Small-scale fisheries are the heartbeat of Cyprus’ coastal communities. They support local economies, safeguard food security, and preserve a rich cultural identity that has shaped our island for generations. Yet despite their vital importance, small-scale fishers have long faced limited policy attention and a lack of institutional support.
Today, the sector stands at a critical crossroads. Small-scale fishers are grappling with a wave of urgent, compounding challenges: declining fish stocks, the rapid influx of non-indigenous (invasive) species driven by climate change, rising operational costs, and intense competition for marine space. Compounding these pressures is a lack of adequate monitoring for recreational and illegal fishing, alongside the absence of a long-term national strategy to protect the industry.
In response to this pressing crisis, the Union of Small-Scale Coastal Fishers Cyprus and Enalia Physis Environmental Research Centre have joined forces to develop a comprehensive Joint Call to Action. This initiative has already gained powerful momentum, co-signed by leading national and international organizations dedicated to marine conservation and fair fishing practices, including Oceana Europe, the Mediterranean Advisory Council, the Low Impact Fishers of Europe, AKTI Project and Research Centre, Seas At Risk, ClientEarth, and Blue Ventures.
A Roadmap for the Future
The Joint Call to Action is not just a list of grievances; it is a strategic roadmap. It outlines a clear pathway toward sustainable fisheries governance in Cyprus and the wider Mediterranean by demanding:
A National Plan of Action: Establishing a dedicated, long-term national framework specifically for small-scale fisheries.
Fair Access & Representation: Ensuring fishers have equitable access to marine resources and a meaningful, seat at the table in decision-making processes.
Climate & Ecological Resilience: Implementing stronger environmental measures to help the sector adapt to a changing marine ecosystem.
Robust Governance: Improving policy alignment to address the real, day-to-day needs of the sector while curbing illegal fishing activities.
This document marks a vital moment for the future of our oceans and the people who rely on them. It is an open invitation for constructive dialogue and genuine cooperation between fishers, scientists, civil society, and both national and European authorities.
Click on the link below to access and download the complete Joint Call to Action PDF.
