Type of species farmed 

Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), Meagre (Argyrosomus regius), Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Sturgeon (Acipenser sp.), Marine shrimp (P. indicus & P. vannamei).

^{Source: 2023, EUMOFA; 2022, STECF; 2021, Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, DFMR}

Type of production method

In Cyprus, production occurs almost entirely (> 90%) in marine waters, mainly using offshore cages. Negligible amounts of farmed production occur in freshwater culture and / or onshore facilities.

^{Source: 2023, EUMOFA; 2021 DFMR}

^{Source: 2023, EUMOFA; 2021 DFMR}

Trends (past and future)

• Government policy in the aquaculture sector aims at the sustainable and environmentally balanced development of aquaculture to maximise its contribution to domestic fish production, in line with the needs of the local and international markets and by providing high quality and hygiene products that meet the consumers expectations.
• Continue to promote, support and monitor the further development of the sector with emphasis in offshore aquaculture. This practice ensures smaller environmental impact and ensures the good state of the marine environment.

^{Source: MNSPA; 2021, DFMR}

Impact of aquaculture in the country’s economy, food market and labour market

• Aquaculture in Cyprus constitutes around 85 % of the total Cypriot fisheries production in both quantity and value, providing around 350 full-time direct jobs and contributing to the creation of hundreds of others in other ancillary professions. Aquaculture is an integral and very important part of the Cypriot fisheries sector and, more generally, of the national wider rural economy. This activity has been the fastest growing primary food production industry in Cyprus over the past 15 years.
• Aquaculture products are the third most important product in value of exports from the wider Cypriot primary production sector after potatoes and citrus fruits and thereby contributing significantly to the reduction of Cyprus’ negative trade balance in relation to fishery products. Marine aquaculture accounts for more than 99 % of the total national aquaculture production and also has the greatest potential for growth. In contrast, freshwater aquaculture is restricted by the reduced availability of fresh water and the high operating costs associated with the implementation of water recirculation systems.
• In addition, Cyprus is among the top 5 EU countries in terms of the contribution of aquaculture to fisheries production.

^{Source: MNSPA; 2021 DFMR}

Challenges and opportunities

^{Source: MNSPA}

Employment and number of enterprises

3 on-shore Marine Hatcheries, 1 Shrimp Grow out / Hatchery Unit, 9 Marine off-shore Units, 8 on-shore freshwater aquaculture units.

350 employees

^{Source: MNSPA}

• Aquaculture Law 2000 until 2010
• Aquaculture (General) Regulations 2002 until 2010
• Water pollution control (Water quality for shellfish) Ordinance of 2001 (P.I. No. 9/2001)
• Water pollution control (Freshwater quality standards to preserve the life of fish) Ordinance of 2001 (P.I. No. 10/2001)
• Animal Health Law, 2001 (Law No. 109(I)/2001)  

Aquaculture activity is also regulated by relevant provisions in other legislation, such as the Environmental Authority, concerning the safeguarding of the state and quality of the environment, as well as the Veterinary Services and Animal Protection and Welfare Services on public health issues and the health and well-being of farmed organisms.

 Cyprus Mariculture Association