ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2010DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND MARINE RESEARCH

1. Introduction

The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research has developed activities in

multidisciplinary fields concerning the sustainable use of marine resources, the

development and sound management of fisheries and aquaculture, marine ecology,

the protection of endangered species and habitats and the prevention and combat of

marine pollution. Furthermore, within the framework of the fisheries development, the

Department promotes supporting programme for the fishermen including, inter alia,

the construction of fishing shelters. It is also responsible for the enforcement of the

relative legislation.

2. Division of Fisheries Policy, Fisheries Applications and Fishing Fleet 

In December 2009, a new Division was established at the Department of Fisheries

and Marine Research (DFMR) aiming at:

A. Providing recommendations for the formulation and implementation of integrated

political goals and actions towards fisheries resources and fishing fleet

management.

B. Formulation and implementation of policy towards the use of selective fishing

methods and gears.

2.1 The overall objectives and responsibilities of the Division are the following:1. Formulation and implementation of policy for all segments of fishing fleet which

includes: small scale coastal fisheries, polyvalent fisheries, bottom trawlers operating

in territorial and international waters and recreational fisheries.

2. Formulation and implementation of research projects towards the use of selective

fishing gears and methods.

3. Promotion of fishing tourism

4. Follow-up and reform of the current fisheries legislation.

5. Coordination of the Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 concerning

management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources in the

Mediterranean Sea

6. Follow-up of the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of the European

Union (EU). The reform of the CFP takes place every 10 years. The respective

process started in 2009; it will be intensified in 2011 and during the EU presidency by

Cyprus it is expected that the new regulation of the CFP will be approved.

2.2 MANAGEMENT PLAN: Fishing Effort Adjustment Plan (FEAP) of the Cyprus Fleet targeting demersal and mesopelagic stocks in the coastal zone of the Republic of CyprusThe current poor status of the most important fish stocks and the need to take

immediate management measures has led the DFMR to prepare a Fisheries

Management Plan (en PDF File) in 2010. The Fisheries Management Plan includes

measures programmed by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research

(DFMR) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment of the

Republic of Cyprus, which are aimed at reducing the fishing effort for all categories of professional vessels that are active in the territorial waters, under the

exclusive control of the Republic of Cyprus.

The FMP has duration of three years and is the first intergraded FMP which has been

prepared and came into force since Cyprus accession to the EU.

The main measures, which have been programmed, include the permanent

withdrawal of vessels, the use of more selective fishing methods, the reduction in the

number of fishing licenses, the reduction in the permitted fishing tools, the creation of

fishing protected areas and stricter control measures.

The measures in question are collective measures, and, when combined between

them, they will result in the recovery of the demersal and the mesopelagic species

and improve, long-term, Cypriot fishermen’s low income.

3. Fisheries and aquaculture production

The total contribution of the sector, which includes capture fisheries,

aquaculture and processing is valued at € 54,1 million. The capture fisheries and

aquaculture production reached 5190 tons.

4. Legislation

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The intensive effort to implement the National and Community Legislation continued in 2010 in order to ensure compliance with the Common Fisferies Policy of the EU and to accomplish the best possible management of the resources.

Regulation (EC) 1967/2006 concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in the Mediterranean Sea, comes out in full force four years after its adoption. This regulation includes technical measures and other provisions that will have has important consequences in the Cyprus fisheries.            In 2010, discussions continued for the reform the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of the European Union. The development of new fisheries policy is expected to include several new provisions that will have significant changes in fisheries management.

In order to improve the legislative framework for fisheries, during 2010, new Aquaculture legislative acts were voted by the house of Representatives.

Moreover, in 2010, the Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment declared new fishing shelters the fishing shelter at Zygi and the Old Fishing Port of Limassol. 5. European Fisheries Fund (EFF) - Operational Programme for Fisheries 2007-2013

In 2010, the Operational Programme for Fisheries 2007-2013 started its implementation. The fisheries programme has a budget of 39,5 million Euros (50% co-financing by the Cyprus Government and 50% by the EU - European Fisheries Fund) and is implemented by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment and the Planning Bureau.

