“For another year, the Government will invest again in an aid scheme on additional costs related to the purchase of fuel for fishing vessels.” This was announced during a news conference addressed by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said .
Minister Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said explained how for this year the Government is again investing €1 million, so that every full-time Maltese and Gozitan fisherman registered with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will benefits from a maximum amount of €100,000 – which figure represents an increase of more than 30% on the maximum amount that was given last year.
Minister Anton Refalo noted how despite the negative impact that the international scene has brought on our country, including on the fishing sector, the Government has seen that the burden is not lifted by the Maltese and Gozitan fishermen and therefore for a year another is extending this initiative again.
“We recognize the importance of fishing in our country and the work of fishermen and therefore I am pleased to note how the amount dedicated to this scheme has increased to one million euros this year. Thus, by the end of the year 2024, the fishermen will have benefited from a total of almost €3 million since the beginning of this scheme, which started in the year 2022,” concluded the Minister. Refalo.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said reiterated how this investment is testimony to the continuous support that the Government is providing to the fishermen. “We believe in the potential of this sector and in the importance of fishing, to strengthen the economy, the environment, and the economic sustainability of our country. Therefore, we were and will remain a shield for fishermen, and for Maltese and Gozitan consumers.”
She continued that fishermen, along with other producers such as farmers and villagers, are at the forefront of ensuring food security for our country. “Thanks to this investment, we will continue to protect the livelihood of our fishermen. At the same time, we are incentivizing and encouraging more families to buy fresh and local fish, which is such a nutritious element for the health and well-being of our people ,” concluded the Parliamentary Secretary.
The period of applications for aid for fishermen will be open between 5 and 9 February 2024. Applications must be sent by post and to the address of the Front Office of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as in the Fish Landing Offices (Malta and Gozo) or in the Security Officers’ Office 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 22926812 / 22926819, or send an email to fisheriesprojects.mafa@gov.mt .
Photos: MAFA
