A UK-funded expedition maps the hidden reefs of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, revealing fragile ecosystems already bearing the marks of human activity.
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Until now, these depths were virtually unmapped. Through the UK government-funded MESOPHOS project, the Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab carried out the first exploration of what are known as mesophotic ecosystems at Akrotiri and Dhekelia, two areas of British Overseas Territory on the island of Cyprus.
These ecosystems sit 50 to 200 metres below the surface, where enough light penetrates for light-dependent organisms to survive but where it is too dim for more typical photosynthesis to occur. The term mesophotic literally means ‘middle light’.
They support unique communities of life that may serve as potential refuges for species from degraded coral reefs in shallower waters.
As these ecosystems are beyond scuba diving limits, the team surveyed over 32 sites with remotely operated vehicles, revealing vast areas of sponges, corals, anemones and other organisms that create habitats which support diverse marine life.
More than 200 species were recorded, including several not previously reported in Cyprus. Particularly notable were fragile and slow-growing corals, such as gorgonians (Callogorgia verticillata), hydroid corals (Lytocarpia myriophyllum), soft corals, and sea pens, many of which are threatened or protected.
Human footprint clear even deep underwater
These mesophotic habitats act as biodiversity refuges, contributing indirectly to sustainable fisheries by strengthening the resilience of marine resources.
But, despite the depth of the surveyed area, the footprint of human activity was clear. The team found marine litter, including soft drink cans and lost fishing equipment known as ‘ghost gear’. They also saw evidence of bottom trawling, invasive species and coral death likely linked to ocean warming.
“The presence of human impacts at these depths is particularly concerning because habitats such as maerl beds, sponge grounds, and corals are extremely slow-growing and highly vulnerable,” Christina Michail, Biologist and Marine Biologist at the MER Lab, tells Euronews Green.
“Our surveys revealed clear marks from bottom trawling gear, alongside areas where sedimentation and disturbance had reduced both the abundance and diversity of marine life.”
Michail adds that the team’s findings show how even deep or less accessible habitats are not immune to human pressures.
Experts call for urgent protection of rare marine habitats
With MESOPHOS confirming the presence of these sensitive ecosystems and highlighting the pressures they already face, experts say urgent protection measures are needed.
“We recommend the immediate protection of sensitive habitats such as maerl beds and coralligenous reefs from destructive fishing activities, particularly bottom trawling,” Michail explains.
“This must go hand in hand with mapping the spatial extent of these critical habitats to guide effective management, while long-term, systematic monitoring will be essential to evaluate progress and adapt measures where needed.”
Michail adds that these findings should also guide future research, encouraging similar surveys around Cyprus to build a more complete picture of these ecosystems and how vulnerable they are.
