Artificial Reefs in North Cyprus An Opportunity to Introduce Fishermen to Sustainable Development

Abstract

The reason for low fishing productivity in North Cyprus seas manifests as unwanted pressure on sensitive habitats, nursery grounds, and nontarget species, some of which are protected by international regulations and legislation. It is assumed that artificial reefs contribute positively to the productivity of fisheries in areas with bare substratum in their natural setting. Artificial reefs to be deployed on the North Cyprus bare substratum biotopes (rocky, sandy, and muddy) should result in an increase in productivity and have positive effects on fisheries. Making the fisheries more productive would increase support from fishermen, which is often considered to be a rare event under these conditions. Artificial reefs, therefore, can be used to achieve sustainability of the fisheries sector in North Cyprus. The economic, social, and environmental components of the proposed project Sustainable Fisheries and Artificial Reefs on the Iskele Coasts-North Cyprus should facilitate the establishment of integrated management of fisheries in the area.