The 4th Seabream Fish Festival took place yesterday at the Lapta Fishermen’s Harbour, organized by the Lapta Alsancak Çamlıbel Municipality in cooperation with the Lapta Alsancak Karşıyaka Fishermen’s Association.
This year’s festival once again blended community spirit with social responsibility, with all proceeds going towards the development of water sports and recreational areas for children, youth, and adults.
The event began with the inauguration of a newly completed Accessible Fishing Zone—a project brought to life through last year’s festival donations and support from corporate sponsors.
The space allows individuals with disabilities to enjoy fishing independently, a first of its kind in the country.
Ertunç Birinci, President of the Fishermen’s Association, said the festival was designed not only to bring people together socially but also to contribute to meaningful community projects.
Günay Kibrit, President of the Cyprus Turkish Orthopedic Disability Association, stressed the importance of equal access and inclusion, noting that until now, there had been no designated fishing areas accessible to individuals with disabilities.
He expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the project.
Mayor of Lapta Alsancak Çamlıbel, Fırat Ataser, reiterated the municipality’s commitment to creating inclusive public spaces, announcing that new social and beach infrastructure would be designed with accessibility in mind, including barrier-free zones for people with disabilities.
Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, also present at the event, emphasized the untapped potential of the seas in the TRNC despite it being an island nation.
He noted that collaborative projects involving the government, local authorities, and the private sector were essential to help the public better benefit from marine resources.
Üstel also highlighted the government’s sensitivity to the needs of individuals with special requirements, recalling that since taking office, they have implemented numerous legal and social initiatives to enhance the participation of people with disabilities in daily life.
He announced that, after a long break, the government had resumed employing individuals with disabilities in public institutions and pledged to continue supporting them through inclusive policy and dialogue.
The festival featured live music performances and various shows, while attendees enjoyed freshly grilled seabream caught by local fishermen from Lapta, Alsancak, and Karşıyaka.