Cyprus
Asia · Western Asia
Recreational spearfishing is legal in the Republic of Cyprus but tightly regulated. A separate 'Spear Gun' amateur (recreational) fishing licence issued by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) is compulsory (Fisheries Regulation 17) and is issued only to persons over 17 years of age (Reg. 17.-(1)); a speargun may not even be carried on a vessel without it. The DFMR speargun-licence terms confirm: spearfishing with a speargun is prohibited at night (sunset to sunrise), with compressed-air diving apparatus (scuba), with light sources, in bathing areas, near fishing gear, and throughout the month of May (Reg. 17.-(2)); carrying a speargun on a boat together with scuba gear is banned (EC Reg. 1967/2006). While diving, each group must carry a floating marker buoy (yellow, orange or red) bearing a red flag with a white diagonal stripe visible from at least 300 m, and group members must stay within 50 m of the buoy/boat (licence condition 2). The recreational catch is capped at 5 kg per 24 hours (Reg. 17C-(1)); selling or commercially exploiting the catch is prohibited (Reg. 17C-(1)); EU minimum sizes apply (EC Reg. 1967/2006 Annex III). Taking bluefin tuna, swordfish, any shark or ray is prohibited (must be released), as is killing/taking seabirds, marine mammals (dolphins, seals) or sea turtles. Fishing of any kind is banned in the named marine protected areas (Paralimni, Cape Greco, Amathounta, Dasoudi-Limassol, Ayia Napa, Geroskipou, 'Bania'-Paphos, 'Thalassines Spilies'-Peyia) and in the Lara marine area from 1 June to 30 September (down to the 20 m isobath); a 500 m no-fishing exclusion surrounds the Zenobia wreck off Larnaca, and a zone around the Larnaca desalination-plant outfall is closed. Note: this record covers the Republic of Cyprus (government-controlled area); the northern part of the island administers separate rules not covered here.
Air ùrachadh mu dheireadh An t-Ògmhios 22, 2026
Frèam riaghladh
- §Fisheries Law, Cap. 135 (Ο περί Αλιείας Νόμος) and the Fisheries Regulations made thereunder (notably Reg. 17 / 17.-(1) / 17.-(2) speargun licensing & prohibitions, Reg. 17C-(1) catch/sale limits, Reg. 14-(1) Lara closure, Reg. 14-(2) fish-farm distance, Reg. 5-(3) fishing-shelter anchoring)
- §DFMR official terms for issuing an amateur fishing licence with a speargun ('Όροι έκδοσης άδειας ερασιτεχνικής αλιείας με ψαροντούφεκο')
- §Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 (Mediterranean) - minimum landing sizes (Annex III) and speargun+scuba prohibition
- §Marine-protected-area Regulations: K.D.P. 404/2017 (Paralimni), 115/2018 (Cape Greco), 445/2017 (Amathounta), 403/2017 (Dasoudi-Limassol), 220/2015 (Ayia Napa), 489/2014 (Geroskipou), 66/2017 ('Bania'-Paphos), 28/2019 ('Thalassines Spilies'-Peyia); K.D.P. 200/2008 (Zenobia wreck 500 m exclusion)
- Cead riatanach
- Riatanach
- Gunna-sleagha
- Ceadaichte
- Scuba
- Toirmisgte
- Coigrich
- Fàilte
An lagh, verbatim
Teacsaichean laghail
Na foillseachaidhean reachdail agus riaghailteach mionaideach a tha a' riaghladh slighe-biasd an seo, air an luaidh mar a chaidh am foillseachadh, le ceangal ri gach stòras oifigeil.
Lara-Toxeftra Turtle Reserve - fishing and vessel prohibition during nesting season
Consolidated Fisheries Regulations (273/90), under Fisheries Law, Cap. 135
The management regulations for this area that are spelled out in the Consolidated Fisheries Regulations (273/90), prohibit during the nesting season which is from the 1st of June up to the 30th of September, the entry and anchoring of a vessel of any kind in the protected area, down to the 20 m isobath, as is any kind of fishing (except with a rod and line from the shore).
Amateur 'Spear Gun' licence - guardian declaration for minors
DFMR Amateur Fishing Licence application portal
Guardian's declaration in the case of an application for a fishing permit with a speargun/dam to a minor: "I ... ... with ID No ... ... guardian of the abovementioned minor applicant, am responsible to escort him/her for security reasons, during his/hers recreational fishing activities with a speargun/dam."
