The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that sets the framework for a bilateral collaboration between the two organizations. The MoU was signed during a ceremony (in compliance with all COVID-19 measures) at the Cyprus Marine Aquaculture Research Center of DFMR in Meneou, by the Director of DFMR, Ms. Marina Argyrou, and the Chief Executive Officer of CMMI, Mr. Zacharias Siokouros.

The signed MoU enables both organizations to undertake joint activities in the area of marine research and in the fields of education and training, while it also fosters participation of their research and academic staff in joint research and innovation projects.

In this context, both organizations will cooperate on issues linked to the areas of fisheries and marine research. Through the sharing of ideas, scientific knowledge and expertise, DFMR and CMMI will potentially develop research programs regarding the sustainable management of fisheries, sustainable growth and promotion of aquaculture under the Common Fisheries Policy and efforts towards Blue Growth, protection and management of the marine environment and improvement of the ecological status of coastal habitats. This collaboration aims to achieve sustainability and a coordinated scientific approach regarding the implementation of national and European legislations and Directives. In addition, the Memorandum of Understanding promotes the exchange of personnel and overall collaboration between the two parties in research initiatives of common interest.

The Director of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Ms. Marina Argyrou has expressed her gratification regarding the signing of a very promising MoU, addressing the vital importance of the island’s marine resources and the need for a coordinated effort towards the improvement of all fields related to marine research. She mentioned that “this collaboration reaffirms our goals regarding the enhancement of interdisciplinary collaborations related to marine research in Cyprus. I believe that a cohesive approach in evaluating the island’s complex and unique ecological process will result in the flourishment of marine resources and the improvement of scientific knowledge regarding the marine environment.”

On behalf of the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Zacharias Siokouros expressed his excitement with respect to the signing of the MoU. Moreover, he mentioned that “this MoU strengthens the excellent collaboration CMMI already has with DFMR which focuses on the development of targeted scientific actions and projects in the areas of fisheries and marine research. This will be achieved through a comprehensive scientific approach of exchanging know how and our joint involvement in innovative research projects. I am confident that the results will be tangible and will elevate Cyprus at a local and international level.” “It is among CMMI’s strategic goals”, he pointed out, “to initiate and participate in projects which aim at the sustainable management, protection and regeneration of marine and coastal ecosystems, including the protection of marine biodiversity, as well as finding solutions for the prevention and reduction of marine pollution and addressing climate change”.