Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said addressed a conference on the new LIFE OASIS project, titled “Guardians of the Ocean – Together for Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Turtle Conservation.”
This project builds upon our country’s efforts in marine conservation by fostering collaboration between fishermen, scientists, and conservationists. Fishers possess invaluable knowledge on the subject, and this collaboration will ensure that their experience forms the foundation for sustainable fishing practices.
In her speech, Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said emphasized the importance of balancing marine life protection with the needs of fishing communities. “This conference is proof of how fishermen from Malta, Sicily, and the Balearic Islands are committed to safeguarding marine biodiversity while ensuring the sustainability of our fisheries.”
She explained that the government is working with fishermen to implement practices that reduce bycatch and minimize the impact of fishing on marine ecosystems. She further stated that sustainable fisheries are not only an environmental issue but also a responsibility towards coastal communities and future generations. She also highlighted the importance of collaboration between scientists, fishing communities, and the general public.
The parliamentary secretary also spoke about the crucial role of Fish Aggregating Devices when it comes to fishing, which holds ecological value for Maltese fishermen and the entire region. She explained how this practice not only allows for targeted and sustainable fishing of certain species but also provides a livelihood for fishermen and contributes to food security in the Mediterranean.
“This government remains committed to creating solutions that benefit both marine biodiversity and those who depend on the sea for their livelihood,” concluded Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said.
The conference was also addressed by the Director of Nature Trust Malta, Vincent Attard, who is leading this project. He explained that LIFE OASIS will also assist dolphinfish fishermen in adopting advanced technologies that enhance sustainability. He explained how fishing rafts will be equipped with echo-sounder sensors, enabling continuous monitoring of fish stocks. This will help optimize resource use, reduce fuel consumption, and improve the efficiency of fishing operations.
“We are proud to launch LIFE OASIS in Malta, a country dedicated to marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. This conference provides an important platform for conservation and collective action towards the Mediterranean marine ecosystem,” concluded Mr Attard.