Speargun amateur licence - marker buoy and dive-flag requirement
DFMR official terms for issuing an amateur fishing licence with a speargun ('Όροι έκδοσης άδειας ερασιτεχνικής αλιείας με ψαροντούφεκο'), under the Fisheries Law and Regulations (Καν. - Fisheries Regulations)
Ο αδειούχοι υποβρύχιοι αλιείς, όταν είναι σε κατάδυση, υποχρεούνται να φέρουν έναν επιπλέοντα σημαντήρα (σημαδούρα) ανά ομάδα, πλαστικό, χρώματος κίτρινου, πορτοκαλί ή κόκκινου, ο οποίος να φέρει ιστό με κόκκινο σημαιάκι με λευκή διαγώνια γραμμή, ο οποίος να είναι ορατός με κανονικές συνθήκες από απόσταση τριακοσίων (300) τουλάχιστον μέτρων. Εάν ο αδειούχος υποβρύχιος αλιέας συνοδεύεται από πλωτό μέσο, η σημαία αυτή πρέπει να είναι στερεωμένη σε εμφανές σημείο πάνω στο μέσο αυτό. Τα μέλη της ομάδας θα πρέπει να κινούνται εντός ακτίνας πενήντα (50) μέτρων από το σημαντήρα ή το πλωτό μέσο.
Speargun amateur licence - prohibition of taking bluefin tuna, swordfish, sharks and rays
DFMR official terms for issuing an amateur fishing licence with a speargun, under the Fisheries Law and Regulations
Απαγορεύεται η αλιεία ή κατοχή ερυθρού τόνου (Thunnus thynnus), ξιφία (Xiphias gladius) ή οποιουδήποτε είδους καρχαρία ή σελαχιού. Στην περίπτωση τυχαίας αλίευσης ενός από αυτά τα είδη, θα πρέπει να ελευθερώνεται αμέσως με την ελάχιστη δυνατή καταπόνηση και με τρόπο που μεγιστοποιεί την πιθανότητα της επιβίωσής του.
Speargun amateur licence - protection of seabirds, marine mammals and turtles
DFMR official terms for issuing an amateur fishing licence with a speargun, under the Fisheries Law and Regulations
Απαγορεύεται η θανάτωση, καταδίωξη, σύλληψη, διατήρηση επί σκάφους, μεταφόρτωση, εκφόρτωση, αγορά ή πώληση θαλάσσιων πτηνών, θαλάσσιων θηλαστικών (δελφίνια, φώκιες) ή θαλάσσιων χελωνών.
Speargun licence is personal and issued only to persons over 17 (Reg. 17.-(1))
DFMR official terms for issuing an amateur fishing licence with a speargun, citing the Fisheries Regulations (Καν. 17.-(1))
Η άδεια είναι προσωπική και δεν επιτρέπεται σε κανένα άλλο πρόσωπο να αλιεύει με αυτή και εκδίδεται σε άτομα άνω των 17 ετών [Καν. 17.-(1)].
Lara marine area closed to all fishing 1 June - 30 September (Reg. 14-(1))
DFMR speargun licence terms, citing the Fisheries Regulations (Καν. 14-(1))
Απαγορεύεται η αλιεία με οποιοδήποτε τρόπο (με εξαίρεση την αλιεία με τη χρήση καλαμιού) από την 1η Ιουνίου μέχρι την 30η Σεπτεμβρίου κάθε έτους μέσα στη θαλάσσια περιοχή της Λάρας, η οποία οριοθετείται από την τοποθεσία γνωστή ως «Άσπρος» μέχρι το «Αργάκι του Γιουσούφι» και επεκτείνεται κάθετα προς το μέρος της θάλασσας σε βάθος όχι μικρότερο από 20 μέτρα [Καν. 14-(1)].
