The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, within the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, will offer a training course for young fishermen in order to continue supporting the sector with more fishermen .
This was announced during a news conference addressed by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said .
The scheme entitled “Young Fisher’s Scheme” has the primary objective of young fishermen obtaining practical training as well as teaching accredited by the Maltese College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). With the help of an experienced full-time fisherman, prospective young fishermen can gain the necessary knowledge to operate successfully in this field.
Minister Anton Refalo said that through this initiative another electoral promise is being fulfilled. He continued by saying that the government is investing to encourage more young people to enter this very important sector for our country.
“Once again we are seeing a Government that actually cares and is investing in the fishing sector in our country. What we are launching today goes hand in hand with initiatives, projects and measures announced in the past months and years. I recall how a number of aid schemes were extended for our fishermen, such as the scheme for the purchase of fuel, and the scheme for the restoration of traditional boats, which require various maintenance costs. I also note how thanks to the extension of the financial aid scheme for the additional costs for the fishermen, 79% of the fishermen are enjoying subsidized fuel,” concluded the minister.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said said that, “The Young Fisher’s Scheme is another initiative that the Government is implementing so that the fishing industry remains sustainable and active. Through this scheme, we are helping young people develop their skills and encouraging them to choose fishing as their primary job.” She thanked the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture for this initiative that allows educational knowledge recognized by a major institution in our country, such as MCAST.
Director of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Gilbert Balzan said that through this scheme young fishermen will be given the opportunity to have experience working with established fishermen. He reiterated that the ultimate benefit of this scheme is to nurture the next generation of fishermen.
The training period under this scheme will take place between 1 August 2024 and 30 June 2025. For more information and questions, one can contact 22926800, or send an email to: fisheriesprojects .mafa@gov.mt .
