Need for Strategy in Small-Scale Fisheries - Interview with Javier López

Javier López, Director of Oceana's Sustainable Fisheries Campaign in Europe, visited Cyprus and spoke with fishermen, finding a significant gap between policies and the reality experienced by fishermen. His research revealed a decrease in catches, an increase in costs, competition from amateur fishing, and a feeling that the rules are not being effectively enforced. The problem is not just Cypriot, but broader in the Mediterranean, where fish stocks are under pressure and burdened by climate change and invasive species. The Common Fisheries Policy has the right goals (sustainability, fairness, stock restoration), but its implementation is problematic. Fishermen feel that the rules do not lead to real change or improvement in stocks. The challenge, therefore, is not to revise the policy, but to implement it effectively. In Cyprus, the main gaps in fisheries management lie in the enforcement of rules, limited stock restoration, inadequate protection of sensitive areas, and lack of support for fishermen. In addition, concerns are raised about invasive species, climate change, bureaucracy, and the aging of the sector. Controls are needed for all, protection of spawning areas, compensation during closures, tackling invasive species, and fair allocation of fishing opportunities. Despite the difficulties, fishermen seem to support conservation measures, indicating recognition of the need for sustainable fisheries management and protection of the marine environment.