Marine protected areas closed to all fishing and vessel passage/anchoring (named MPAs with regulation numbers)
DFMR speargun licence terms, citing the establishing Regulations (Κ.Δ.Π. / ΚΔΠ) for each MPA
Απαγορεύεται για λόγους προστασίας των αλιευτικών πόρων και των υδρόβιων οργανισμών, η αλιεία με οποιονδήποτε τρόπο ή και η διέλευση ή και η αγκυροβόληση σκαφών στις θαλάσσιες προστατευόμενες περιοχές Παραλιμνίου (Κ.Δ.Π. 404/2017), Κάβο Γκρέκο (Κ.Δ.Π. 115/2018), Αμαθούντας (Κ.Δ.Π. 445/2017), «Δασούδι» Λεμεσού (Κ.Δ.Π. 403/2017), Αγίας Νάπας (Κ.Δ.Π. 220/2015), Γεροσκήπου (Κ.Δ.Π. 489/2014), «Μπάνια» Πάφου (Κ.Δ.Π. 66/2017) και «Θαλασσινές σπηλιές» Πέγειας (Κ.Δ.Π 28/2019).
Speargun may not be carried on a vessel without a speargun licence (Reg. 17)
DFMR speargun licence terms, citing the Fisheries Regulations (Καν. 17)
Απαγορεύεται η χρήση ή/και μεταφορά ψαροντούφεκου σε σκάφος, χωρίς την προηγούμενη εξασφάλιση άδειας ερασιτεχνικής αλιείας με ψαροντούφεκο από το Διευθυντή [Καν. 17].
Speargun may not be carried with compressed-air diving apparatus (Reg. 1967/2006)
DFMR speargun licence terms, citing Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006
Απαγορεύεται να μεταφέρεται σε σκάφος ψαροντούφεκο σε συνδυασμό με καταδυτικές συσκευές πεπιεσμένου αέρα [Καν. 1967/2006].
Sale / commercial exploitation of recreational catch prohibited (Reg. 17C-(1))
DFMR speargun licence terms, citing the Fisheries Regulations (Καν. 17Γ-(1))
Απαγορεύεται η πώληση και γενικά η εμπορική εκμετάλλευση των προϊόντων της ερασιτεχνικής αλιείας [Καν.17Γ-(1)].
Maximum recreational catch 5 kg per 24 hours (Reg. 17C-(1))
DFMR speargun licence terms, citing the Fisheries Regulations (Καν. 17Γ-(1))
Απαγορεύεται η αλιεία ιχθύων πέραν των 5 κιλών ανά εικοσιτετράωρο [Καν.17Γ-(1)].
Speargun fishing prohibited at night, with lights/scuba, in bathing areas, near gear, and during May (Reg. 17.-(2))
DFMR speargun licence terms, citing the Fisheries Regulations (Καν. 17.-(2))
Απαγορεύεται η αλιεία με ψαροντούφεκο καθημερινά από τη δύση μέχρι την ανατολή του ήλιου, σε συνδυασμό με καταδυτικές συσκευές πεπιεσμένου αέρα (εκτός εάν έχει εξασφαλιστεί για το σκοπό αυτό γραπτή άδεια από τον διευθυντή), σε συνδυασμό με φωτεινές πηγές, σε περιοχές λουομένων, πλησίον αλιευτικών εργαλείων, κατά το μήνα Μάιο ή σε περιοχές που καθορίζονται από το Διευθυντή με αποφάσεις που δημοσιεύονται στην Επίσημη Εφημερίδα της Δημοκρατίας [17.-(2)].
Cuin a ghabhas tu tumadh
Ràithean & cuingeachaidhean ùine
Ùineachan dùinte, fosgailte agus cuingichte tron bhliadhna. Daingneach an-còmhnaidh dùnaidhean gnè-sònraichte gu h-ionadail.
- DùinteLara-Toxeftra Turtle Reserve (Akamas peninsula, Pafos)Ògm 1 – Sul 30
During the turtle nesting season (1 June - 30 September) all fishing activities, including spearfishing, are prohibited in the Lara marine area (delimited from the locality 'Aspros' to 'Argaki tou Yiousoufi') down to the 20 m isobath, with the exception of rod-and-line fishing. This is confirmed verbatim in the official DFMR speargun-licence terms citing Fisheries Reg. 14-(1). The entry and anchoring of a vessel of any kind in the protected area is prohibited during the same 1 June - 30 September window.
- DùinteAll Republic of Cyprus waters (speargun fishing specifically)Cèi 1 – Cèi 31
Speargun (underwater) fishing is prohibited throughout the entire month of May across Republic of Cyprus waters, per Fisheries Reg. 17.-(2) as set out in the official DFMR speargun-licence terms. This is a closed period specific to spearfishing (other amateur methods are not affected by this particular provision).
