Cyprus government announces support for fishing sector

On Saturday, Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, addressed the 11th Fish Festival in Polis Chrysochous. She announced that approximately €3 million in grants has been distributed to fishermen through the Sea, Fisheries and Aquaculture Program since 2023. These funds have facilitated the modernization of 71 fishing vessels, focusing on safety and working conditions. A new policy now provides 100% grant coverage for small coastal fishers, eliminating the requirement for private financial participation. Additionally, the Ministry confirmed an increase in the compensation rate for catching silver-cheeked toadfish, previously set at €3 per kilogram. These measures are part of a broader government strategy to revitalize the primary sector and support local coastal economies.