Recent research into the environmental health of the Blue Lagoon area on the Akamas Peninsula has yielded important insights, particularly concerning biodiversity, water and sediment quality, and underwater noise pollution. The study found that while tourism activities haven’t had a significant impact on the biodiversity of the Blue Lagoon, the noise pollution from vessels—during their arrival, mooring, and departure—was notable. This was evidenced by elevated noise levels recorded by a specialized hydrophone.
Furthermore, the study identified copper levels in the marine sediments exceeding environmental thresholds during the summer months. This spike is likely linked to the increased movement and anchoring of ships in the area, as antifouling paints used on ship exteriors often contain copper. Elevated copper levels pose environmental risks, including reduced photosynthetic capacity in algae and inhibited growth in other crucial benthic organisms like corals. Heavy metals such as copper also have the potential to bioaccumulate in fish and mollusks, thereby impacting the broader food chain.
This research, which forms the basis for ongoing studies, is vital for understanding the long-term effects of growing tourism on the marine ecosystem of the Blue Lagoon. The year-long study (2023-2024) was carried out by the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) with backing from the Bank of Cyprus. The goal was to assess how increased tourism might be affecting the natural integrity of this marine environment.
Scientists from CMMI conducted seasonal sampling of water and sediments throughout the year—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—in the Blue Lagoon. They focused on detecting various chemical contaminants, such as heavy metals and sunscreen ingredients, as well as microbiological organisms. Additionally, they recorded environmental parameters and the overall biodiversity of the area, examining both fish fauna and benthic organisms.
The “Seaμμαχία for cleaner seas” program, spearheaded by the Bank of Cyprus, aims to support scientific research and gather comprehensive data on coastal marine water quality. A previous survey (2022-2023) under this initiative took place in the Ayia Napa Marina, in collaboration with the NGO CYMEPA and the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK), with results released at the end of 2023.