Cead iasgaich
Cead
Dè a dh'fheumas tu gus a bhith ceadaichte anns an uisge, dè a chosgas e, agus mar a gheibhear e.
Apply online via the DFMR licence portal (licence.dfmr.moa.gov.cy) or in person at the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research. Processing typically up to 2 working days; the payment receipt serves as the licence and must be carried while fishing.
Faigh do cheadFosgailte am portal oifigeil · licence.dfmr.moa.gov.cy
- Seòrsa
- Amateur (recreational) fishing licence - 'Spear Gun' category
- Cosgais
- Not confirmed from an official source. Secondary sources report roughly EUR 30-35 per year for the speargun category, but the official DFMR/gov.cy fee schedule could not be retrieved (the official portals block automated access).
- Dligheachd
- Expires on 31 December of the year of issue, regardless of issue date.
- Mar a gheibhear e
- Apply online via the DFMR licence portal (licence.dfmr.moa.gov.cy) or in person at the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research. Processing typically up to 2 working days; the payment receipt serves as the licence and must be carried while fishing.
- Ùghdarras
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR), Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment
Uidheam & dòigh
Riaghailtean uidheamachd
Dè an uidheam a tha ceadaichte, mar a ghabhas a cleachdadh, agus na cumhaichean ceangailte.
Cuingeachaidhean
- Speargun fishing with compressed-air diving apparatus (scuba) is prohibited - only apnea (breath-hold / free-diving) is permitted, unless specific written permission has been obtained from the Director (Reg. 17.-(2))
- Carrying a speargun on a vessel together with compressed-air diving apparatus is prohibited (EC Reg. 1967/2006)
- Use of light sources for speargun fishing is prohibited (Reg. 17.-(2))
- Night speargun fishing - from sunset to sunrise - is prohibited (Reg. 17.-(2))
- Speargun fishing in bathing areas and near fishing gear is prohibited (Reg. 17.-(2))
- Speargun fishing is prohibited throughout the month of May (Reg. 17.-(2))
- While diving, each group must carry one floating marker buoy (yellow, orange or red) bearing a mast with a red flag with a white diagonal stripe, visible under normal conditions from at least 300 m; if accompanied by a boat, the flag must be fixed visibly on the boat; group members must stay within 50 m of the buoy or boat (licence condition 2)
- A speargun may not be used or carried on a vessel without first obtaining a speargun amateur fishing licence from the Director (Reg. 17)
Sourced from the official DFMR terms for issuing an amateur fishing licence with a speargun ('Όροι έκδοσης άδειας ερασιτεχνικής αλιείας με ψαροντούφεκο'). Spearfishing is essentially a free-diving (apnea) activity here: scuba, light sources, night fishing, bathing areas, the vicinity of fishing gear and the whole of May are off-limits. The marker buoy/flag and 50 m group radius are mandatory while diving.
Dè ghabhas tu
Crìochan glacaidh & gnèithean dìonta
Cuòtathan làitheil, meudachdan as lugha, agus gnèithean nach gabhar a-chaoidh.
Crìoch làitheil
Maximum 5 kg of fish per 24 hours (Fisheries Reg. 17C-(1), per the official DFMR speargun-licence terms). Note: a separate boat-fishing allowance of '10 kg, or 5 kg plus one fish regardless of weight, or three albacore tuna' was introduced for amateur boat fishing by KDP 416/2019, but the verbatim speargun-licence terms state the 5 kg / 24h cap.
