Member State report / Art18 / 2018 / D3 / Cyprus / Mediterranean: Aegean-Levantine Sea

Report type Member State report to Commission
MSFD Article Art. 18 Interim report on programme of measures
Report due 2018-10-15
GES Descriptor D3 Commercial fish and shellfish
Member State Cyprus
Region/subregion Mediterranean: Aegean-Levantine Sea
Reported by Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Ministry of Agriculture Rural Development and Environment
Report date 2021-02-09
Report access msfd-ART18.xml
Marine reporting units
Features
Measure code
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
62
63
64
Measure name
Restriction of the use of ‘monofilament nylon’ nets
Restrictions on the use of trawling (or towed) nets in selected areas
Restrictions on fishing in the spawning season of sea turtles (MPAs Lara-Toxeutra)
Restrictions on bottom trawling in FRA of Eratosthenes seamount 1343/2011.
Prohibition of fishing in areas of artificial reefs
Prohibitive measures for bottom trawling in the area Eratosthenes
Restrictions on large pelagics fishing
Study on the establishment of new Fisheries’ Protected Areas
Restrictions on fishing nets for demersal species
Regulations on recreational pole fishing
Evaluation of impacts of artisanal fishing
Mapping of fishing pressure from bottom trawling fishing gears
Application of SEA and EIA procedure (Directives)
Database of Marine data
Administrative support and monitoring tools
Measure category (type)
1a
2b
1a
2a
1a
2a
Progress in implementation
Measure implemented
Measure implemented
Implementation started
Measure withdrawn
No
No
No
Reason for withdrawal
Year of implementation (Temporal coverage - timeline for implementation)
2012
2012
2023
2017
Delay
0
0
0
Reasons for delay
Other obstacles (Obstacles to implementation)
No
No
Yes
No
Type of obstacle
Technical implementation
Further information on obstacle (Description)
Data are not always stored electronically and are not centralised. Information regarding the MSFD are collected and archived, not always in a formats that can be readily accessed. There is a need to build a centralised database that can collect store and disseminate data for the MSFD. The goverment bodies that collect data related to MSFD are: Department of Fisheries and Marine Research Department of Enviroment, Department of Works -Marine Division Department of Lands and Surveys Fauna and Wildlife Service (Birds) Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism
Brief description of progress (measurement of effectiveness of measure)
Restrictions on the use of of ‘monofilament nylon’ nets are implemented regarding the mesh size.
Permanent 1st June until 7th November yearly. Temporary closures in two selected areas.
Ongoing
Ongoing
Imlementation of ICCAT Reccomendations.
New coastal FRA Kakoskali established in 2019.
Spatial and temporal restictions on setting of fishing nets from 1st May to October.
Restrictions on size of catch and quantity.
Data Collection Framework.
Monitoring of fishing activities from bottom trawling fishing gears with the use of VMS and ERS data as well as onboard and landing sites monitoring.
The database currently used by the DFMR is called "THETIS". Thetis is not connected to the other government agencies collecting data related to MSFD. The process for upgrading the database to make it more functional has began. The DFMR has contacted various MS requesting information on their databases. Measures to be taken are the evaluation of Databases currently used by MS, applicability for the Cyprus MSFD program, tender and acquisition of a modern internet based database. Input of all data related to MSFD. This process is estimated to be completed by 2023.
Monitoring tools and administrative support for D11 is in the process of being planned and evaluated. Quietmed II and Quietseas that Cyprus has and will participate in will assist in the administrative implemetnation. Monitoring tools for D11 are currently lucking but a process has been initiated and funds have been requested. The DFMR is in discussion with the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) an independent, international, scientific and business Centre of Excellence for marine and maritime research, technological development and innovation.