A new laboratory, with an investment of € 230,000, is officially opened in the Department of Aquaculture inside St. Lucian’s Tower. Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said inaugurated this state-of-the-art laboratory, which will be a center for aquaculture research.
This investment is part of the Bythos Project ‘Biotechnologies for Human Health and Blue Growth’ where its main objective is to carry out scientific studies on the commercial potential of fish residues after they have been processed. Fish scraps, including those from tuna farming, include characteristics that can be used in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries.
It was also explained that organic waste that has not been used for these mentioned purposes can be processed into fish feed in order to move closer to waste reduction operation. This helps the industry to reduce its impact on the environment.
“Today’s project is another wise step to continue to ensure that the Maltese aquaculture industry is more sustainable, while producing as little waste as possible. Our ultimate goal is to continue investing in research and innovation that will drive the goals of the circular economy and the sustainability of the seas and maritime resources, ”said Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said.
She said that it is crucial to renew and modernize such facilities, with new and modern equipment, as these facilities will continue to put Malta on the Mediterranean map when it comes to the science of aquaculture and growth. its sustainability.
The Parliamentary Secretariat will also continue to work to provide training, employment and research support opportunities for students of MCAST, the University of Malta and other institutions, as well as to continue to support its development. of the aquaculture industry, to encourage investment in the sector and promote economic and sustainable growth.
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