Development of Diving Park in Paleokastritsa
CORFU. Paleokastritsa – Where fishing stops and tourist boats are allowed to pass
The channel between the two sections of the Paleokastritsa Diving Park will remain open to tourist boats. Both professional and recreational fishing, including spearfishing, are prohibited throughout the park's 878,823 sq.m. area and within a surrounding 50-metre zone. Navigation is also prohibited within this zone, with the exception of passage through the channel. The Government Gazette explicitly stipulates that commercial fishing vessels must retain unobstructed access to moorings in neighbouring ports.
Within the park, navigation is permitted for vessels operated by the management body, those authorised under the environmental conditions to serve visitors, and vessels belonging to the inspection authorities. Anchoring is prohibited, and vessels may only moor at designated buoys. While a guided dive is taking place, vessels must remain at least 150 metres from the diving site, with the exception of the vessel belonging to the diving provider.
Corfu Aquarium will take on management of the park for a period of 20 years. The Government Gazette specifies an annual lease of €10,860. The company may charge visitors an admission fee, while diving activities will be conducted by licensed providers.
The Government Gazette does not specify an opening date for the park. Before it opens, an assessment of the condition of the marine habitats is required. Subsequently, biodiversity will be recorded annually, while fish stocks both inside and around the park will be monitored to measure the impact of the fishing ban.
GIORGOS KATSAITIS
