Despite the collapse of parts of the Paralimni marina breakwater fishermen can enter and exit as normal, fisheries director Marina Argyrou announced on Tuesday.

Speaking to Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Argyrou said that severe weather had caused the collapse at the fishing refuge of Ayios Nikolaos in late November, and any effects on the marine environment will be investigated.

Argyrou added that the construction company in charge of maintenance has created a channel and put in place buoys and lights to facilitate safe access.

The fisheries director also explained that the company has been asked to submit a mapping and analysis of any underwater damage caused by the collapse, since it was next to an artificial reef, and, if needed, to make a plan for the restoration of the affected area.

Mayor of Paralimni, Theodoros Pyrillis, reported to CNA that a 150m of the total 500m breakwater had collapsed and work has begun to reinforce the damaged section.