4.1 Priority axis 1: Measures for the adaptation of the Community fishing fleet

i) Scheme for scrapping bottom trawlers (€1.000.000 – Measure 1.1): The 1st call for proposals began in March 2009 and ended in June 2009. No proposals were submitted and therefore the budget was transferred to the Scheme for scrapping multipurpose/ polyvalent fishing vessels.

ii) Scheme for scrapping multipurpose/ polyvalent fishing vessels – Regulation (EC) 744/2008 (€2.000.000 – Measure 1.1): The 1st call for proposals began in May 2009 and ended in June 2009. Of the 20 proposals submitted, 12 were approved for funding. The total budget for the approved proposals was €1.738.000. By the end of 2010, 12 fishing vessels were scrapped and the total amount of payments made to the beneficiaries was €1.582.389.

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iii) Scheme for Investments on board fishing vessels and selectivity (€2.800.000 – Measure 1.3): The 1st call for proposals began in September 2008 and ended in March 2009. During the 1st call, 137 projects were approved for funding (16 for engine replacement, 4 for fishing equipment selectivity and 117 for modernization of fishing vessels). The budget for the approved projects reached €646.019. By the end of 2010, 131 projects were co financed and the total amount of payments made to the beneficiaries was €594.442. The 2nd call for proposals began in September 2009 and ended in February 2010. During the 2nd call, 324 projects were approved for funding (13 for engine replacement, 310 for fishing equipment selectivity and 44 for modernization of fishing vessels). The budget for the approved projects reached €1.870.296. By the end of 2010, 287 projects were co financed and the total amount of payments made to the beneficiaries was €1.589.136.The 1st call for proposals in the framework of Regulation (EU) 744/2008 also began in September 2008 and ended in March 2009. During this call, 59 projects were approved for funding and their budget reached €183.604. By the end of 2010, 54 projects were co financed and the total amount of payments made to the beneficiaries was €169.305. The 3rd call for proposals began in July 2010 and ended in September 2010. During the 3rd call, 126 projects were approved for funding (all for fishing equipment selectivity). The budget for the approved projects reached €420.026. By the end of 2010, 70 projects were co financed and the total amount of payments made to the beneficiaries was €244.307.

iv) Scheme for funding young fishermen (under 40 years old) to buy fishing vessels (€50.000 – Measure 1.5): The 1st call for proposals began in May 2009 and ended in September 2009. During the 1st call, 4 projects were approved for funding and their budget reached €15.776. By the end of 2010, 4 projects were co financed and the total amount of payments made to the beneficiaries was €15.776.

v) Scheme for funding fishermen early retirement (55-65 years old) (€1.100.000 – Measure 1.5): The 1st call for proposals began in May 2009 and ended in September 2009. During the 1st call 22 proposals were submitted and after the evaluation 17 were approved for funding. The budget for the approved proposals was €1.067.000. By the end of 2010, the total amount of payments made to the beneficiaries was €173.400 (€850 per month).

4.2 Priority axis 2: Aquaculture, Inland Fishing, Processing and Marketing of fishery and aquaculture products

i) Scheme for funding productive investments in Aquaculture (€3.000.000 – Measure 2.1): The 1st call for proposals began in February 2009 and ended in July 2009. During the 1st call 12 proposals were approved for funding. The budget for the approved proposals was €1.449.358. By the end of 2010, 8 projects were co financed and the total amount of payments made to the beneficiaries was €927.564.

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ii) Scheme for funding investments in Processing and Marketing of Fisheries and Aquaculture Products (€3.000.000 – Measure 2.3): The 1st call for proposals began in June 2009 and ended in October 2009. During the 1st call 16 proposals were approved for funding. The budget for the approved proposals was €2.486.074. By the end of 2010, 12 projects were co financed and the total amount of payments made to the beneficiaries was €1.749.765.

