Member State report / Art8 / 2012 / D3 / Cyprus / Mediterranean: Aegean-Levantine Sea

Report type Member State report to Commission
MSFD Article Art. 8 Initial assessment (and Art. 17 updates)
Report due 2012-10-15
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 Natural Resources and Environment
Report date 2013-04-24
Report access MSFD8bPressures_20130510_101650.xml

Marine waters of the Republic of Cyprus, as part of the marine subregion "Agean-Levantine sea"

GES component
D3C1 Fishing mortality rate (F) (3.1, 3.1.1, 3.1.2)
D3C1 Fishing mortality rate (F) (3.1, 3.1.1, 3.1.2)
GESOther: n/a
GESOther: n/a
D3C2 Spawning stock biomass (SSB) (3.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2)
D3C2 Spawning stock biomass (SSB) (3.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2)
D3C3 Population age/size distribution (3.3, 3.3.1, 3.3.3, 3.3.4)
GESOther: Margalef species richness
GESOther: n/a
Feature
LevelPressureLess12PassiveMobile
LevelPressureLess12PassiveMobile
LevelPressureMore12Passive
LevelPressureMore12MobileSeabed
LevelPressureMore12MobileOther
LevelPressureFishingRecreational
LevelPressureFishingOther
LevelPressureShellfishCollection
ImpactPressureSeabedHabitats
ImpactPressureFunctionalGroup
ImpactPressureExploitedFish
ImpactPressureExploitedFish
ImpactPressureExploitedFish
ImpactPressureExploitedFish
ImpactPressureExploitedShellfish
Assessment Topic
Extraction3_1
Extraction3_1
ExtractionSeabedHabitats
ExtractionFunctionalGroups
ExtractionCommerciallyExpFish3_2or3_3
ExtractionCommerciallyExpFish3_2or3_3
ExtractionCommerciallyExpFish3_2or3_3
ExtractionCommerciallyExpFish3_2or3_3
ExtractionCommerciallyExpShellfish3_2or3_3
Element
HabitatsOther
FishCoastal, FishDemersal, FishPelagic
NotRelevant
NotRelevant
NotRelevant
NotRelevant
NotRelevant
Element 2
All seabed
ThresholdValue
F
Catch/biomass
SBB
Biomass index/Total biomass
% larger than mean
Margalef species richness
n/a
Threshold value/Value unit
Limit - F(0.1) or F(max)
Limit - Reference conditions
Target - B(pa)
Target - Reference conditions
Target - Reference conditions
Target - Reference conditions
n/a
Proportion threshold value
Status of criteria/indicator
NotGood
NotGood
NotAssessed
NotAssessed
NotGood
NotGood
NotGood
NotGood
OtherStatus
Status trend
Stable
Stable
Unknown_NotAssessed
Unknown_NotAssessed
Stable
Stable
Stable
Stable
Unknown_NotAssessed
Status confidence
High
High
High
High
High
High
Description (status of criteria/indicator)
Lack of data
Lack of data
Not relevant
Limitations
See "Information gaps"
See "Information gaps"
See "Information gaps"
See "Information gaps"
See "Information gaps"
See "Information gaps"
See "Information gaps"
See "Information gaps"
Out of the four assessed stocks, 0 % had F < Fpa, and 75 % had SBB < Bpa. Out of the seven non-assessed stocks, 50-75 % (4/7, or 57 %) are within safe biological limits. For assessed stocks, Fpa = F0.1. For non-assessed stocks, MSY was used.
Out of the four assessed stocks, 0 % had F < Fpa, and 75 % had SBB < Bpa. Out of the seven non-assessed stocks, 50-75 % (4/7, or 57 %) are within safe biological limits. For assessed stocks, Fpa = F0.1. For non-assessed stocks, MSY was used.
Out of the four assessed stocks, 0 % had F < Fpa, and 75 % had SBB < Bpa. Out of the seven non-assessed stocks, 50-75 % (4/7, or 57 %) are within safe biological limits. For assessed stocks, Fpa = F0.1. For non-assessed stocks, MSY was used.
Out of the four assessed stocks, 0 % had F < Fpa, and 75 % had SBB < Bpa. Out of the seven non-assessed stocks, 50-75 % (4/7, or 57 %) are within safe biological limits. For assessed stocks, Fpa = F0.1. For non-assessed stocks, MSY was used.
Assessment period
Description
The most important segment of the Cyprus fishing fleet, both in economic and social terms, are the passive-gear vessels under 12 m in length. Every year, 500 licenses are issued to vessels which operate in inshore waters (1-3 nautical miles from the shore). The main gear used by these vessels are trammel nets (GTN) and set-anchored gillnets (GNS). Moreover, 434 licenses were given to small vessels (< 12 m) operating under special restrictions, such as a 600 m maximum length of nets and maximum of 70 working days (set at pre-defined days in a calendar at the beginning of each year). The main gear used by these vessels are set-anchored gillnets (GNS) and either handlines or pole lines (LHP) In 2009, this segment of the fleet landed 1000 tons of commercially important fisheries, or 53 % of the total.
The most important segment of the Cyprus fishing fleet, both in economic and social terms, are the passive-gear vessels under 12 m in length. Every year, 500 licenses are issued to vessels which operate in inshore waters (1-3 nautical miles from the shore). The main gear used by these vessels are trammel nets (GTN) and set-anchored gillnets (GNS). Moreover, 434 licenses were given to small vessels (< 12 m) operating under special restrictions, such as a 600 m maximum length of nets and maximum of 70 working days (set at pre-defined days in a calendar at the beginning of each year). The main gear used by these vessels are set-anchored gillnets (GNS) and either handlines or pole lines (LHP) In 2009, this segment of the fleet landed 1000 tons of commercially important fisheries, or 53 % of the total.
As of May 2011, there were 22 polyvalent vessels or longliners (or 2.1 % of the fleet), which, by law, are above 12 metres in length. These vessels target mainly large pelagic species such as swordfish, albacore, bluefin tuna and other tuna-like species, using drifting longlines, set longlines, trammel nets or set-anchored gillnets and pots/traps. In 2009, they accounted for 263 tons of landings or 14 % of the total Cyprus landings for the year.
