The implementation of the Fisheries Integrated Information System is launched – a €4.5 million project financed by European funds in favour of the digitalisation of the fisheries sector
The Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said, announced the start of the implementation of the Fisheries Integrated Information System (FIIS), a €4.5 million project financed by the EMFAF Fund to develop a new digital system that will integrate the nine main information processing systems within the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture into a single, coherent platform.
Through FIIS, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will be able to collect, integrate and process real-time data from various sources, including the vessel monitoring system, satellite data, catch information and automated measurement systems on board vessels. The system has been designed on the principles of security, authenticity, traceability and ease of use, and will be able to communicate directly with the European Commission through the FLUX platform to meet national and European obligations.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that this investment clearly shows how European Funds are being used strategically to strengthen our country’s productive sectors such as fisheries, while offering support to fishermen and all those involved in the sector. “Through the EMFAF Programme we are continuing to invest in the modernisation of fisheries sector management, by investing in efficiency and modern technologies. This is an investment that not only addresses today’s needs, but also looks towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our fishermen and maritime communities,” said Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said stressed that, “Through the Fisheries Integrated Information System we are continuing to move forward in the digitalisation of the fisheries sector. This system will allow us to work more efficiently, with real-time data and full traceability, while reducing the administrative burden on fishermen and the Department. Our aim is to strengthen the sustainability of marine resources and offer modern services that reflect today’s needs.”
The project also allows fishermen to have immediate access to their information via mobile devices, and for catch reporting to be done automatically without the need for manual data entry, thus reducing paper usage while increasing efficiency and accuracy.
This initiative forms part of the Government’s broader vision to continue to modernise fisheries administration, strengthen the monitoring of marine resources and offer a more efficient service to the fishing community.
Photo: MFI/MAFA_PS