4.3 Priority axis 3: Measures of common interest

i) Measure 3.2 (€1.500.000): Within the framework of the Cyprus Operational Programme for Fisheries 2007-2013 funds have been allocated for the protection and development of the aquatic ecosystem such as the construction of several artificial reefs that will enhance biodiversity and improve the aquatic environment. The construction of the artificial reef in Amathounta area near Limassol was completed (budget: €184.184). By the end of 2010, the total amount of payments was €171.305. Also, the project for «Site selection Study for the construction of 3 Artificial Reefs in the marine areas of Pafos, Polis Chrysochous and Famagusta» was approved for funding (budget: €150.000).

ii) Measure 3.3 (€22.848.836): The project for the construction of the Zygi fishing shelter is still in progress (budget: €15.307.361). By the end of 2010, the total amount of payments was €12.603.879. Also, the project for the improvement works at Pyrgos fishing shelter was completed (budget: €693.000) and by the end of 2010 the total amount of payments was €515.834. The project for the improvement works at Pomos fishing shelter is still in process (budget: €230.000) and by the end of 2010 the total amount of payments was €229.071.

4.4 Priority axis 4: Sustainable development of fisheries areas

Axis 4 (Measure 4.1 – €2.000.000) provides assistance for the sustainable development and improvement of the quality of life in fisheries areas as part of an overall strategy which seeks to support the implementation of the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy. The 1st call for proposals began in June 2010 and ended in September 2010. One proposal was only submitted on behalf of the Fisheries Local Action Group “Larnaca District Development Agency”. The proposal was approved on 10 December 2010. The region of intervention includes 3 Municipalities (Larnaca, Paralimni, Agia Napa) and 5 communities (Mari, Zygi, Ormideia, Xylotympou, Liopetri). The local program includes, among others, actions in fishing tourism, processing and marketing of fisheries products, advertising campaigns for the promotion of local fisheries products, educational programs, fisheries heritage museums and organization of cultural events.

Priority axis 5: Technical assistanceAxis 5 (Measure 5.1 – €700.000) co-finances a) actions that are necessary for the implementation and monitoring of the Operational Programme, b) information and

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publicity actions for the beneficiaries and the general public, c) attendance to meetings and seminars.

6. Fishing Shelters

The construction works for the new fishing shelter at Zygi started in December

2007 and are expected to be completed in 2010. The fishing shelter will have the

capacity of 220 vessels, and will also assist in the socioeconomic development of the

area. In July 2010, it has been officially declared as fishing shelter by the Minister of

Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment.

Improvement works are being carried out at the fishing shelters of Kato

Pyrgos, Pomos, Dhekelia and Larnaca.

A Waste Management Plan has been put into effect in all fishing shelters with

great success.

A main priority for the DFMR is the construction of a fish landing facility, in

order for Cyprus to comply with the EU regulations regarding food safety. The fish

landing facility will include auctioning areas, offices, areas for fresh fish packing,

refrigeration areas, storage areas and other necessary supplementary structures on-

land as well as port facilities which will cater both local fishing vessels as well as

other community fishing vessels.

5. Aquaculture

7.1 In 2010, there were in operation three marine fish hatcheries and one inland

shrimp hatchery/farm, seven private offshore cage farms culturing mainly sea bass

and sea bream and two offshore cage farms culturing / fattening blue fin tuna.

Additionally, there were in operation eight small trout farms, culturing mainly rainbow

trout and two farms culturing ornamental fish.

7.2 The total licensed production capacity of Cyprus aquaculture for 2010 was 7,120

tons of table size fish, 22,520,000 fingerlings / fry and 1,020,000 fish for the

ornamental fish trade.

7.3 The estimated production and value of Cyprus aquaculture for 2010 is shown in

the table below.

  GROW - OUT UNITS ( TABLE SIZE PRODUCTS )

SPECIES LOCAL MARKET EXPORTS TOTAL

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QUANTITY (tons)

VALUE ( € )

QUANTITY (tons)

VALUE ( € )

QUANTITY (tons)

VALUE ( € )

Seabream 1,068 5,264,000 1,705 8,012,000 2,773 13,277,000

Seabass 650 3,291,000 555 2,824,000 1,205 6,115,000

Japanese Seabream 14 83,000 0 0 22 85,000

Rabbit Fish 5 41,000 0 0 5 41,000

Meagre 2.8 27,000 0 0 2.8 27,000

Rainbow Trout 65 530,000 0 0 65 530,000

Sturgeon 4.5 54,000 0 0 4.5 54,000

Tilapia 0.1 1,500 0 0 0.1 1,500

TOTAL 1809.4 9,291,500 2,260 10,836,000 4,077.4 20,130,500

 

