Paphos fishermen ‘in despair’ and ‘considering strike’ after weather damages boats

Fishermen in Paphos are “in despair” and “considering going on strike” after inclement weather on Monday saw their boats sustain minor damage.

The cause of the damage, Paphos coastal fisheries department chairman Leonidas Leonidou told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), is a lack of investment in the requisite infrastructure.

Leonidas explained that he mentioned “some time ago” that plans were made by the Cyprus Ports Authority to modify the entrance to the Paphos harbour to protect it from strong southeasterly winds, but that the Antiquities department had not allowed them to progress “due to the area’s archaeological wealth”.

A meeting was held on Monday between fishermen and boat owners in Paphos who resolved to send letters to the authorities, including the Agriculture and Transport ministries among others, inviting them to visit the Paphos harbour and see the situation firsthand.

Leonidou said that should they not receive answers within 15 days, they will proceed with a “vigorous protest”.

He added that fishermen demand the construction of a new fishing shelter, the installation of a chain in the harbour for anchoring boats, and the construction of an area in which fishermen can sell their fish directly to consumers, among other things.