The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) expresses its regret regarding the publication in the media under the title “Shots fired by local authorities of Paphos against the Department of Fisheries” and wishes to clarify the following: The non-existent and unjust statements regarding the work of DFMR for the protection of sea turtles, through the relevant Program implemented since 1978, affect a Program that makes Cyprus proud in the field of environmental protection. The Sea Turtle Protection Program in Cyprus is recognized at European and international level as one of the most successful biodiversity protection programs and is evaluated by both the European Commission and the Barcelona Convention, in the framework of the Protocol on Specially Protected Areas and Biodiversity.