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Swordfish Fishing Ban Implemented in Cyprus

Published December 31, 2025, 10:23
Swordfish Fishing Ban Implemented in Cyprus

The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research has announced a ban on swordfish fishing in the Mediterranean, from January 1st to March 31st, 2026. This ban is implemented as part of Cyprus’s national obligations, stemming from the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). During the closed season, both targeted and bycatch swordfish fishing, as well as the unloading, transshipment, and retention of swordfish on board vessels, are prohibited. All fishing activities and unloading of swordfish must be completed by December 31st, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The public is urged to report any violations of the ban or trade of fresh swordfish products to the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research by calling 99 834357. This ban is one of the management measures taken to protect and restore the swordfish stock in the Mediterranean. The publication of this announcement is co-funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, 2021-2027, under Specific Objective 1.4: Control and Enforcement.