Supporting fishermen and fighting pufferfish: Cypriot authorities prepare new measures

Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou presented a package of initiatives to support fishermen, including measures against dangerous pufferfish and compensation for industry losses.

Speaking at the Fish Festival in Polis Chrysochous, the minister reported that a plan to combat pufferfish (puffer) is already being implemented and has received a positive assessment even at the European level. According to her, Cyprus is already sharing its experience with other countries.

Key initiatives include a compensation program for damage caused by dolphins to fishing nets, as well as the modernization of fishing vessels to increase operational efficiency and safety.

Special attention is being paid to rising energy costs. In collaboration with European Commissioner Costas Kadis, a new financial support plan for fishermen is being developed. It is expected to cover the period from February to the end of the current year and be applied retroactively.

The minister emphasized that the fishing profession remains one of the most difficult and vulnerable. “Fishermen need real support and additional sources of income, and the state is obliged to help them,” Panayiotou stated.

The proposed measures are aimed at strengthening the resilience of the industry and supporting coastal communities under economic and environmental pressure.