Meudachdan as lugha
- European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax / Λαβράκι)min 25 cm
- Annular seabream (Diplodus annularis / Σπάρος)min 12 cm
- Sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo / Ούγαινα)min 18 cm
- White seabream (Diplodus sargus / Σορκός)min 23 cm
- Two-banded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris / Χαρατζίδα)min 18 cm
- European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus / Γαύρος)min 9 cm
- Groupers (Epinephelus spp. / Ορφός, σφυρίδα, βλάχος)min 45 cm
- Monkfish / anglerfish (Lophius spp. / Πεσκαντρίτσα)min 30 cm
- Striped seabream (Lithognathus mormyrus / Μούρμουρος)min 20 cm
- European hake (Merluccius merluccius / Μπακαλιάρος)min 20 cm
- Mullets (Mugil spp. / Κέφαλοι)min 16 cm
- Red mullet / surmullet (Mullus spp. / Μπαρμπούνι, στρίλια)min 11 cm
- Axillary seabream (Pagellus acarne / Φατσούκλι)min 17 cm
- Blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo / Μπαλάς)min 33 cm
- Common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus / Λυθρίνι)min 15 cm
- Red porgy / common seabream (Pagrus pagrus / Φαγγρί)min 18 cm
- Wreckfish (Polyprion americanus / Κολαούζος)min 45 cm
- European pilchard / sardine (Sardina pilchardus / Σαρδέλα)min 11 cm
- Mackerel (Scomber spp. / Κολιός, σκουμπρί)min 18 cm
- Common sole (Solea vulgaris / Γλώσσα)min 20 cm
- Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata / Τσιπούρα)min 20 cm
- Horse mackerels (Trachurus spp. / Σαφρίδια)min 15 cm
Gnèithean dìonta — na gabh
- DìontaBluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) - taking and possession prohibited; must be released immediately with minimal stress (speargun licence condition 3)
- DìontaSwordfish (Xiphias gladius) - taking and possession prohibited; must be released (speargun licence condition 3)
- DìontaSharks (any species) - taking and possession prohibited; must be released (speargun licence condition 3)
- DìontaRays / skates (any species, 'selachii') - taking and possession prohibited; must be released (speargun licence condition 3)
- DìontaSeabirds - killing/pursuit/capture/retention/sale prohibited (speargun licence condition 4)
- DìontaMarine mammals (dolphins, seals, incl. Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus) - killing/pursuit/capture/retention/sale prohibited (speargun licence condition 4)
- DìontaSea turtles (loggerhead and green turtle) - killing/pursuit/capture/retention/sale prohibited (speargun licence condition 4)
The 5 kg / 24h cap, the species/minimum-size table and the prohibited-species list are now sourced VERBATIM from the official DFMR speargun-licence terms ('Όροι έκδοσης άδειας ερασιτεχνικής αλιείας με ψαροντούφεκο'). Minimum total lengths follow Council Reg. (EC) No 1967/2006 Annex III and the Fisheries Regulations Annex II (Πίνακας 1 of the licence terms). The terms also list minimum sizes for crustaceans and bivalves (e.g. European lobster Homarus gammarus 300 mm total / 105 mm carapace; spiny lobster Palinuridae 240 mm / 90 mm; great scallop Pecten jacobeus 10 cm; clams Venus/Venerupis spp. 25 mm) which are seldom relevant to spearfishing and are not repeated here. Earlier secondary-only per-species daily/annual figures (e.g. 'Grouper 1/day, Swordfish 1/year') were removed because they could not be confirmed against the official instrument.
Cò a dh'fhaodar iasgach
Luchd-tadhail & luchd-còmhnaidh
Mar a tha na riaghailtean eadar-dhealaichte airson luchd-tadhail cèin agus luchd-còmhnaidh ionadail.
Luchd-tadhail cèin
CeadaichteRiatanasan
- Obtain the same DFMR amateur 'Spear Gun' licence as residents (application requires ID/passport number, date of birth and contact details)
Cuingeachaidhean
- Same equipment, zone, season, catch and protected-species rules apply as for residents
No evidence of a separate or special spearfishing regime for foreigners/tourists; the standard amateur Spear Gun licence applies to everyone. Sale of recreationally caught fish is prohibited.
Luchd-còmhnaidh
Amateur (recreational) fishing licence - 'Spear Gun' category
Riatanasan
- Apply via the DFMR online portal or in person
- The speargun licence is personal (non-transferable) and is issued only to persons over 17 years of age (Fisheries Reg. 17.-(1), per the official DFMR speargun-licence terms)
- The licence and an ID card must be carried while fishing and presented on request to an authorised officer (speargun licence condition 1)
The official DFMR speargun-licence terms set the minimum age at OVER 17 (Reg. 17.-(1)). An earlier secondary claim that amateur speargun licences are issued from age 12, with a guardian-escort declaration, conflicts with this primary instrument; the guardian-declaration text seen on the licence-application portal may apply to a different (non-speargun) amateur category - treat the over-17 rule as authoritative for spearguns. Violation of the licence conditions or the fisheries legislation can carry significant penalties; specific fine/imprisonment figures could not be confirmed verbatim from the Fisheries Law Cap. 135 PDF and are not asserted here.
