Paphos fishermen urgently call for state support

Fishermen in Paphos say they are in desperate need of state support to survive, as infrastructure in Paphos is crumbling and many are leaving the profession.

In an interview with the CNA on Saturday, chairman of the Paphos fishing association Leonidas Leonidou said there were 65 fishermen in Paphos and Ayios Georgios Peyia, along with 30 in Polis Chrysochous.

Though the current bad weather has not caused major issues, strong sea turbulence has created problems at the entrance to the Kato Paphos port, since it needs repairing to prevent the waves from entering when there are strong southwest winds, he said.

Leonidou added that although the fishing shelter at Ayios Georgios in Peyia is undergoing repairs, periods of strong turbulence mean waves pass over the breakwaters and end up in the harbour area, filling it with seaweed.

This causes damage to the fishing boats, he said.

Leonidou stressed that many fishermen are forced to take on a second job so they can support their family, while many end up leaving the profession.