Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus-based NGOs Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre and SPOT Marine Life have launched the island’s first Sustainable Seafood Guide to help consumers make seafood choices that support marine conservation.
The free online guide is available in Greek, Turkish and English and provides scientifically supported information on fish species sold in the Cyprus market.
Guide classifications
The first edition covers 22 species, classified as recommended, buy with caution, or best avoided.
For each species, the guide provides details on fishing methods, minimum legal sizes, the potential for bioaccumulation of metals, and biological and ecological information.
Support for coastal fisheries
The guide highlights the role of Cyprus’ small-scale coastal fisheries, which form part of the island’s cultural heritage and contribute to the sustainable management of marine resources.
Consumers who choose locally and responsibly caught seafood can support small-scale fishers and contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems, the organisations said.
Future updates
The creators said the guide will be expanded with additional species and updated scientific information, with the aim of becoming a reference point for responsible seafood consumption.
SeafoodGuideCy was developed through the bicommunal SPOTLight on Sustainable Fisheries project, funded by the European Union under the Aid Programme for Turkish Cypriots.
The project seeks to improve the sustainability, transparency and resilience of Cyprus’ fisheries sector through scientific research, cooperation with fishers and relevant authorities, public awareness and the promotion of responsible seafood consumption.