HATCHERIES ( FRY – FINGERLINGS )

LOCAL MARKET EXPORTS TOTAL

QUANTITY (number)

VALUE ( € )

QUANTITY (number)

VALUE ( € )

QUANTITY (number)

VALUE ( € )

Seabream 9,101,000 1,483,000 0 0 9,101,000 1,483,000

Seabass 2,695,000 420,000 0 0 2,695,000 420,000

Japanese Seabream 7,500 1,200 0 0 7,500 1,200

Trout 370,000 11,000 0 0 370,000 11,000

Ornamental 30,000 32,000 29,000 46,000 59,000 78,000

TOTAL 12,203,500 1,947,200 29,000 46,000 12,232,500 1,993,200

             

TOTAL VALUE OF CYPRUS AQUACULTURE ( € ) 22,123,700

In 2010 the total value of aquaculture products (table size and fry) reached € 22.1

million out of which € 10.9 million were generated from exports.

The majority of the production of fry was marketed locally to Cypriot grow – out units

except from a small quantity of ornamental fish, as it is shown on the table above.

Trout production in 2010 remained on the same level as 2009 due to the serious and

long draught period. The Seabass / Seabream production though, was significantly

higher than the previous year. The worldwide price crisis that began during the

second half of 2008 and affected also the production and value of aquaculture in

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2009, showed some signs of recovery during 2010. As in 2009, in 2010 there was no

production of Blue Fin Tuna.

7.4 During 2010 the DFMR carried out over 50 on-site inspections of the

aquaculture units. The purpose of the inspections was to ensure compatibility with

the terms and conditions of their operation permits and to record any problems and /

or remarks associated with each unit.

7.5 The DFMR is operating two research stations, the Meneou Marine

Aquaculture Research Station (MeMARS) and the Fresh Water Aquaculture

Research Station at Kalopanayiotis. Both stations have been modernized during

2010 with the most important project being the construction of new facilities for the

MeMARS.

7.6 The Meneou Marine Aquaculture Research Station (MeMARS) is the centre for

research aiming at the development of marine aquaculture in Cyprus. The research

programmes that have been undertaken at MeMARS focused mainly on new

candidate species for fish farming, such as rabbit fish (Siganus rivulatus), common

pandora (Pagellus erythrinus), common dentex (Dentex dentex), greater amberjack

(Seriola dumerili) and meagre (Argyrosomus regius). The main objective of research

work is the diversification of aquaculture production with new species, a task that will

contribute to the sustainability of the sector. The main projects that have been

running during 2010 were i) Reproduction and larval rearing protocols for the mass

production of fry of the rabbitfish (Siganus rivulatus) and fattening in sea cages of

market size fish, ii) The effect of illumination in the ability of capturing live feed in

rabbitfish larvae , iii) Study of the effect of temperature and oxygen concentration on

the metabolism of rabbitfish, iv) Evaluation of vitamin C and astaxanthin

supplementation in broodstock diet on reproductive performance and egg and larval

quality in common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus), v) Evaluation of different feeds for

the fattening of greater amberjack and observation of its feeding behaviour, vi)

Management of amberjack broodstock, performing a trial on reproduction using

LHRHa hormone implants, vii) Fattening of meagre in tanks and observation of its

feeding behaviour, and viii) Evaluation of the culture of rotifers with different feeds

and determination of their nutritional value. Some of the above research projects

were implemented with the participation of students, who performed their practical

work or thesis project for their degree at MeMARS. Moreover, MeMARS is

participating in a) the European Thematic Educational Network AQUA-TNET, which

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is funded from the European Commission Socrates Erasmus Programme, b) the

European Network Programme COST Action 867 “Welfare of fish in European

aquaculture”, c) the European Network Programme COST Action FA0801 “Critical

success factors for fish larval production in European Aquaculture: a multidisciplinary

network (LARVANET)” and d) the project “The future of research on aquaculture in

the Mediterranean region” which was approved under the 7 th Framework Programme

of the EU. Other activities of MeMARS in 2010 included the support of private fish

farms and the information of students of primary and secondary education on

aquaculture in Cyprus. Finally, the plans for the improvement and modernization of

MeMARS are in progress as the works for the construction of the new facilities have

started and it is estimated that will be finalized at the end of 2011.