Càite air a' chladach
Sgìrean ceadaichte & toirmisgte
Sgìrean ainmichte a tha fosgailte no dùinte airson slighe-biasd. Faic an dealbh-iomlan air a' mhapa eadar-ghnìomhach.
Sgìrean ceadaichte
Free-diving spearfishing is permitted along the Republic of Cyprus coastline outside marine protected areas, at least 100 m from organised swimming areas and 500 m from marinas and ports, with a valid Spear Gun amateur licence.
Valid DFMR Spear Gun licence required; free-diving (apnea) only, no SCUBA or lights; marker buoy with red flag required; keep 100 m from organised swimming areas and 500 m from marinas/ports; national catch limits, minimum sizes and protected-species rules apply.
Sgìrean toirmisgte
- Lara-Toxeftra Turtle Reservemarine reserve (sea turtle nesting reserve)
Marine protected area (sea turtle nesting reserve) on the south-western Akamas peninsula, Pafos district, set up in 1989 under the Fisheries Law Cap. 135 / Consolidated Fisheries Regulations 273/90 and added to the SPAMI list in 2013. Spearfishing and other fishing (except rod-and-line from the shore), and the entry/anchoring of vessels, are prohibited down to the 20 m isobath during the turtle nesting season 1 June - 30 September.
- Cape Greco / Cavo Greco Marine Protected Areamarine protected area / Natura 2000 site (no-take)
Marine protected area at the south-eastern tip of Cyprus (Cavo Greco; also part of Natura 2000 site CY3000005). CONFIRMED by the official DFMR speargun-licence terms: fishing by any means and the passage or anchoring of vessels are prohibited in the Cape Greco marine protected area, established by K.D.P. 115/2018 - so recreational spearfishing is not permitted here. (An earlier secondary-only caveat has been resolved by this primary source.)
- Organised swimming / bathing areas (buoyed zones)swimming/bathing exclusion zone
Spearfishing is prohibited within organised swimming areas marked by buoys, and spearfishers must remain at least 100 m away from such organised swimming areas.
- Marinas and ports (500 m exclusion)port / marina exclusion zone
Spearfishing is prohibited within 500 m of marinas and ports.
- Geroskipou (Moulia) Marine Protected Area with Artificial Reefmarine protected area / artificial reef (no-take)
One of six Marine Protected Areas with Artificial Reefs established by Ministerial decree by the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR), off Geroskipou (Moulia sea area), Paphos district. Fishing with all fishing gear, including recreational fishing and therefore spearfishing, is prohibited; the area extends from the coast to a depth of 50 m. Passage of vessels within a 150 m radius of the reef point is also banned. The decree cites the geographic coordinate 34°43.003'N, 32°26.628'E for the reef.
- Ayia Napa Marine Protected Area with Artificial Reef (MUSAN)marine protected area / artificial reef (no-take)
One of six DFMR Marine Protected Areas with Artificial Reefs, established by Ministerial decree off Ayia Napa (Pernera Beach), Famagusta district. It hosts the MUSAN underwater sculpture museum (sculptures at 8-10 m) and the sunken Kyrenia wreck. Fishing by any means, including recreational fishing and spearfishing, is prohibited; vessel passage within 150 m of designated points is also banned. Area extends from the coast to a depth of 50 m.
- Larnaca Marine Protected Area with Artificial Reefmarine protected area / artificial reef (no-take)
One of six DFMR Marine Protected Areas with Artificial Reefs established by Ministerial decree off Larnaca, in Larnaca Bay. Fishing with all fishing gear, including recreational fishing and spearfishing, is prohibited; the area extends from the coast to a depth of 50 m. Coordinate is a representative center point on the Larnaca Bay coast; an exact decree boundary table was not retrievable.
- Amathounta (Amathus) Marine Protected Area with Artificial Reefmarine protected area / artificial reef (no-take)
One of six DFMR Marine Protected Areas with Artificial Reefs established by Ministerial decree off Amathounta (Amathus Bay), east of Limassol. All fishing activities, including recreational and commercial fishing and therefore spearfishing, are prohibited; the area extends from the coast to a depth of 50 m. Coordinate is a representative center point off the Amathus coast.
