Cyprus fisheries is gong to get all new face lift as the European Commission has passed the Operational Programme for Cypriot fisheries for the period 2007-2013. It has been found that the total expenses of the programme amounts to € 39,448,836, with EU assistance through the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) amounting to € 19,724,418. As per the EFF, Cyprus is designated as a non-convergence region.
The main purpose of the European Union investment is to build on the success of the previous programme and consolidate the preconditions for a variable fisheries and aquaculture sector. According to EU this would respects nature and meets the demands of consumers and the food industry. It was during 2004-2006 Cyprus benefited from European Union under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG). As per that a large number of projects received financial support in order to increase the capacity of the fishing fleet and to attract new investments in aquaculture industry.
The new programme would promote profitable and sustainable fisheries through the adaptation of high capacity fishing fleet. It would also promote competitive and profitable business activities aimed at improving the aquaculture, inland fishing, processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products. There are new measures that have been under plan to meet the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy.
The new programme also aims at developing co-operation and reinforcing the fisheries sector at the initiative of local fisheries groups. It also ensures better management, control and monitoring systems for the betterment of the fisheries.