7.7 The Κalopanagiotis Freshwater Research Station modernization project

continued during the year 2010 with the improvement and maintenance of most

buildings and the water treatment systems and water supply network. The station

continued with the production of trout eggs, fry and fingerlings in order to supply with

seed and support the small private companies as well as for stocking the dams for

recreational angling purposes. The reproduction trials of sturgeon continued with

success, with the mass production of sturgeon larvae. In 2010, for the first time we

were able to achieve the mass egg and larvae production of the European perch

(Perca fluviatilis), however larval rearing was not successful. The efforts for its larval

rearing are expected intensify during 2011.

7.8 In 2010 the DFMR issued 2630 individual and 16 group recreational angling

permits for recreational fishing in dams and reservoirs. Within the framework for the

promotion and development of recreational angling, 30.000 trout and a small number

of other fish were released in several dams and reservoirs.

6. Processing and Marketing of fishery products

Processing of fishery products is a relatively new sector in Cyprus which is increasing

rapidly. Even though the first activities of processing started with the preparation of

smoked trout during the 1960´s, there has been an increase of interest for investment

in the recent years. The development of technology and the increase of investments

on the sector of processing are due to the demand of a variety of fishery products as

well as the development of fishing activity and aquaculture.

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Currently, in Cyprus there are 20 processing companies which employ more than 120

persons, most of them full time. It is estimated that the production value of processed

fishery products has significantly increased reaching an amount of more than € 27,9

million. The imports of processed fishery products have reached a production of

approximately 6154,4 tones with a value of € 24,4 million for 2010. The

implementation of sales notes has been continued for the small scale fishery sector

in the frameworks of establishing a control system applicable to the common fisheries

policy.

7. Evaluation and Research of Fisheries Resources

9.1 National Programme for the Collection of Fisheries DataIn 2010, the Cyprus National Programme for the Collection of Fisheries Data was

conducted for the 6th consecutive year, in accordance with the Community Data

Collection Framework (Regulations (EC) 199/2008, 665/2008 and Decision

2008/949/ΕC). The Programme is co-funded by the Cyprus Government and the

European Commission, and covers the following modules:

a) Module of Evaluation of Inputs: Fishing Capacities and Fishing Effort

b) Module of Evaluation of the Catches and Landings

c) Module of Evaluation of the Economic Situation of the Sector.

For the evaluation of the catches and landings of the fisheries resources, regular

sampling was carried out in order to: i. record variables from the various fishing

activities (fishing effort, production by species, length composition for a total of 13

species), ii. evaluate the discard rates from bottom trawls and iii. collect stock-related

biological variables from a total of 8 species.

The scientific survey “International Bottom Trawl Survey in the Mediterranean”

(MedITS), which is part of the Cyprus National Programme, was conducted

successfully in June. The aim of the survey is the evaluation of the abundance and

distribution and also the collection of length composition and other biological

parameters of the demersal species encountered in Cyprus waters.

9.2 Stock Assessment of Fisheries Resources

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During 2010, stock assessments were conducted for the 5 most important demersal

stocks (Spicara smaris, Boops boops, Mullus surmuletus, Mullus barbatus, Pagellus

erythrinus) of Cyprus (Geographical Sub Area - GSA 25), using data collected under

the National Programme, covering the period 2005-2010. The assessments were

conducted during the GFCM SAC-SCSA practical session on stock assessment of

demersal species in October 2010. Based on the results, all five stocks are

overexploited, with high fishing mortality and low abundance. However, since this is

the first time that such assessments are conducted for 4 of the 5 stocks, the group

underlines the need to re-perform the assessments in order to ensure their

robustness. Nevertheless these preliminary results are an indication of the poor state

of these stocks.

