Aquaculture is a key sector for Cyprus, contributing significantly to food security and economic development. However, its expansion is constrained by environmental challenges, climate change, spatial limitations, and the need for sustainable resource management. This paper examines the current state of aquaculture in Cyprus, including key species, economic significance, and the regulatory framework. Sustainability challenges such as habitat degradation, feed dependence, and climate-induced stressors are analysed alongside emerging technological solutions, including recirculating aquaculture systems, AI-driven monitoring, and sustainable fish feeds. Building on the findings of the OS AQUA research project, the study integrates quantitative data and business case scenarios to assess the economic viability of offshore aquaculture operations in Cyprus. Key insights are drawn from techno-economic evaluations of mooring technologies, operational expenditure benchmarks, and licensing frameworks. Policy considerations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic investments are also discussed, offering a comprehensive roadmap for a resilient and environmentally responsible aquaculture sector. By combining innovation, governance, and practical feasibility analysis, the paper proposes targeted strategies to enable Cyprus to sustainably expand its aquaculture footprint into offshore environments.

This study presents the development and application of an integrated Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework for identifying suitable offshore aquaculture development zones in Cyprus. The methodology, developed within the OS AQUA project, combines environmental exclusion analysis, weather and proximity assessment, stakeholder and policy evaluation, and carrying-capacity estimation within a unified spatial decision-support framework. A sequential three-phase analytical workflow was applied to progressively refine candidate offshore areas under environmental, operational, infrastructural, regulatory, and governance considerations. The analysis identified four candidate offshore aquaculture zones in Cyprus—Xylofagou West, Larnaka (Faros area), Governor’s Beach, and Aphrodite Hills/Avdimou—demonstrating comparatively favourable conditions for offshore aquaculture development. The results highlight the importance of integrating environmental compatibility, operational feasibility, accessibility, stakeholder acceptance, and sustainability considerations within offshore aquaculture planning processes. Carrying-capacity assessment further indicated substantial offshore production potential under precautionary operational assumptions. Beyond the Cyprus case study, the proposed GIS-MSP framework offers a transferable methodological roadmap for offshore aquaculture zoning, Allocated Zones for Aquaculture (AZA) establishment, and sustainable marine spatial planning in the Mediterranean region.

The rapid growth of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in infrastructure, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and emergency response has created increasing demand for platforms with extended endurance, operational autonomy, and minimal environmental impact. However, most current UAVs rely on lithium-ion batteries or internal combustion engines, both of which impose significant limitations in terms of range, emissions, and refuelling logistics. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising alternative, combining high energy density, zero emissions, and rapid refuelling, yet remain underutilized in practical UAV applications. This paper explores the potential of hydrogen-powered UAVs through the case study of HY-FLY, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV designed around a dual PEM fuel cell architecture. With a 6-hour endurance, 440 km range, and rapid in-situ refuelling capability, HY-FLY demonstrates the technical feasibility and operational advantages of fuel cell propulsion. The UAV’s modular architecture, hybrid energy management, and low acoustic signature make it suitable for long-duration missions in remote or infrastructure-poor environments. A comparative analysis is presented between hydrogen, battery, and petrol UAV systems, supported by performance data, cost modelling, and sustainability metrics. Market insights and industry forecasts are also examined to position hydrogen UAVs within the emerging clean drone economy. The findings support hydrogen’s potential to enable a new class of sustainable aerial platforms, while highlighting current barriers related to infrastructure, regulation, and cost. Strategic recommendations are offered to guide future development and deployment in sectors where endurance, sustainability, and autonomy are critical.

This study presents the development and application of an integrated Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework for identifying suitable offshore aquaculture development zones in Cyprus. The methodology, developed within the OS AQUA project, combines environmental exclusion analysis, weather and proximity assessment, stakeholder and policy evaluation, and carrying-capacity estimation within a unified spatial decision-support framework. A sequential three-phase analytical workflow was applied to progressively refine candidate offshore areas under environmental, operational, infrastructural, regulatory, and governance considerations. The analysis identified four candidate offshore aquaculture zones in Cyprus — Xylofagou West, Larnaka (Faros area), Governor’s Beach, and Aphrodite Hills/Avdimou — demonstrating comparatively favourable conditions for offshore aquaculture development. The results highlight the importance of integrating environmental compatibility, operational feasibility, accessibility, stakeholder acceptance, and sustainability considerations within offshore aquaculture planning processes. Carrying-capacity assessment further indicated substantial offshore production potential under precautionary operational assumptions. Beyond the Cyprus case study, the proposed GIS-MSP framework offers a transferable methodological roadmap for offshore aquaculture zoning, Allocated Zones for Aquaculture (AZA) establishment, and sustainable marine spatial planning in the Mediterranean region.