Cypriot fishermen call for 10-year plan as fish stocks decline

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cypriot fishing associations have called for a 10-year national plan to support the sector, warning that fish stocks are declining rapidly and the industry is nearing collapse.

The demand was raised during a meeting with European Commissioner for Fisheries Costas Kadis.

Priorities for the sector

In a joint statement issued on Friday, several fishing associations called on the government to properly implement the European Union’s common fisheries policy.

Their priorities include granting small-scale fishermen preferential access to coastal waters and traditional fishing grounds, while applying EU measures intended to help fish stocks recover and ensure sustainable management.

The associations also called for stronger monitoring of professional and recreational fishing, including action against illegal and unreported fishing.

Income and participation

The groups said fishermen should be given easier access to markets for their catch and to funding, with the aim of securing stable incomes and attracting new people to the profession.

They also requested meaningful participation for fishermen in decisions affecting the sector.

Call for long-term strategy

Christodoulos Charalambous, president of the fishermen’s association, said small-scale fishermen faced these pressures daily at sea but Cyprus still lacked a coherent long-term plan for the industry.

He said fishermen and scientists had already prepared a 10-year plan containing a clear vision, specific actions, defined responsibilities, a budget and a timetable.

“Fishermen are ready to contribute their knowledge and experience and to cooperate constructively with the relevant authorities to find solutions that will ensure the future of our profession and coastal communities,” he said.