9.3 Study for the determination of the impacts of the presence of the silverstripe blaasop (Lagocephalus sceleratus) in the coastal waters of Cyprus

The silverstripe blaasop (Lagocephalus sceleratus), is a widespread species in the

Indo-Pacific, that has migrated from the Red Sea into the Mediterranean through the

Suez Canal, it is in other words a “lessepsian migrant”. It is a relatively big fish as it

can reach up to 1 meter in length and 7 kilos in weight. The species was first reported

in Cyprus around the year 2000, while its presence became more intense in 2004.

The silverstripe blaasop has many common names in Cyprus, like “lagokefalos”,

“kounelli”, “kounellopsaro”, “vouopsaro” etc.

The silverstripe blaasop is more known for its ability to cause serious damage to the

catch and fishing gear of fishermen, using its powerful jaws, as well as for the

presence of tetrodotoxin in its tissues, a neurotoxin that can be a source of poisoning

with high fatality risk.

The DFMR, taking all the above into consideration, has launched a scientific research

programme for the study of the species and the determination of the impacts of its

presence in the coastal waters of Cyprus.

The general goal of the study is to generate the right scientific knowledge for future

management measures, through the determination of the biological and ecological

characteristics of the species, its spatial distribution and the impacts of its presence

to the marine environment and the coastal fisheries of Cyprus.

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The collection and examination of samples of the species started in October 2009

and ended in October 2010. The data collection lasted for a total of 8 months, since

no data were collected in January to April 2010. Nevertheless, the months for which

data were collected, are the most important months as far as the life cycle of the

species is concerned, so the data are considered to be adequate for safe

conclusions.

The most important results from the data analysis concerning Lagocephalus

sceleratus are the following:

High growth rate, especially during warm months.

Can reach more than 80 cm in total length and 5 kg in weight.

Most important distribution area is the coastal zone (10 to 40 m deep) from

Paralimni to Lemesos.

Spawning takes place mainly in June.

Main spawning grounds are between Kape Greco and Cape Pyla.

Main distribution and spawning areas are those areas with higher water

temperatures.

First reproduction takes place early (2 years of age) compared to other large

fish species.

Right after spawning, fish seem to leave the areas under study and move to

other areas, or they may even become pelagic.

It feeds mainly on fish (even of its own species), cephalopods (octopus,

cuttlefish, squid) and crustaceans (mainly crabs). A significant percentage of

the fish found in their stomachs were already entangled in nets, which

indicates that Lagocephalus sceleratus more or less depends on the nets to

feed and also shows the adaptability of the species.

It does not seem to have preferable bottom types (rock, sand, mud etc.), wind

conditions or sea current conditions. The phase of the moon seems to have

some effect in its behavior, although this was not very clear in the results.

Its success in Cyprus and the whole Eastern Mediterranean is most probably

due to several reasons, especially the following:

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- fast growth and early first reproduction.

- high adaptability, especially in feeding habits.

- not a target species for fisheries.

- possible absence of antagonists and predators.

- possibility of high intelligence.

The final results are available on the DFRM website (in greek).

PollutionDuring 2010 there were no serious pollution incidents. The group response received

40 reports of pollution incidents and take action where this was judged necessary

10. Fishing Monitoring Center (FMC)

The goal of the Community Fishing Control System is to monitor and control the

fishing activities and even to track the fishing products along the production chain

«from the net to the plate».

In order to successfully and efficiently achieve this goal, apart from the traditional

ways of fishing control (i.e. inspections at sea / land, etc) new electronic means for

monitoring and control the fishing resources, the fishing capacity and the fishing

effort, should be employed.

Based on the Commission Regulation (EC) 1224/2009, all Member States are

obliged to establish Satellite Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) for the monitoring

and control of fishing activities. It is proven that the VMS is reliable and efficient for

the purpose of monitoring the fishing activities. The main function of the VMS is to

provide regularly the geographical position of vessels and to record their tracks

together with other relevant information like speed and course.

