Malta hosted the annual general meeting of the European Federation of Aquaculture Producers. This meeting brings together various parties, experts in the industry and leaders from the Aquaculture sector to jointly discuss important developments and also explore opportunities for sustainable development.
During this meeting the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, explained how the European Union remains a significant market for aquaculture products and the demand for fish with sustainable and high quality way is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. In recent years the Malta Aquaculture Research Center has undergone substantial development and improvement to accommodate research on different aquaculture species. He also made reference to the development that has taken place in recent years where the Maltese Government together with the tuna industry has taken steps forward.
“Malta’s vision for the sector is that eventually the aquaculture sector will be more competitive and resilient, developing in balance with good environmental practices and society’s expectations.”
The Chief Executive of the Maltese Federation of Aquaculture Producers (FMAP) Dr Charlon Gouder said that in Malta this industry is growing and is currently exploring new Asian markets, including China, to start exporting the their product. He said that it was an honor for Malta to be hosting this important conference for the industry on the European sphere through FEAP, where Malta has an active and particular part in the Bluefin Tuna committee. Dr Gouder said that aquaculture plays an important role in economic growth, food security and sustainability. The tuna season for fishermen opened a little while ago, but for the purseseiner it opened on May 26th and will remain open until July 1st. This year Malta will receive around 10,500 tonnes of tuna, after an increase in the import capacity was allowed, so that it can be fattened and then processed for sushi and sashimi.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said explained how, “this is an industry where seven different companies operate; a local industry that produces up to 16,000 tons every year, and contributes up to €200 million to the local economy. Over the years, the aquaculture sector has continued to grow into the thriving industry that everyone knows about today. After overcoming the various challenges we faced over the years, our country’s position in the Mediterranean was more crucial than our size. Malta today plays an important global role in the tuna industry, so much so that we have obtained valuable information on various elements of this sector.”
The former European Commissioner Karmenu Vella also addressed this meeting. He explained how in the European Union only 20% of the fish comes from aquaculture, with the other 80% from fishing. While Asia dominates the aquaculture sector with production of large volumes, the European Union excels in the production of fish which is considered a high quality product. With an increasing demand for food, the future of European aquaculture has great potential to grow. Therefore it is necessary that apart from continuing to strengthen the quality, we also see that in a sustainable way we increase the volume of production.
Minister Anton Refalo concluded by saying that, “the Maltese Government was and will remain committed to providing the necessary assistance in order to continue improving the sustainability of the sector, this is what aspires every day in the decisions we take in order we ensure that the sustainable growth of the industry continues to be supported.”
