The invasive pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) is becoming a dominant species in Cypriot waters, causing substantial economic and environmental problems. The species is so poisonous it cannot be eaten, so measures outside traditional commerce are needed.
The Cypriot Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) is running this project to decrease the pufferfish population and cut the rate at which they are spreading. It is implemented by professional fishers who put pressure on the breeding population through intensive fishing. The Ayia Napa Fishers’ Association is responsible for collecting the pufferfish caught by the fishers, storing them and transporting them for disposal. Every quarter, the association applies for compensation from the managing authorities on behalf of all the fishers participating in the scheme.
- Project locations
- Cyprus
- Overall budget
- €111 000
- EU contribution
- €83 25075% of the overall budget
Results
- Fishers point out that in the last two years they have noticed a decrease in the amount of pufferfish catches. At the start of the project, they caught 30-40 tons per season, and now the figure is below 30 tons.
- The support scheme improves the fishers’ finances while helping to reduce the impact of this invasive species, which in turn improves catches of edible fish.
Contact
Mr. Panayiotis Peratikos
- Name
- Mr. Panayiotis Peratikos
- Organisation
- Ayia Napa Fishers’ Association
- giorgosperatikos
hotmail [dot] com - Phone number
- +357 99677247