The purpose of the VMS, is to discover (a) if the vessel operates within an area

where fishing activities are prohibited, (b) if the vessel operates within another

Member State’s exclusive economic zone, or in the waters of a third country, or in the

waters where the fishing resources are managed by an international organization and

(c) if the vessel has the proper authorizations and quota for carrying out fishing

activities within a specific area.

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It is pointed out that the VMS is not replacing the existing ways of fishing control, but

improves their effectiveness. The VMS provides to the Member States information

regarding the location of suspicious vessels that may be engaged in illegal fishing,

helping in this way the onboard Inspectors at sea to do their job more effective.

Moreover, even if we fail to detect possible infringements on time, it is possible to be

detected at a later time, by crosschecking the VMS data with other information. Even

more, the VMS helps the Member States to improve the monitoring of the fishing

effort, by crosschecking the VMS data with the information recorded in the vessels’

logbook.

Within the 2010, the monitoring of the fishing activities of the professional fishing

vessels, via the VMS, was successfully continued. In parallel, the information of the

VMS were crosschecked with the information of the logbooks, which are still in paper

format. Last, the procedure regarding the VMS data exchange (via HTTPS) with the

rest of the Member States and the EC, was successfully continued.

It is important to mention that access to the VMS have also the DFMR District

Offices, the Coordination Center for Research and Rescue, the Command Navy, the

Marine Police and the Department of Merchant Shipping. It is also important to say

that the DFMR has access on the VTMIS of the Department of Merchant Shipping,

for monitoring the activities of the fishing vessels with AIS on board.

During 2010, Cyprus sent two reports (on May and November) to the European

Commission regarding the operation of the VMS.

 

Regarding the purchase of the electronic system of registration, reporting,

processing, storing and transmitting data on fishing (catches, landings, sales and

transshipments), in accordance with EU regulations, the DFMR published a new

Tender in 2010 which is expected to be signed and come into force in 2011.

11. Marine Biology and Ecology

The main activities in this field refer to the research programmes on marine

biodiversity, ecological relationships among marine macrobenthos and the ambient

environment, including studies on the effects of environmental disturbances on

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marine macrobenthos, simultaneously with studies on nutrient and chlorophyll

dynamics of coastal waters.

The turtle conservation project at Lara continued in 2010. The aim of the project is: a)

the protection of turtles b) the protection of their eggs and hatchlings from predators

and human activities, c) the protection and conservation of the remaining

reproductive biotopes d) monitoring of the population dynamics of the turtles and their

reproductive activity in Cyprus and e) public awareness for the protection and

conservation of turtles, their biotopes and in general the marine environment.

A comprehensive monitoring programme of the coastal waters continued within the

framework of Article 8 of the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC. This

programme is focused on the monitoring of 4 Biological Quality Elements - BQEs

(Phytoplankton, Macroalgae, Angiosperms and Benthic Macroinvertebrates), together

with the relevant physicochemical parameters in order to assess the ecological status

of the coastal waters. During 2010 the monitoring of the angiosperm Posidonia

oceanic, phytoplankton (chlorophyll-α), macroalgae and benthic macroinvertebrates

continued. Moreover, monitoring of P. oceanica in coastal areas near fish farms

continued, in order to detect the effects of fish farming on the species.

In 2010, the DFMR continued with the activities for the implementation of the Marine

Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) of the EU, which was published on the

25th June 2008, and aims at achieving and maintaining good environmental status in

the marine environment by the year 2020. All the necessary procedures for the

transposition of the Directive in the national legislation were finalized during 2010.The

DFMR continued to participate in the implementation activities at EU level, including

the Marine Directors´ meetings, the Marine Strategy Coordination Group and the

Working Groups for Good Environmental Status, and for Data, Information, and

Knowledge Exchange. The first formal report of the MSFD regarding the competent

authorities was published in July 2010.

A monitoring programme on the quality of the coastal waters, including the

assessment of pollutants (heavy metals etc.) in fish, which is implemented within the

framework of MEDPOL/UNEP, continued effectively. The same also applies for the

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project on the Assessment of Radionuclides in the Marine Environment, which is

implemented under the project “RER/7/003 Environmental Assessment of the

Mediterranean Region” of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The procedures for the launch of the programme "Marine Environment Monitoring

System (MEMoS)", which will be funded by the Cooperation Programme between

Switzerland and Cyprus to Reduce Economic and Social Disparities within the

Enlarged European Union, have been completed. The final proposal for the

programme was submitted to and approved by the Swiss Government, and the

relevant agreements were signed between the Planning Bureau and the DFRM for

the implementation of the three-year programme, which has been launched on

January 2010.

