A new survey reveals overwhelming concern among Cypriot fishers over weak enforcement of fisheries rules, declining fish stocks and the future viability of their profession. Seven out of ten fishers interviewed said that their main challenge is the lack of fish. Nearly all fishers surveyed say national government action is insufficient to address the challenges facing the sector.
The survey was undertaken by Oceana, the world’s largest international advocacy organisation dedicated solely to ocean conservation.
According to Oceana, Cypriot fishers describe a consistent set of challenges that affect the viability of their activity and, in turn, undermine the achievement of the environmental, social, and economic objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The survey, conducted by Oceana across six fishing shelters and based on interviews with 47 commercial fishers using a structured questionnaire, assesses how the EU Common Fisheries Policy is being implemented in practice in Cyprus.
- 96% state that national government support is insufficient to address the challenges facing fisheries.
- 72% of respondents identify stock declines or a lack of fish as a central challenge.
- 68% of respondents mention climate change or invasive species as directly affecting fishing conditions.
- 98% believe improved habitat protection leads to stock recovery over time, provided measures are applied across all fishing activities and supported by compensation
Solutions to fisheries crisis depend on political will
As the European Commission prepares its 2026 evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy, and with Cyprus holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU, Oceana argues in a press release that “this is a test of political will”. The conservation organisation calls on the Cypriot authorities to:
- Make existing rules work in practice and treat fishers as partners in implementation. Enforcement must be consistent across all fishing activities.
- Rebuild fish stocks and properly protect critical habitats.
- Reduce administrative burden, improving access to income opportunities and creating conditions that allow the next generation to remain in the sector.
- Implement structured, sustained action to address invasive species.
“Sustainable fisheries will not be achieved through statements of intent. They depend on implementation, fairness and accountability. The voices from Cyprus’ ports are clear. If rules are not properly applied and fish stocks are not rebuilt now, both livelihoods and marine ecosystems will pay the price”, said Javier López, director of Sustainable Fisheries campaign at Oceana in Europe.
Small-scale fishers at risk
For many small-scale fishers in Cyprus, the crisis is immediate, Oceana notes. They see it each time they return to port with smaller catches and rising costs. They speak of fewer fish in their nets, longer hours at sea and growing doubt about whether the profession can sustain the next generation. Many feel squeezed between mounting environmental pressures and rules that are not enforced fairly across all fishing activities.
Oceana highlights that as catches shrink, income shrinks with them. “Heavy paperwork, strict port-sale rules and delayed compensation deepen the strain. One poor season or one unexpected cost can push a fisher into debt.”
As a consequence, the sector is ageing. Nearly two-thirds of active fishers are now over 55, while very few young people are entering the profession despite decades of experience built at sea, the survey reveals.
Fishers insist that the solutions are within reach. Many support seasonal closures, provided they are applied fairly across all fishing activities and backed by timely compensation. They call for stronger and more consistent action to manage invasive species, which continue to damage gear and reduce already limited catches. Improved monitoring and enforcement is another priority, as they want rules that apply equally to everyone.
Access to certain quota-managed species is also critical. As one coastal fisher explains, “We are not allowed to catch albacore tuna, bluefin tuna or yellowfin tuna, even though some of these species exist in the Mediterranean. I believe this is wrong. 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.”
For small-scale operators, even limited access can make a meaningful difference, concludes Oceana.