Building resilience in Cyprus’ small-scale fisheries

The Cypriot fisheries sector remains vital for coastal communities through direct and indirect livelihoods, while contributing a limited share to national economic output of 0.5% to the Gross National Product.

However, increasing pressure on biological resources, including from recreational fishing, and on the viability of small-scale fishing operations due to fuel costs, leads to an intensified competition for resources and endangered future for small-scale fisheries.

Project partners identified practical opportunity areas that informed BlueMove’s project pipeline, including the potential to modernise vessels for improved energy efficiency, develop fishing tourism as a diversification pathway, increase the valorisation of non-indigenous species through market development, and promote more selective fishing techniques and gear to reduce bycatch and improve sustainability outcomes.

applications

received

small-scale fishers' projects

supported by BlueMove

projects

left unsupported due to financial barriers

A project in partnership with

As the fishing traps fishers applied for were found to be ineligible for EMFAF funding, BlueMove was only able to support eight applicants.

Sustainable projects we supported

Depredation

Fishers adopted Dolphin Deterrent Devices that emit sounds that discourage dolphins from approaching fishing gear. Charging units and voltage testers ensure reliable operation at sea, and different kits suit different fishing needs. DDD reduce dolphin interactions, protect catches and support marine conservation.