Satellite Observations Reveal High Vessel Activity in Cyprus' Marine Protected Areas

Satellite observations conducted by Periopsis detected 2,060 vessels entering Cyprus' marine protected areas in Cape Greco, Lady's Mile, and Latsi-Akamas during the summers of 2024 and 2025. The research laboratory warned that increased activity in the area was putting Posidonia oceanica meadows at risk. The analysis used an AI vessel-detection system based on visible satellite imagery, revealing repeated vessel presence and indicating where activity clusters. Latsi-Akamas was the most frequently visited area, recording 1,026 detections, while Cape Greco recorded 746 detections. The findings suggest that unmatched detections may reflect legitimate tourism or unreported activity at sea. The recordings showed that July and August were generally busier than June, with August showing the highest level of vessel activity. Around 60% of sampled vessels were classified as non-moving, prompting concerns about its effects on local biodiversity.