The recent Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions enabled the steep increase of human population (6.798 billion; United States Census Bureau 21/11/2009) and of human activities which have caused irreversible changes to the long-established natural habitats and communities of the biosphere. Considering the fact that the human population was below 1 billion, only 200 years ago and that it is expected to reach 9 billion by the year 2040; makes one realize the magnitude of the problem.

Two of the most important concerns of all ecologists and conservationists today is the continuous loss of vital habitats and reduction of biodiversity; a consequence of the expanding anthropogenic activities. For this reason, the governments of most developed countries have adopted strict environmental legislations. Furthermore, they are funding significant proportions of their budget in an effort to monitor anthropogenic impacts on the environment and expand their knowledge and understanding of the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem.

Unlike the terrestrial environment which is more easily accessed and monitored, there is a considerable level of difficulty when it comes to performing research in the marine environment. Researchers around the globe are just beginning to understand the complexities and functions of marine ecosystems. This sector has recently received a great deal of attention by other developed coastal countries. In Cyprus however, marine research infrastructure is still poor and is largely dependent on programs undertaken by public bodies or Universities (Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, University of Cyprus – Oceanography Center, and Frederick University - Frederick Research Center ), sometimes in conjunction with private parties (collection of data). Private marine environmental research has been so far limited to the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies (fish farms, marina constructions...). Even though Cyprus is an island with an extensive coastal shoreline (648km) the absence of serious marine research is evident.

The young researchers of MER are working hard to revolutionize marine research in Cyprus. In a short period of time they have amplified the quality of EIAs and proposed to carry out competent marine research funded by the Research Foundation of Cyprus (pending acceptance). Our purpose is to increase environmental public awareness and improve marine research methods in Cyprus.

Services that MER can now offer:

• Preparation of impact assessment reports that evaluate the potential consequences of anthropogenic constructions and activities (fish farms, marinas, desalination plants, tourist industry and power stations) to the marine environment
• Sample collection, identification and analysis of marine prokaryotes (bacteria), flora (phytoplankton, macroalgae, angiosperms) and fauna (zooplankton, invertebrates, bony and cartilaginous fish, reptiles, mammals)
• Water quality monitoring (determinations of phytoplankton/chlorophyll, nutrient and heavy metal concentrations)
• Sediment quality monitoring (benthic invertebrate identification, granulometry and determinations of nutrient and heavy metal concentrations)
• Development and implementation of long-term monitoring and research of important marine ecosystems / habitats
• Integrated coastal zone management
• Marine habitat ecological evaluation and mapping
• Design and implementation of mitigation strategies
• Risk assessments
• Underwater operations including video and photography