Cyprus acknowledges the importance of setting balanced and equitable fishing limits, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Maria Panayiotou, said on Monday addressing on behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, the inaugural meeting of the 24th Annual Meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), that is hosted in Limassol from November 11th to November 18th.

She said that aligned with the European Union’s priorities, Cyprus remains committed to promoting sustainable, science-based fisheries management, adding that throughout the ICCAT and EU framework, they pursued an evidence-driven approach, establishing well-founded quotas and policies guided by scientific assessments.

“A notable success is the Bluefin tuna management plan, where quotas were set based on comprehensive information on migration and reproduction data. This approach safeguards ecological sustainability while supporting the economic well-being of our communities” she noted.

The Minister said that as a coastal nation, Cyprus shares a deep commitment to marine conservation.

“The large pelagic fisheries, such as those targeting tuna and swordfish, hold great value for our economy and culture, supporting local communities and contribute significantly to our domestic and export product” she added.

However, she pointed out, these fisheries extend beyond economic considerations and are deeply embedded in our maritime traditions, representing a cultural legacy and environmental duty. “As stewards of these valuable resources, we remain committed to ensuring their sustainability.”

Referring to ICCAT’s conservation framework, she said that it has proven essential in balancing responsible and sustainable fishing and management practices with the protection of marine biodiversity.

Cyprus, she said, is dedicated to preserving a delicate balance between sustainable fishing and marine conservation, and pledges its unwavering support to ICCAT in safeguarding the longevity of these resources, preserving both our marine environment and the livelihoods dependent on it​.

Noting that the challenges the marine ecosystems face, are complex and interconnected, demanding collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, the Minister said that this year’s decisions will shape the direction of conservation efforts and the sustainable use of marine resources for years to come.

“This will help build on the substantial work and dedicated efforts made by the European Commission to date”, she went on to say.

Furthermore, she said that Cyprus acknowledges the importance of setting balanced and equitable fishing limits, backed by tuna management framework plans, reflecting regional needs and the scientific advice. This responsibility, she added, is one we all share—a commitment that transcends borders and political differences.

Moreover, she said that in alignment with EU efforts, we encourage the advance in measures to minimise bycatch and reduce mortality of vulnerable species like shark species and marine turtles. “We support proposals to implement best practices that minimize these unintended incidents, placing a strong emphasis on conservation efforts” the Cypriot Minister pointed out.

Furthermore, she said that Cyprus remains at the forefront in the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing, and urges to take strict control and compliance mechanisms across the ICCAT conservation area.

“Through rigorous monitoring, we can better safeguard our tuna resources and ensure fairness for our fishers who operate responsibly” she noted.

Panayiotou said that Cyprus, with its unique geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, understands the importance of international cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges.

The Mediterranean Sea, she concluded, which borders our shores, illustrates broader oceanic challenges, underscoring that our actions—or inaction—have profound consequences for marine ecosystems.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Agriculture, the ICCAT meeting in Cyprus is expected to be attended by about 500 participants from all the European Commission’s Contracting Members, as well as Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries, which, as noted, will contribute significantly to the international recognition of the country, the strengthening of the local market, but also to the promotion of the Cypriot tourist product.

It is added that the opening meeting, will be attended by, among others, the Director General of the Directorate-General for Maritime Policy and Fisheries (DG MARE) of the European Commission, Charlina Vitcheva, as well as the Mayor of Limassol, Yiannis Armeftis.

Hosting this international meeting, which is organised by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, “is an honour for Cyprus, as it will contribute substantially to the successful completion of the Commission’s work and to strengthening international cooperation for the sustainable management of marine resources,” the press release concludes.