The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, and the Chief Executive Officer of Aquatic Resources Malta (ARM), Dr Frank Fabri, launched VisionARM 2050, a long-term strategic framework that sets out Malta’s ambitious plan to transform aquatic research, fisheries governance, and aquaculture innovation in the years ahead.
VisionARM 2050 positions ARM as a center of excellence in fisheries and aquaculture research and is built on four key pillars:
- Scientific Excellence and Innovation
- Sustainable Resource Management and Ecosystem Resilience
- People and Skills for the Blue Economy
- Governance, Partnerships and Digital Transformation
The vision outlines Malta’s commitment to strengthening research, developing advanced scientific facilities, restoring marine ecosystems, improving data-driven governance, and supporting skills development for future generations within the blue economy.
Minister Anton Refalo explained how, “Today we are concluding this event with a strong sense of hope and commitment. Less than two years ago, Aquatic Resources Malta was established as our national agency dedicated to research, innovation, and technical development in fisheries and aquaculture. In this short time, Aquatic Resources Malta has already shown that Malta understands the need to build a modern, serious, and science-driven institution in this research sector, an institution that respects our past while clearly looking towards the future.”
He also explained that, “Today ARM is not just an administration; it is a center of knowledge. The agency is carrying out various research projects that address essential aspects of fisheries and aquaculture in our country. The agency is also contributing to scientific knowledge on our various species, our aquatic environment, and the challenges we need to address as a nation.”
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said emphasized the importance of advanced research for Malta’s blue economy, while reiterating the Government’s commitment to continuing investment in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Bugeja Said stated that VisionARM 2050 represents a historic moment for Malta’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors. She noted that the country had long needed a plan for the aquaculture sector to continue advancing and growing, and from the start she worked to make this possible.
She explained how, “A testament to our commitment to this sector was the launch of this agency around two years ago, and we believed in ARM’s capabilities to deliver a long-term vision under Dr Fabri’s leadership. Today we are seeing the results of this agency because through this vision we are investing in scientific excellence, the development of new researchers, and a more resilient and sustainable future for our marine environment.”
The Parliamentary Secretary concluded, “Today we are opening a new chapter of transformation based on collaboration, research, and innovation.”
ARM’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Frank Fabri also addressed the conference, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to scientific excellence and collaboration with stakeholders across government, academia, industry, and international partners.
“As Aquatic Resources Malta successfully reactivated its facilities and resumed research work, opened Fort San Lucian to the public, and reached agreements with key institutions in France and Italy, it has now announced its ambitious vision – VisionARM 2050 – built on four core pillars, with 40 measures and an implementation plan spread over three phases. Dr Frank Fabri, the CEO of Aquatic Resources Malta, explained how the agency has presented the public with a highly ambitious vision which, with serious and professional commitment, will be executed together with fishermen, the aquaculture industry, authorities, and sectoral entities so that Malta develops an excellent research center that serves as a reference point in the Mediterranean, in Europe, and internationally.”
VisionARM 2050 is designed and continues to build on Malta Vision 2050 to guide Malta’s development as a leader in aquatic research, especially as a small island state facing increasing climate and maritime challenges. The vision includes three phases – Basic Investments (2025–2030), Regional Leadership (2031–2040), and Global Recognition (2041–2050) – which together build the capacity, infrastructure, and partnerships needed for a sustainable long-term future.
For more information about VisionARM 2050, visit aquaticresources.gov.mt
Photo: MAFA/DOI
