**Akamas to Install Artificial Reef Off Coral Bay to Combat Coastal Erosion**
The Akamas municipality has announced plans to install an artificial reef off the coast of Coral Bay, a project aimed at mitigating coastal erosion in the area. The initiative, which is part of a broader effort to protect the coastline, is set to commence after a tender process that was revealed on Thursday. The total budget for this pilot project is approximately €280,000.
The artificial reef will consist of around 220 concrete structures strategically placed on the seabed, located approximately 130 meters from the shore. Spanning an area of about 100 meters in length, the reef will be submerged about four meters beneath the water's surface. This design is intended to absorb wave energy, thereby reducing the impact of waves on the coastline and helping to slow the erosion of sand at Coral Bay.
This project is part of the Eco-Beachtech initiative, a collaborative effort involving the Akamas municipality, the University of the Aegean, and the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence at the Cyprus University of Technology (Tepak). The partnership aims not only to address coastal erosion but also to enhance marine biodiversity by providing new habitats for marine life.
Most of the concrete structures will be constructed by a contractor selected through the tender process. Additionally, 20 smaller units will be produced using 3D printing technology at the Eratosthenes Centre. Researchers will closely monitor the different designs of these structures to assess their effectiveness in attracting marine life.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the artificial reef is expected to serve as a site for scientific research and could potentially become a recreational area for snorkeling and free diving enthusiasts. The initiative follows a series of surveys conducted last year, which evaluated the seabed, coastline, and wave conditions to determine the optimal location for the reef.
The need for such a project has been underscored by recent events, as Coral Bay has experienced significant erosion, particularly after storms that occurred during the winter season. Akamas Mayor Marinos Lambrou noted that the beach has visibly diminished in size, prompting the municipality to reduce the number of sunbeds available by half to accommodate the changing landscape.
The installation of the artificial reef is seen as a proactive measure to protect Coral Bay's natural beauty and maintain its appeal as a tourist destination. As the project moves forward, local authorities and researchers will continue to monitor its impact on both the environment and the local economy.