SPOTLight on Sustainable Fisheries

Brief Summary:
The SPOTLight on Sustainable Fisheries project aims to improve the sustainability, transparency, and resilience of fisheries in Cyprus. Funded by the European Union under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, the project works with artisanal fishing communities, policymakers, researchers, and consumers to strengthen fisheries governance, support scientific research, promote sustainable seafood consumption, and address traceability challenges within seafood supply chains.

Goals:
The project seeks to support healthier marine ecosystems and more sustainable coastal economies by improving fisheries management, increasing transparency within seafood supply chains, promoting responsible seafood consumption, and strengthening marine conservation efforts across Cyprus.

How:
Through a combination of scientific research, stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, consumer awareness campaigns, and conservation actions, the project will strengthen fisheries monitoring, support effective policy implementation, improve seafood traceability, and contribute to the improvement of management and enforcement of Marine Protected Areas and No Take Zones.

Objectives:

• Improve fisheries data collection and monitoring through strengthened onboard observer programmes.
• Support evidence-based fisheries management and policy implementation.
• Increase public awareness of sustainable seafood choices.
• Identify and address seafood traceability gaps.
• Support the effective management and enforcement of No Take Zones.
• Facilitate collaboration between fishers, researchers, NGOs, and authorities.

Key Deliverables:
The project will deliver:

• An enhanced onboard observer programme,
• Consumer awareness and sustainable seafood campaigns,
• Policy recommendations,
• Knowledge-sharing activities on MPA management,
• An investigative documentary on seafood supply chain traceability, and
• Support for monitoring and enforcement efforts within No Take Zones.

Target Groups:
Artisanal and small-scale fishers, fisheries authorities, policymakers, researchers, environmental organisations, seafood businesses, consumers, and coastal communities across Cyprus.

Duration:
24 months (August 2025 – July 2027)

Location:
Cyprus, with activities implemented across the island and a particular focus on artisanal fishing communities in the northern part of Cyprus.

Coordinating Partner: SPOT Marine Life
Supporting Partner: Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre

Funding:
Funded by the European Union under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community.