Minister Anton Refalo announced the implementation of the fisheries co-management project with several countries in the Mediterranean and with LIFE (Low Impact Fishers of Europe). This project is part of a larger project across the Mediterranean supported by the MAVA Foundation with the aim of boosting the resilience of the Mediterranean fisheries sector.
Minister Refalo said that the main aim of this project is for fishermen to participate and participate in the management of fisheries in particular of MPEs (Marine Protected Areas), as they form part of the livelihood. of fishermen. He went on to say that co-management provides a backbone of governance where fishermen are at the center of decision-making. This structure takes into account the different local realities and builds on the experience and skills of people who depend directly on fishing while promoting a sense of ownership and co-responsibility.
Therefore, through a co-management process, meetings will be organized where fishermen will have the opportunity to share their views and opinions on fishing activities. Together with scientists and policy makers, different ways of sustainable fishing that strike a balance between the ecosystem and the socio-economic dimension will be discussed so as not to impact the resilience of the sector. This project is being carried out in various countries around the Mediterranean and is part of Malta’s commitment against the background of MedFish4Ever, a ten-year plan for a more sustainable Mediterranean sea.
The success of this project depends on the vision of the fishermen and therefore the cooperatives and fishermen are encouraged to participate in the meetings that will be held so that the voice and realities of the fishermen from each locality. be reflected in discussions on the sustainability of the sea and the fisheries sector.
