LIFE PROMETHEUS Leads Workshop on Sustainable Fisheries for Small-Scale Fishers in Limassol

Limassol, Cyprus, March 5, 2025 – The LIFE PROMETHEUS project ,coordinated by the Università Politecnica delle Marche (UNIVPM) and co-financed by the EU LIFE+ Funding Programme, organized a workshop on sustainable fisheries for small-scale fishers in Limassol, Cyprus, on March 5, 2025. The event, held at the Pefkos Hotel, brought together 15 local fishers and stakeholders to discuss the importance of sustainable practices in the region’s fisheries.

The workshop, organized by MER, focused on a dynamic co-management model that fosters collaboration between fishers, scientists, and stakeholders to conserve Cyprus’ fishery resources, particularly in the Akrotiri area. This bottom-up, participatory approach encourages fishers to actively engage in research, capacity-building, and data-driven decision-making to protect and manage marine resources.

One of the key highlights of the workshop was the introduction of the LIFE PROMETHEUS project and its efforts to reduce bycatch of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) using innovative magnetic deterrents in fishing gear. The project’s focus on the use of these new technologies aims to improve the sustainability of fishing practices in the region while contributing to the conservation of vulnerable marine species.

The event was a significant step in fostering cooperation between the local fishing community and conservationists, ensuring that sustainable fishing practices are prioritized and that fishers play an active role in preserving the marine environment for future generations.