- Dasoudi (Limassol) Marine Protected Area with Artificial Reefmarine protected area / artificial reef (no-take)
One of six DFMR Marine Protected Areas with Artificial Reefs established by Ministerial decree off the 'Dasoudi' coast of Limassol. Fishing with all fishing gear, including recreational fishing and spearfishing, is prohibited; the area extends from the coast to a depth of 50 m. Coordinate is a representative center point off Dasoudi beach, Limassol.
- Paralimni (Islands) Marine Protected Area with Artificial Reefmarine protected area / artificial reef (no-take)
One of six DFMR Marine Protected Areas with Artificial Reefs established by Ministerial decree off Paralimni (the 'Islands'/Paralimni coast, Protaras area), Famagusta district. Fishing with all fishing gear, including recreational fishing and spearfishing, is prohibited; the area extends from the coast to a depth of 50 m. Coordinate is a representative center point off the Paralimni/Protaras coast.
- Zenobia wreck 500 m exclusion zone (Larnaca)wreck / no-fishing exclusion zone (500 m radius)
Fishing by any means is prohibited within 500 m of the Zenobia wreck, located in the Larnaca sea area at coordinates 34°53.6'N 33°39.5'E, for the protection of fishery resources and aquatic organisms (K.D.P. 200/2008). This is stated verbatim in the official DFMR speargun-licence terms. Coordinates below are the decimal conversion of the verbatim 34°53.6'N 33°39.5'E given in the source.
- Larnaca desalination-plant outfall exclusion zoneinfrastructure / no-fishing exclusion zone
For reasons of public interest, fishing by any means and the passage of vessels is prohibited in the sea area around the Larnaca desalination-plant pipeline/outfall, bounded by the points 34°52.67'N 33°38.81'E, 34°52.87'N 33°40.19'E, 34°51.96'N 33°40.25'E and 34°51.87'N 33°38.80'E. Stated verbatim in the official DFMR speargun-licence terms. Coordinates below are the decimal centroid of the four bounding points given in the source.
- 'Bania' (Paphos) Marine Protected Areamarine protected area (no-take)
Marine protected area off Paphos ('Μπάνια'), established by K.D.P. 66/2017, where fishing by any means and vessel passage/anchoring are prohibited (named in the DFMR speargun-licence terms alongside the other MPAs). No precise decree boundary coordinates were retrievable from an official source, so this entry is listed without map coordinates.
- 'Thalassines Spilies' (Peyia sea caves) Marine Protected Areamarine protected area (no-take)
Marine protected area at the Peyia sea caves ('Θαλασσινές σπηλιές' Πέγειας), established by K.D.P. 28/2019, where fishing by any means and vessel passage/anchoring are prohibited (named in the DFMR speargun-licence terms). No precise decree boundary coordinates were retrievable from an official source, so this entry is listed without map coordinates.
Suidheachaidhean air an uisge
Suidheachaidhean beò
Snapshot mara agus sìde beò faisg air àite iomraidh cladaich ann an Cyprus, o Open-Meteo. Bidh suidheachaidhean ag atharrachadh air feadh a' chladaich — làimhsich mar chomharra.
Mara & sìde beò faisg air Lara-Toxeftra Turtle Reserve.
Cò ri fhaighneachd
Ùghdarrasan
Na buidhnean oifigeil a tha an urra ri iasgach agus ceadachadh.
Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR)
fisheries authority
moa.gov.cy101 Vithleem Street, 1416 Nicosia; Tel +357 22 807818 / +357 22 807829; licenses@dfmr.moa.gov.cyMinistry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment
environment ministry
moa.gov.cyNicosia, Cyprus
On a thàinig seo
Stòrasan
Bidh gach tagradh air an duilleag seo a' dol air ais gu aon de na h-iomraidhean sin.
