Recreational fisheries can be of the same magnitude as commercial fisheries: The case of Cyprus

Abstract Marine Recreational Fishing (MRF) in Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean) was evaluated using telephone surveys between 2016 and 2018. All three existing MRF types were included in the surveys, boat fishing, spearfishing and shore fishing. Results highlight the great magnitude of this sector in terms of catches, as well as its social and economic significance. Around 2.7 % of the population was involved in MRF, of which 86 % in shore fishing, 10 % in boat fishing and 8.5 % in spearfishing. Overall recreational catches exceeded in weight (1065 t/year) and value (11.6 m€/year) the coastal commercial catches. 64 % of MRF catches came from shore fishing, 24 % from boat fishing and 12 % from spearfishing. By far the most important species in terms of weight and value were the invasive rabbitfishes. Species of higher trophic levels were found to be more impacted by MRF, especially boat fishing and spearfishing, than by coastal commercial fisheries. However, some of the most important species for the coastal commercial fleet were not important for any type of MRF. The study indicates that MRF in Cyprus and probably elsewhere in the Mediterranean has been underestimated thus far and that it should definitely be taken into account when considering measures for fisheries management.