PRESS RELEASE 1

PRESS RELEASE ­ NIREAS MARINE RESEARCH – HECATAEUS PROJECT – CYPRUS 20/05/2011 NIREAS MARINE RESEARCH is a registered non­profit and non­governmental Cypriot organisation involved in research, documentation, education and conservation concerning the marine environment.

NIREAS MARINE RESEARCH has initiated a scientific offshore research project at the Hecataeus Rise.

The Hecateaus Rise is 20 nautical miles offshore, located south of Cyprus.

It is a center of marine biodiversity and attracts concentrations of pelagic fish and many other marine animals. Many unknown species can be found at these special geological underwater features.

Cyprus is in a collision zone of continental tectonic plates (Africa­Sinai­Arabia and Eurasia­Anatolia).

During this collision process the Hecateaus Rise is formed.

Because of its close vicinity NIREAS MARINE RESEARCH will use the Hecateaus Rise as home base for ongoing and long term scientific marine research. Scientists from a diverse range of fields are participating.

The multinational team consists of participants from Cyprus, Japan, USA, UK and Austria.

NIREAS MARINE RESEARCH has set the 23th of May, 2011 to launch the first descent to the Hecateaus Rise.

In co­operation with the University of Cyprus – Oceanography Centre, scientists for a glider mission, plankton sampling, ROV, vessel and divers are presently mobilising.

Visit our official website regularly for detailed news and updates on the Hecataeus project (also on facebook).

Upon request photos are available.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.

With regards Axel Schoeller Underwater ops NIREAS MARINE RESEARCH ORGANISATION ­ CYPRUS