An initiative by the Kalamata Municipal Authority aims to create diving tourism attractions. Specifically, through a programmatic agreement, the Municipality and the Kalamata Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DEYA), in collaboration with the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (ELKETHE), aim to implement the project titled «FREE ARTIFICIAL UNDERWATER ATTRACTIONS.» The primary objective of this project is to enhance the underwater biodiversity of the Messinian Gulf and to establish it as a global hub for guided tours and training for scuba divers. Upon completion, the project will serve as a reference point for divers and marine researchers and will become one of the top attractions in Messinia, a region experiencing significant tourism growth.
This project involves the creation of at least five open-access artificial underwater attractions through the sinking of ships and artificial reefs of various shapes and sizes within the Messinian Gulf and nearthe eastern coast at the foot of Mount Taygetos. In addition to serving as a magnet for recreational divers, these attractions will also serve as a refuge for marine life, due to their location, which will be selected based on a study to be conducted by a spin-off company of ELKETHE; These sites will attract a large number of visitors, including scientific personnel for monitoring and recording, as well as amateur enthusiasts of the seabed seeking recreation and guided tours of the underwater world. The project will be completed through the collaboration of all relevant public agencies, including the Municipality of Kalamata, the Municipal Port Authority, the Kalamata Port Authority, the ELKETHE Research Center, and ITHABBYK (Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology, and Aquaculture).
