Fishing in the Republic of Cyprus

In the Republic of Cyprus, the rules depend on the fishing method: a state licence is required for fishing from a vessel, spearfishing and fishing in reservoirs. No separate licence through this service is provided for ordinary sea fishing with a rod from the shore; however, general prohibitions, minimum catch sizes and restrictions in protected areas apply. Recreational catches may not be sold. Bluefin tuna may not be caught, while annual closed periods apply to albacore.

• Which licences are required
• What is caught off the coast of Cyprus
• Tuna: permitted periods and prohibitions
• Main rules for recreational anglers
• Protected areas and safety
• Frequently asked questions

Which licences are required for fishing

For recreational sea fishing, it is important to distinguish between fishing from the shore, from a vessel and spearfishing. Licences are issued by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research of the Republic of Cyprus, and the receipt serves as confirmation after payment — it must be kept and carried with you.

All these licences are valid until 31 December of the year of issue. Detailed instructions on applying and paying are available in the article «How to pay for a fishing licence in the Republic of Cyprus».

Cy-FIS for fishing from a vessel

Holders of a recreational licence must record every trip to sea in the Cy-FIS app: the route, fishing method and catch. The app also displays restricted areas on the map. Using Cy-FIS for shore fishing is voluntary, but it helps you check the stretch of coastline in advance.

What is caught off the coast of Cyprus

In coastal waters and around reefs, sea breams and other sparids, mullet, red mullet, horse mackerel, mackerel, rabbitfish and octopus are the most commonly found species. The composition of the catch depends on the season, depth, current and specific location: fish are not guaranteed even at a popular spot.

Before keeping a catch, check its species and size against the current conditions of the Department of Fisheries. Minimum sizes have been established for certain species. For example, white seabream may be kept from 23 cm, gilt-head bream from 20 cm, European seabass from 25 cm, and groupers from 45 cm. Small fish should be released immediately and as carefully as possible.

Tuna: permitted periods and prohibitions

The question of the “tuna season” requires clarification as to the species. There is no universal season in Cyprus during which any tuna may be caught recreationally.

• Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) — catching, retaining and landing by recreational anglers are prohibited year-round. If caught accidentally, the fish must be released immediately, minimising injury.
• Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) — catching it, including as bycatch, is prohibited from 1 to 31 March and from 1 October to 30 November inclusive. For vessels, the Department of Fisheries also sets annual conditions regarding the period for applying for a licence and submitting declarations.

Swordfish, sharks and rays are also not considered permitted recreational catches. They must be released immediately if caught accidentally.

Main rules for recreational fishing

• Do not sell or use the catch for commercial purposes.
• Observe minimum sizes and species limits. For example, per trip or 24-hour period, no more than one dusky grouper or common dentex may be kept — per angler or per vessel.
• Do not process the catch on board or on shore, except for gutting and removing scales. During transportation, the upper ray of the caudal fin must be cut off: this rule helps distinguish a recreational catch from a commercial one.
• Keep the receipt for the licence payment with you if a licence is required for the chosen fishing method.
• For vessels, comply with restrictions on fishing gear and enter information about every trip in Cy-FIS.
• Do not leave fishing line, hooks, packaging or other rubbish on the shore or in the sea.

Protected areas and safety

There are marine protected areas in the Republic of Cyprus where prohibitions may be permanent or seasonal. Fishing with any gear is prohibited in six marine protected areas with artificial reefs. Before setting out, check the location using the Cy-FIS map and the latest announcements from the Department of Fisheries.

Do not eat silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus): this fish contains tetrodotoxin and is dangerous to humans. If you are unsure of the fish species, it is better to photograph it, release it and check the information with specialists.

Glossary

Cy-FIS

The official app for recording recreational fishing and checking restrictions on the map.

Albacore

A tuna species (Thunnus alalunga) for which annual closed periods have been established in Cyprus.

Marine protected area

An area of sea with special rules governing access, anchoring and fishing.

Bycatch

Fish or another animal accidentally caught while targeting a particular species.

Frequently asked questions

Is a licence required for fishing with a rod from the shore?

The state service issues licences for vessels, spearfishing and reservoirs; it does not offer a separate sea fishing licence for shore fishing. However, species, size and area restrictions are also mandatory for shore fishing.

Can you catch tuna in Cyprus?

Recreational anglers may not catch bluefin tuna. Annual closed periods apply to albacore: March, as well as October and November. Before going to sea, check the current conditions for your vessel.

Can caught fish be sold?

No. Recreational catches may not be sold or used for commercial purposes.

Where can I check the prohibitions in a specific bay?

Check the map in Cy-FIS and the official announcements of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research of the Republic of Cyprus.

What should I do with a poisonous fish?

Do not eat unfamiliar fish. The silver-cheeked toadfish is dangerous because of tetrodotoxin; it must not be consumed.

Official conditions and possible temporary restrictions are published by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research of the Republic of Cyprus.