Small-scale Cypriot fishers call for national strategy for sustainable fishing

Cypriot small-scale fishers, along with environmental and marine organizations, met on August 28, 2026, with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis. During this consultation, representatives of the industry, including the Pancyprian Association of Professional Coastal Fishermen, Enalia Physis, AP Marine, and Oceana, formally requested that Cyprus develop and implement a comprehensive National Action Plan for Small-Scale Fisheries.

The industry stakeholders emphasized the need to align national practices with the European Union's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Their primary demands include the restoration of fish stocks, the strengthening of maritime monitoring, and the establishment of sustainable economic prospects for coastal fishing communities. A key priority highlighted during the meeting is securing preferential access for low-impact, small-scale fishers to coastal areas and traditional fishing grounds, which the groups argue is essential for the future of the sector.

This initiative marks a coordinated effort by local fishers and environmental NGOs to influence government policy through the European Commission. The participants are now calling upon the national authorities of Cyprus to take concrete legislative and regulatory steps to prioritize these professional groups, ensuring better management of marine resources in alignment with EU environmental standards.