Cyprus implements €1.3M plan to combat invasive silvercheek tilapia

Cyprus is implementing a multi-year plan to manage the invasive silvercheek tilapia population in its waters. The initiative, which runs until December 2029, has a total budget of €1,304,000, with 70% funded by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).

Since June 2024, approximately 145 tons of silvercheek tilapia have been caught, resulting in €685,000 being distributed to professional fishing groups. The funds are allocated to 11 group leaders and fishing associations, who then distribute payments to individual fishers based on the weight of the catch. The collected fish are sent to a licensed company for incineration.

While no attacks on humans have been recorded, the invasive species causes significant damage to fishing gear and local catches. The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research is working with fishers to monitor the population. Due to the species' spread, Greece has requested to consult with Cyprus regarding the methodology used to combat the tilapia's expansion in Greek waters.