TRNC introduces seasonal ban on catching dusky and white grouper

From May 15, an annual ban on amateur fishing of two valuable Mediterranean fish species — dusky grouper (Orfoz) and white grouper (Lahoz) — comes into effect in the TRNC. The restrictions will be in place until August 15, 2026, aimed at protecting the population during the spawning period.

According to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, the ban covers the species Epinephelus marginatus and Epinephelus aeneus. These fish are considered important predators of the marine ecosystem, and their numbers in the Mediterranean Sea have caused concern among ecologists in recent years.

For three months, amateur fishers are prohibited from any harvesting of these species, including spearfishing and boat fishing. Authorities warn that fines are provided for violation of the rules, and equipment and catch will be confiscated.

Certain exceptions remain for professional fishers, but they also face strict restrictions on the size of the permitted catch. Amateurs are obliged to immediately release any accidentally caught grouper back into the sea.

In the south of Cyprus, rules regarding groupers are even stricter and regulated by EU legislation. Minimum catch sizes, limits on the number of fish, and permanent marine protected areas where fishing is completely prohibited are in effect there.

Specialists emphasize that protecting groupers is especially important due to their slow growth and reproduction characteristics. Many species of these fish change sex with age, so catching large individuals during the spawning period causes serious damage to population recovery. The dusky grouper is already listed as an endangered species.