EU-funded Black Sea mussel farm exposed as empty seabed

ByEnigma 808

Underwater inspections revealed a European Union-funded mussel farm in the Black Sea may consist of only sand. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office in Sofia ordered searches of the project site, which received approval in July 2020 under the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Programme. The farm was scheduled to begin operations in July 2021 near Cape Emine in Nessebar municipality.

Investigators and divers from the Main Directorate Border Police in Burgas examined 240,000 square meters of seabed on Oct. 1. They discovered three surface buoys at designated coordinates, but the markers were not connected. Underwater footage showed no mussel farm infrastructure on the seafloor.

The beneficiary received more than 280,000 euros for the project, with more than 210,000 euros coming from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. An August 2021 inspection by the State Fund Agriculture found differences between declared plans and actual work. The investigation continues with support from the National Police General Directorate.

Author

  • Enigma XO avatar (80x80)

    Besides writing and being a content creator, Enigma 808 sometimes likes to watch paint dry on walls, listening to ASMR while timing snails racing. Such is life.