Saving Cyprus’ Seagrass: A Call to Protect Lady’s Mile and Restore Our Seas.

Beneath the turquoise waves of Cyprus’ coastline lies a hidden treasure: vast meadows of Posidonia oceanica, a Mediterranean seagrass that forms the backbone of our marine ecosystems. These lush underwater gardens, often called the "lungs of the sea," are critical to marine life, supporting everything from fish to endangered sea turtles and monk seals. But nowhere is this treasure more at risk than at Lady’s Mile, a stunning stretch of coast near Limassol within the Akrotiri Peninsula. Here, unchecked anchoring is tearing apart these vital seagrass beds, threatening biodiversity and the health of our oceans. At Buy A Brick, we have a plan to save Lady’s Mile—and we need your help to make it happen.

The Vital Role of Posidonia Seagrass

Posidonia oceanica isn’t just any plant—it’s a cornerstone of Mediterranean marine life. Found across Cyprus’ shores, including the biodiverse waters of Akrotiri, this seagrass creates vibrant ecosystems that:

• Support Biodiversity: Seagrass meadows are nurseries for fish, crabs, and mollusks, and feeding grounds for species like loggerhead turtles and groupers.

• Protect Our Coasts: Their roots stabilize the seabed, reducing erosion and keeping beaches like Lady’s Mile intact.

• Fight Climate Change: Seagrass traps carbon, helping to combat global warming.

• Clean Our Waters: These meadows filter pollutants, ensuring clear, healthy seas for marine life and beachgoers alike.

At Lady’s Mile, Posidonia beds thrive in shallow waters, making them especially vulnerable. This area, part of the Akrotiri Peninsula’s rich marine ecosystem, is one of Cyprus’ most ecologically significant coastal zones, home to rare species and a hotspot for biodiversity.

WWF is raising awareness

The Threat of Anchoring

Despite its ecological importance, Lady’s Mile is under siege. Boats anchoring in these waters drop heavy anchors that rip through Posidonia beds, destroying centuries-old meadows in moments. Each anchor drag tears up roots, scatters sediment, and leaves barren patches where marine life once thrived. Studies estimate that up to 46% of Mediterranean seagrass has been reduced in range or density since the 1970s, with anchoring as a major culprit. At Lady’s Mile, this damage is visible in the scarred seabed, where once-lush seagrass is disappearing, threatening fish populations and the coastal ecosystem that locals and visitors cherish.

Our Solution: A Protected Anchorage Zone and Artificial Reefs

At Buy A Brick, we’re committed to turning the tide. In partnership with the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area authorities, we propose a bold plan to protect Lady’s Mile and restore its marine life:

• Establish an Anchorage Zone with Mooring Buoys ($25,000): We aim to install eco-friendly mooring buoys across Lady’s Mile’s waters. These buoys allow boats to tie up securely without dropping anchors, preserving the Posidonia beds below. The cost includes buoy installation, maintenance, and coordination with the Akrotiri authorities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This approach has proven effective elsewhere, such as in Greece, where Posidonia-friendly moorings have reduced seabed damage.

• Deploy Artificial Reefs ($20,000): To rebuild marine habitats, we’ll place eco-friendly concrete and clay reef modules in strategic locations near Lady’s Mile. These artificial reefs will provide new homes for fish, corals, and other species, boosting biodiversity and supporting the recovery of damaged areas. Our founder, Tony of TD Diving, has already seen success with artificial reefs attracting species like triggerfish along Cyprus’ coast.

• Monitoring and Education ($5,000): Using underwater drones and sensors, we’ll monitor the health of the seagrass and reefs, ensuring our efforts succeed. We’ll also launch educational campaigns to engage boaters, locals, and tourists about the importance of protecting Lady’s Mile, fostering a community-driven conservation effort.

Our total goal for this project is $50,000, which will fund the equipment, installation, and outreach needed to make Lady’s Mile a model for marine conservation in Cyprus.

Why Your Support Matters

Every donation brings us closer to saving Lady’s Mile and revitalizing Cyprus’ seas. Here’s what your contribution can do:

• $10: Funds a portion of a mooring buoy, helping protect Posidonia from anchor damage.

• $50: Supports the creation of an artificial reef module, giving marine life a new home.

• $100: Contributes to underwater monitoring, ensuring our reefs and seagrass thrive.

• $500+: Makes you a cornerstone donor, with your name or a dedication message on a reef module or buoy, leaving a lasting legacy in Cyprus’ oceans.

By supporting Buy A Brick, you’re not just saving seagrass—you’re helping fish, turtles, and seals thrive, preserving beaches like Lady’s Mile for future generations, and supporting local communities through sustainable tourism. Your donation is a brick in the foundation of a healthier, more vibrant Mediterranean.

Anchorage is destroying the lungs of the ocean

Join Us Today

The time to act is now. Lady’s Mile’s Posidonia meadows are fading, but together, we can protect them and build thriving reefs that bring life back to our seas. Founded by Tony of TD Diving and supported by Jerry of Trex Diving, Buy A Brick is driven by a passion for marine conservation and a vision for a sustainable future. With the backing of the Akrotiri Sovereign Base Area and your generosity, we can make Lady’s Mile a beacon of hope.

Donate today to Buy A Brick. Let’s protect our seagrass, build new reefs, and create a legacy of vibrant marine life along Cyprus’ shores. Together, we can turn the tide.