On Tuesday evening at the Marsaxlokk shore, as is the tradition, a mass and celebration of the blessing of the boats and ships was held, by the Chaplain Fr Luke Seguna. This is to bring the fishermen the benefit for a good season in the lampuki catch. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo attended this activity.
Many fishermen in Malta and Gozo are currently preparing their nets with palm leaves. This technique is mostly used by Maltese fishermen as the lampuka swims close to the surface of a deep sea and looks for the shade of the fishermen’s nets. The technique was developed by Maltese fishermen themselves.
The lampuki season starts on August 15 and continues until the end of the year. Currently, the boats and ships are loaded with trellises as well as stones, palms and ropes so that together they go out and climb the ropes according to the positions that have been provided to them by the Department of -Fishing and Aquaculture.
In Malta and Gozo there are more than 90 fishermen registered for lampuki fishing for this season.
These traditions are linked to Malta’s culture and identity. In the month of August, both families and restaurant entrepreneurs will be waiting to taste and serve lampuki for the first time. The work of Maltese and Gozitan fishermen should be greatly appreciated, not only during this season, but throughout the year.