As of 2011, there were eleven licensed bottom trawlers, three of which operate in Cyprus territorial waters (12 nautical miles) and eight operating in the rest of the Cyprus EEZ. In 2009, they accounted for 169 and 269 tons of landings respectively, or 23 % of the total for the year.
Not relevant
There are 2211 vessels operating under recreational fishing licenses. Total fishing days as well as the total catch of this segment are unknown.
Not relevant
Not relevant
Trammel nets and gillnets in inshore waters, and bottom trawling in waters deeper than 50 m constitute the pressure on seabed habitats and associated communities. The extent and intensity of the impacts is not known.
Inshore, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta. While sensitive and important habitats, such as Posidonia meadows, are protected by special regulations, the impact of fisheries on water column and seabed functional groups is unknown.
There are eleven commercially exploited fish stocks. The following four have been assessed by stock assessment methods: Picarel (Spicara smaris), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), stripped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus), and bogue (Boops boops). 0 % had F < Fpa, and 75 % had SBB < Bpa. The other seven were assessed using other methods: common Pandora (Pagellus erythrinus), parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense), blotched picarel (Spicara maena), red porgy (Pagrus pagrus), axillary seabream (Pagellus acarne), comber (Serranus cabrilla), and the common dentex (Dentex dentex). 50-75 % (4/7, or 57 %) of these stocks are within safe biological limits.
There are eleven commercially exploited fish stocks. The following four have been assessed by stock assessment methods: Picarel (Spicara smaris), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), stripped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus), and bogue (Boops boops). 0 % had F < Fpa, and 75 % had SBB < Bpa. The other seven were assessed using other methods: common Pandora (Pagellus erythrinus), parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense), blotched picarel (Spicara maena), red porgy (Pagrus pagrus), axillary seabream (Pagellus acarne), comber (Serranus cabrilla), and the common dentex (Dentex dentex). 50-75 % (4/7, or 57 %) of these stocks are within safe biological limits.
There are eleven commercially exploited fish stocks. The following four have been assessed by stock assessment methods: Picarel (Spicara smaris), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), stripped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus), and bogue (Boops boops). 0 % had F < Fpa, and 75 % had SBB < Bpa. The other seven were assessed using other methods: common Pandora (Pagellus erythrinus), parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense), blotched picarel (Spicara maena), red porgy (Pagrus pagrus), axillary seabream (Pagellus acarne), comber (Serranus cabrilla), and the common dentex (Dentex dentex). 50-75 % (4/7, or 57 %) of these stocks are within safe biological limits.
There are eleven commercially exploited fish stocks. The following four have been assessed by stock assessment methods: Picarel (Spicara smaris), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), stripped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus), and bogue (Boops boops). 0 % had F < Fpa, and 75 % had SBB < Bpa. The other seven were assessed using other methods: common Pandora (Pagellus erythrinus), parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense), blotched picarel (Spicara maena), red porgy (Pagrus pagrus), axillary seabream (Pagellus acarne), comber (Serranus cabrilla), and the common dentex (Dentex dentex). 50-75 % (4/7, or 57 %) of these stocks are within safe biological limits.
Not relevant
Input load
1-5%
1-5%
50-75%
75-100%
Unknown_NotAssessed
1-5%
Unknown_NotAssessed
Unknown_NotAssessed
Unknown_NotAssessed
Unknown_NotAssessed
Load unit
Unknown_NotAssessed
Unknown_NotAssessed
Confidence
High
High
High
High
Non related GES component
High
Non related GES component
Non related GES component
Low
Low
Trends (recent)
Stable
Stable
Stable
Decreasing
Unknown_NotAssessed
Unknown_NotAssessed
Unknown_NotAssessed
Unknown_NotAssessed
Trends (future)
Be stable
Be stable
Be stable
Decrease
Unknown_NotAssessed
Unknown_NotAssessed
Unknown_NotAssessed
Unknown_NotAssessed
Description (activities)
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
The latest assessment of commercially extracted stocks carried out in the framework of FAO-GFCM shows a situation similar to that of the other Mediterranean European countries, with the stocks of the most important target species being overfished. Moreover, artisanal, bottom-trawling, and pelagic long-line fisheries yield catches that consist of a large number of species (80 or more). Discards, including non-commercial species represent 13 % of the total catch (bottom otter trawl fishery), while discards in the pelagic longline fishery may include the protected marine turtle Caretta caretta.
Activity type
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
  • NotReported
  • Wild fisheries
Information gaps
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.
The main gaps in knowledge occur in the extent and intensity of recreational fisheries or commercially exploited stocks, as well as the impact of fishing pressure on other functional groups and species, and marine habitats at large.