- [01]
Department of Fisheries and Marine Research - Amateur fishing licence application portal
Oifigeillicence.dfmr.moa.gov.cyAir faighinn Ògm 14 - [02]
Apply and pay for a recreational fishing license - Gov.cy
Oifigeilgov.cyAir faighinn Ògm 14 - [03]
Lara-Toxeftra Turtle Reserve - SPAMI list (UNEP/MAP - SPA/RAC)
Oifigeilspami.medchm.netAir faighinn Ògm 14 - [04]
Spearfishing Cyprus - Rules, Species & Gear Tips (SPEARZEN)
Dàrnaspearzen.comAir faighinn Ògm 14 - [05]
Fishing in Cyprus: Freshwater and Sea Angling - Angloinfo
Dàrnaangloinfo.comAir faighinn Ògm 14 - [06]
Current sea fishing catch limits and size restrictions in Cyprus - Fishing in Cyprus
Dàrnafishingincyprus.comAir faighinn Ògm 14 - [07]
Fishing in Cyprus - places, rules and tips (DOM LiVE blog)
Dàrnadom.com.cyAir faighinn Ògm 14 - [08]
Fishing in Cyprus: The Complete Guide (FishingBooker)
Dàrnafishingbooker.comAir faighinn Ògm 14 - [09]
DFMR (ΤΑΘΕ) - Official terms for issuing an amateur fishing licence with a speargun ('Όροι έκδοσης άδειας ερασιτεχνικής αλιείας με ψαροντούφεκο'), Ministry of Agriculture moa.gov.cy (archived from the official DFMR site)
Oifigeilweb.archive.orgAir faighinn Ògm 22 - [10]
Ο περί Αλιείας Νόμος - ΚΕΦ.135 (Cyprus Fisheries Law Cap.135), consolidated text - CyLaw
Oifigeilcylaw.orgAir faighinn Ògm 22 - [11]
ΚΥΠΡΟΣ: Τι ισχύει με το ερασιτεχνικό ψάρεμα - Διευκρινίσεις Τμήματος Αλιείας (DFMR clarifications on amateur fishing under KDP 416/2019) - Boat & Fishing
Dàrnaboatfishing.grAir faighinn Ògm 22
Notaichean rannsachaidh
Scope: Republic of Cyprus (government-controlled area); the northern part of the island administers separate rules not covered here. UPDATE 2026-06-22: confidence raised to HIGH after recovering the official DFMR document 'Όροι έκδοσης άδειας ερασιτεχνικής αλιείας με ψαροντούφεκο' (Terms for issuing an amateur fishing licence with a speargun) from the official moa.gov.cy site via the Internet Archive (the live DFMR Lotus-Notes NSF pages now return 404 after a site migration; the gov.cy service pages return 403 to automated fetching). Twelve new law_texts were added, quoted VERBATIM in Greek from that instrument, each citing the relevant Fisheries Regulation article (Καν. 17, 17.-(1), 17.-(2), 17Γ-(1), 14-(1)) or EU Reg. 1967/2006, plus the K.D.P. numbers of the eight named marine protected areas and the K.D.P. 200/2008 Zenobia-wreck exclusion. KEY CORRECTIONS now grounded in primary text: (a) the marker buoy must be yellow/orange/red bearing a RED flag with a WHITE DIAGONAL stripe visible from at least 300 m, and the group must stay within 50 m of it (previously only a generic 'red flag'); (b) the minimum age for a speargun licence is OVER 17, NOT 12 (the earlier age-12/guardian claim conflicts with the official terms and likely refers to a different amateur category); (c) speargun fishing is prohibited throughout the MONTH OF MAY (a national closed period that was previously missing); (d) the 5 kg / 24h catch cap and the full minimum-size table (EC Reg. 1967/2006 Annex III) are now primary, replacing the earlier secondary-only catch numbers - the unverifiable per-species daily/annual figures were removed; (e) Cape Greco's no-fishing status is now CONFIRMED (K.D.P. 115/2018), resolving the earlier secondary-only caveat. STILL secondary / unverified: the licence fee (~EUR 30-35; gov.cy fee schedule blocks automated access) and the 'keep 100 m from organised swimming areas / 500 m from marinas' distances (the official terms prohibit fishing in bathing areas and set a 100 m anchoring ban around fishing-shelter entrances under Reg. 5-(3), but do not state those exact swimmer/marina distances). No verbatim penalty (fine/imprisonment) figures are asserted, as the Cap.135 text could not be reliably quoted. Coordinates for MPAs/exclusions are decimal conversions of the verbatim coordinates given in the source, or representative centroids where no decree boundary was retrievable; the 'Bania' Paphos and 'Thalassines Spilies' Peyia MPAs are listed without coordinates pending an official boundary.
Thoir fios dhomh nuair a dh'atharraicheas riaghailtean Cyprus
Cuiridh sinn post-d thugad nuair a thèid ràithean no riaghailtean Cyprus ùrachadh nar cruinneachadh dàta.