Liopetri: Fishermen in the region are set to receive £4 million in compensation by 2029 to mitigate damage caused by marine mammals, according to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment, Christos Senekis. Speaking at the 1st Fish Festival - Fishermen's and the Liopetri River Festival, Senekis highlighted the ongoing efforts to modernize the fishing industry and support small-scale coastal fishing professionals through grant schemes that cover 100% of eligible expenditure with no private contribution required.

According to Cyprus News Agency, since the compensation scheme's inception in 2025, £1 million has already been distributed to around 300 professional fishermen annually. Senekis outlined additional targeted measures to support fishermen's incomes, such as compensation for the temporary suspension of fishing activities and support for the collection and removal of pufferfish.

Senekis also mentioned the implementation of a financial compensation scheme for the cost of diesel used in agriculture, in response to the energy crisis stemming from the Middle East situation. He highlighted the co-funded project to develop the Liopetri River Fishing Shelter as a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at upgrading the coastal zone's operations and boosting the regional economy.

Acknowledging the challenges faced during the project's implementation, Senekis noted that the work is now progressing, with completed road and pavement construction and expected completion of port works by the first half of 2027. Substantial support for affected fishermen has been increased for 2025 and 2026 to assist them during the prolonged implementation period.

The Agriculture Minister expressed confidence that the completed project will provide fishermen with a safe haven equipped with modern infrastructure to enhance their working conditions.