Nine in ten Cyprus fishers say government support is failing the sector

Nine in ten Cypriot fishers believe government action is insufficient to ensure the survival of the sector, according to a new survey released as Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

The study, conducted by Oceana, revealed overwhelming concern over weak enforcement of fisheries rules, declining fish stocks, and the future viability of the profession.

According to the findings, 96 per cent of fishers said national government support is insufficient to address the challenges facing fisheries.

At the same time, 72 per cent identified stock declines or a lack of fish as their main challenge, highlighting the growing pressure on marine resources.

The survey also found that 68 per cent of respondents pointed to climate change or invasive species as directly affecting fishing conditions.

Almost all participants, 98 per cent, believe that improved habitat protection can lead to stock recovery over time, provided measures are applied across all fishing activities and supported by compensation.

The research was based on interviews with 47 commercial fishers across six fishing shelters, using a structured questionnaire to assess how the EU Common Fisheries Policy is being implemented in Cyprus.

The findings indicate that current challenges are undermining the environmental, social and economic objectives of the policy.

The report stressed that solutions to the fisheries crisis depend on political will, particularly as the European Commission prepares its 2026 evaluation of the policy.

“Sustainable fisheries will not be achieved through statements of intent. They depend on implementation, fairness and accountability,” said Javier Lopez, director of the Sustainable Fisheries campaign at Oceana in Europe.

“The voices from Cyprus’ ports are clear,” he added.

“If rules are not properly applied and fish stocks are not rebuilt now, both livelihoods and marine ecosystems will pay the price,” Lopez stressed.

The survey also highlighted the immediate pressures facing small-scale fishers in Cyprus, who are dealing with shrinking catches and rising costs.

Fishers reported fewer fish in their nets, longer hours at sea and growing uncertainty about the future of the profession.

Many said they feel squeezed between mounting environmental pressures and uneven enforcement of rules across different fishing activities.

As catches decline, income levels are also falling, increasing financial strain on those working in the sector.

Additional challenges include heavy administrative burdens, strict port-sale rules and delayed compensation, all of which contribute to economic uncertainty.

The report noted that the sector is ageing rapidly, with nearly two-thirds of active fishers now over the age of 55.

At the same time, very few young people are entering the profession, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.

Fishers said that solutions are within reach, provided there is fair implementation of measures.

Many expressed support for seasonal closures, as long as they are applied consistently across all fishing activities and accompanied by timely compensation.

They also called for stronger action to manage invasive species, which continue to damage equipment and reduce already limited catches.

Improved monitoring and enforcement was identified as another priority, with fishers seeking rules that apply equally to all.

Access to quota-managed species was also highlighted as a key issue affecting livelihoods.

“We are not allowed to catch albacore tuna, bluefin tuna or yellowfin tuna, even though some of these species exist in the Mediterranean,” said one coastal fisher.

“I believe this is wrong,” they continued. It could give me the opportunity to earn a day’s income.”

“These are small opportunities, but they could give me some financial breathing space,” they concluded.