-
.
- Ελληνικά
[/QUOTE]
Although fishing nowadays contributes very little to the economy of our country, however, it is an important part of our tradition and culture and certainly needs further protection and sustainable management, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Costas Kadis said in his address at the presentation of Florence Kythraiotou's book "Cyprus Fish: Fisheries and Fish Eating in Cyprus".
As reported by the Press and Information Office, Mr Kadis also mentioned that "the seas of our region are not rich in terms of fisheries. The Eastern Mediterranean is one of the most oligotrophic marine areas in the world, with very low primary production and reduced productivity and biomass of marine organisms. Nevertheless, this region is characterised by significant biodiversity, including a large variety of fish and other catches, but found in small quantities."
Therefore, said the Minister, continuing, "fishing in Cyprus has traditionally been multispecies, targeting a large number of fish species, but with relatively small overall productions. Although fishing nowadays contributes very little to our country's economy, it is nevertheless an important part of our tradition and culture and certainly needs further protection and sustainable management."
He added that the aquaculture sector has developed significantly, since its products, through the application of good farming practices, respect for the environment and the use of modern means of production and packaging, are of excellent quality and hygiene, with high nutritional value and available at affordable prices. In fact, they are the third most valuable export product of the Cypriot primary sector.
Today, fisheries face many challenges, the Agriculture Minister said, adding that overfishing, the effects of climate change and invasive species of marine organisms are the most important challenges that the State is called upon to manage in order to ensure the robustness of marine ecosystems, the sustainability of the fisheries sector and the provision of healthy fishery products to the consumer.
Today, fisheries face many challenges, the Agriculture Minister said, adding that overfishing, the effects of climate change and invasive species of marine organisms are the most important challenges that the State is called upon to manage in order to ensure the robustness of marine ecosystems, the sustainability of the fisheries sector and the provision of healthy fishery products to the consumer.
"Of course, public information and awareness is key in this effort and I believe that the book presented today, apart from being an enjoyable read, accomplishes exactly that goal, as it highlights the importance of living natural resources and the need to protect them so that we can continue to enjoy the variety of fish that our sea provides," he said.
Referring to the book "Cyprus Fish Eat: Fisheries and Fish Eating in Cyprus" by Florentia Kythrayotou, he said that this includes material that for the first time is presented in a single publication and is the result of a long and thorough bibliographical review of scientific, historical and other sources, as well as thorough journalistic research on behalf of the author, whom I warmly congratulate.
"Within the pages of the book, is presented, in a simple and understandable way, the development of fishing in Cyprus since ancient times, as well as the relationship of every Cypriot with fish eating. Important information on the marine environment of Cyprus and its particular characteristics, as well as data on marine biodiversity, with a detailed description of important organisms living in the waters of our homeland, are also presented."
Source: CNA
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
