The Federation of Maltese Aquaculture Producers (FMAP) is pleased to announce that MareBlu, the fourth operator in Malta’s bluefin tuna sector, has formally joined the Federation. With this milestone, 100% of Malta’s bluefin tuna industry is now represented under one umbrella organisation.
This development underscores FMAP’s role as a guardian of good governance and environmental sustainability in aquaculture. It further strengthens FMAP’s commitment to the highest ethical, legal, and environmental standards, and reinforces Malta’s alignment with European principles of transparency, accountability, and sustainability.
As part of the European aquaculture community through membership in the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP), FMAP ensures that Malta’s sector adheres to international best practices and engages constructively with EU institutions, including the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE). FMAP also plays a regular role in international fora such as ICCAT (the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) and other global and regional bodies concerned with tuna conservation, fisheries management, and climate impacts.
According to the latest figures, Malta’s bluefin tuna exports have averaged approximately €225 million annually over the past five years, underlining the sector’s strategic importance to the Maltese economy and its role as a key player in global seafood supply chains.
The official signing of MareBlu’s membership was carried out in Spain on 24 September, marking a new chapter of unity, transparency, and cooperation for Malta’s aquaculture industry.
Charlon Gouder, President of FMAP:“Today is a historic moment for Malta’s bluefin tuna sector. With all operators now united under FMAP, we reinforce our ability to speak with one voice on critical issues —sustainability, international cooperation, market diversification, and maintaining Malta’s standards in governance and environmental care. We enter this new phase determined to protect our marine resources, support our communities, and ensure that Malta continues to play a respected role in international decision‐making.”
The Federation warmly welcomes MareBlu and looks forward to working collectively with all
members to build a resilient, sustainable, and internationally respected future for Malta’s bluefin tuna sector.
