Environmental organisation Oceana has called on the Republic of Cyprus to strengthen transparency in the fishing sector, following the publication of a report identifying links between European citizens and fishing vessels operating under so‑called ‘flags of convenience,’
In written responses, Oceana’s illegal fishing and transparency campaign director, Vanya Vulperhorst, said the organisation’s investigation found ownership links between Cypriot nationals and two fishing vessels registered in Equatorial Guinea and Belize.
These jurisdictions are widely regarded as ‘flags of convenience,’ meaning countries that offer favourable registration regimes with limited oversight and weaker enforcement mechanisms. When vessels owned by EU interests operate under such flags, it becomes significantly more difficult for authorities to identify who is ultimately responsible for their activities and who benefits financially.
Although the use of these flags is legal, Oceana noted that they are often associated with opaque corporate structures that can obscure ownership and potentially facilitate illegal fishing practices.
Response from Cyprus
Commenting on the reaction from Cypriot authorities, Oceana said the Department of Fisheries issued a response following a letter from the organisation, which had requested that authorities identify those benefiting from fishing activities carried out through vessels flying third‑country flags.
The issue was also raised before Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou during a meeting of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee, following an intervention by MEP Isabella Lövin.
According to Oceana, the minister assured that Cypriot authorities are taking the issue of illegal fishing seriously and are examining the cases outlined in the report.
The organisation also welcomed discussions on the possible creation of a registry of companies operating in the fishing sector under third‑country flags, describing it as a step towards greater transparency.
EU fleet larger than reported
Oceana also cited research by the University of Santiago de Compostela, published in 2025, which points to a significant gap between the officially declared and the actual size of the European fishing fleet operating outside EU waters.
The study identified hundreds of EU‑owned vessels registered in third countries, including dozens in high‑risk jurisdictions and ‘flags of convenience’ states.
According to the organisation, complex corporate structures and the globalised seafood supply chain make it difficult to detect illegal catches and trace their movement to international markets.
Call for transparency register
Vulperhorst called on Cyprus to introduce mandatory registration of all Cypriot citizens and companies owning fishing vessels under foreign flags.
As she noted, transparency is a key requirement in tackling illegal fishing, as it allows authorities to identify who controls and benefits from fishing activities, regardless of the flag a vessel carries.
Oceana believes that Cyprus, as a maritime state with an active role in European affairs, could take the lead in strengthening accountability and reducing opportunities to conceal profits derived from illegal fishing activities.