The implementation of the project titled ´´Development of a prototype computer-aided

system for semi-automatically identifying key species of the marine benthic

macrofauna of Cyprus´ continued throughout 2010. This research project is funded

by the Research Promotion Foundation (RPF´S FP 2008) and is implemented with

the collaboration of the University of Cyprus, the Democritus University of Thrace and

the DFMR.

In addition, during 2010, the ecological monitoring studies on Larnaca and Akrotiri

Salt Lakes complexes continued regularly as in previous years.

13. IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY LAW

13.1.1 Patrols

Within the duties of the Department for the implementation of the National (Fisheries,

Aquaculture and Fishing Shelters Legislation) and Community Legislation relating to

fisheries, DFMR Inspectors performed regular patrols and inspections and reported

cases of Infringements.

During 2010, DFMR Inspectors made 1107 patrols by car along the coast, in

harbours and fishing shelters, 91 patrols at sea, 199 patrols in areas of inland waters

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and 44 patrols at fish markets. The total number of patrols conducted during 2010

was 1441, 1136 were performed during regular working hours while 305 after regular

working hours.  

Within the framework of the Joint Deployment Plan for the conservation of Bluefin

tuna fisheries DFMR Cypriot Inspectors participated in three joint operations abroad

with community patrol vessels. In addition, during the JDP program, Cyprus

performed 30 inspections in polyvalent vessels that fished with drifting longlines.  

Furthermore, during the closed season of swordfish (October – November) 7

inspections were carried out in polyvalent vessels.

13.1.2 Inspections

During 2010 DFMR carried out 615 inspections on professional vessels without

including the inspections on recreational anglers. 388 inspections were focused on

the small scale inshore fishery, 51 inspections were focused on the trawlers that are

fishing within the territorial waters of Cyprus, 48 inspections were conducted on

polyvalent vessels and 128 inspections were conducted in fish-markets.

13.1.3 Infringements

Within the year 2010 DFMR reported 401 Infringements. 187 infringements occurred

in inland waters, 3 were related with pollution, 23 infringements were market related,

11 were related with submission of logbooks and the prior notice of landings and

transshipments. Furthermore,  8 infringements were related to interference in the

vessel monitoring system, 1 case of violation of protected area conditions, 4

infringements for not complying/cooperate with the competent authorities and finally

10 infringements regarding illegal mooring in fishing shelters.

In order to control the operation of recreational fishing in the sea and apply the

relevant Legislation, DFMR reported 79 infringements. 31 cases are related with

infringements of recreational angling from boat and 48 cases are related with spear-

gun infringements. Regarding spear-gun infringements, 21 cases were reported due

to the absence of the relevant fishing license, 4 were reported because the method

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was combined with light apparatus and the remaining 23 were reported for spear gun

fishing in conjunction with underwater breathing apparatus (aqualung).

       

13.1.4 Control of imports of fishery products from third countries

From January 1st 2010 within the framework of the implementation of the Council

Regulation (EC) 1005/2008 "establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and

eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing", a control mechanism for

imports of fishery products from third countries was established. This Regulation

aims to prevent and combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and its

provisions lay down a system of control so that trade with the Community of fishery

products stemming from IUU fishing is prohibited.

During 2010 a total number of 975 consignments of fishery products from third

countries have been imported in Cyprus. Of these, 307 consignments of processed

/frozen fishery products, originating from 23 different countries were imported through

the port of Limassol and 668 consignments of fresh fishery products originating from

9 countries were imported through the airport of Larnaca.

In order to implement this Regulation, the Department of Fisheries and Marine

Research performed almost on a daily basis, both administrative, and physical

checks/controls on imports of consignments of fisheries products, without detecting

any cases that can be characterized or linked to IUU.

(report2010)

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