The government will again extend an aid scheme on additional costs related to the purchase of fuel for fishermen.
This scheme is applicable to owners of vessels licensed as MFA and registered with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. This was announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo and by the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said.
This scheme is aimed at addressing the challenges that the fishing sector is currently facing due to the inflation in the price of fuel specially for fishing vessels. Fishermen who applied for the first call of this scheme will be notified that their application will be extended.
The amount dedicated to this scheme is one million euros for the year 2023. Thus, by the end of this year, the fishermen will have enjoyed a total of €1.7 million since the beginning of this year. the scheme. This means that all fishermen registered on a full-time basis with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will be able to benefit from the difference in the fuel price increase established according to the application.
Minister Anton Refalo stressed that the government’s goal is to constantly listen and see what the needs of the people are in a challenging time and therefore this scheme will address these challenges by financially reducing additional costs of the operation of Maltese and Gozitan fishermen’s vessels.
“The government is committed to continuing to support Maltese and Gozitan fishermen, and therefore the need to renew this initiative was felt to mitigate the additional costs”, said Minister Refalo.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said said that once again, the government will be a shield for all Maltese and Gozitan fishermen.
“This incentive that we are announcing today is another certificate of our commitment as a government to protect and strengthen this integral part of the economic and socio-cultural fabric of our country. You fishermen are at the heart of our work to support sustainability in our country. I also remind you that this sector is an important tool for our country to continue to ensure local food production”, said Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said.
The period of applications for aid to fishermen will be open between 15 February and 3 March 2023. Applications must be sent by post to the Department’s Front Office address of Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as in the Fish Landing Offices (Malta and Gozo) or in the Office of the Safety Officers in Gàmmieri, Marsa.
Applicants who wish to download a copy of the form, can do so by contacting the Projects Unit within the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. For more questions on this scheme, fishermen should contact the office in charge of the Department’s funds on 2339 7118, or send an email to fisheriesprojects.mafa@gov.mt.
