The Ministry of Agriculture is expected to present a proposal for compensation for professional fishermen in Zygi, due to restrictions on access to fishing grounds, in the very near future. Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis stated that the proposal is in the final stages of evaluation, while European Commissioner for Fisheries and the Ocean, Kostas Kadis, referred to the revision of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive and to support measures for rising energy costs.
The Minister of Agriculture, Christos Senekis, accompanied European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Kostas Kadis today to a meeting with fishermen from Zygi in the Community Council hall.
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Mr. Senekis noted that small-scale coastal fishing is extremely important for the local economy, as well as for preserving an activity with a long history.
As he explained, fishermen face significant challenges, including rising operating costs and restricted access to fishing grounds.
“That is why we have prepared a compensation proposal for fishermen in the Zygi area. It is in the final stages of evaluation, and in the very near future we will present it and move forward so that we can truly support professional fishermen, small-scale coastal fisheries, and their sustainability,” the Minister stated.
The European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Kostas Kadis, noted that the meeting addressed the challenges faced by fishermen, particularly regarding their access to fishing grounds, which, he said, have shrunk due to developments in the region, particularly the energy hub.
Mr. Kadis noted that similar problems are being faced in many European countries and that the European Commission is proceeding with a revision of the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive, with a particular emphasis on ensuring access to fishing grounds for fishermen, especially small-scale fishermen.
At the same time, he referred to rising energy costs, noting that the European Commission has activated the crisis mechanism under the relevant European fund, enabling member states to provide support to the sector.
As he said, Cyprus was among the countries that decided to take advantage of this provision and provide support to fishermen to offset the increased energy costs. He added that the European Commission is considering extending the measure into 2027, as the previous extension covered only 2026.
The President of the Professional Fishermen’s Association in Zygi, Yiannos Stylianou, thanked the European Commissioner and the Minister of Agriculture, noting that during the meeting, issues were raised regarding the reservation of maritime space, energy costs, and fuel.
“They showed us complete understanding. We are very pleased, and I believe they will stand by us in addressing this major and serious issue we are facing, particularly in our region,” said Mr. Stylianou.
