New marine protection regulations carrying penalties of up to €20,000 and up to one year in prison have been in force in Cyprus since 20 March, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) has reminded the public.
The Fisheries (Amendment) Regulations 2026 were approved by the House of Representatives and published in the Official Gazette on 20 March 2026, entering into force immediately. They set out strict prohibitions for both members of the public and professional sea users.
All dolphins, whales and Anguilla anguilla eels are explicitly listed as protected species under the regulations. It is now an offence to harass or feed them, or to carry out any action that affects their natural behaviour, including movement, reproduction or rest.
For sea turtles, it is an offence to destroy or move nests or eggs, or to interfere with protective cages and signage. Driving vehicles on sea turtle nesting beaches and in designated protected areas is also prohibited.
At Limni beach, from 15 May to 30 September, placing sunbeds, umbrellas, caravans, tents or similar structures is prohibited. In the Polis-Yialia marine area, within the 0 to 10 metre isobath, motorised vessels may not pass through or anchor, with an exception for small-scale professional coastal fishermen.
Access to sea caves within Marine Protected Areas established for the Mediterranean monk seal requires a special permit from the Director of the Department. The dumping of any waste at sea, whether from land or from vessels, is also prohibited under the regulations.
The DFMR said the regulations aim to strengthen the protection of marine species and sensitive areas, and described marine protection as a collective responsibility, calling on all citizens and professional sea users to comply in order to preserve marine biodiversity.
Read more: