The Government with a clear vision for a sustainable future for the fishing sector
Minister Anton Refalo and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said launched for public consultation the National Fisheries Strategy 2026–2036. The strategy provides a long-term national framework for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector over the next ten years, with the aim of strengthening the sector’s resilience, protecting marine ecosystems and supporting fishing communities.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, said “This strategy reflects the Government’s clear vision for a sustainable and resilient future for the fishing sector, which is an essential part of the identity, economy and cultural heritage of our country. The strategy is built on the principle that there can be no future for fishing without a healthy sea, and at the same time there can be no sustainability without social justice and decent living prospects for our fishermen.”
Minister Refalo said that through this strategy they are investing in sustainability, generational renewal, infrastructure and training, to ensure that fishing remains viable and attractive to young people. He maintained that this vision is the fruit of an ongoing dialogue with fishermen and all stakeholders that will continue during the public consultation. “The Government remains committed to working hand in hand with the fishing communities so that this strategy is implemented effectively for the good of the sector,” concluded the Minister.
Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said said that the strategy is also part of a measure in the Government’s electoral manifesto, which began work on with a broad consultation with fishermen, from which several important points and suggestions emerged that now form part of this strategy that is being launched for public consultation. She continued that this strategy addresses key challenges of the sector, including sustainability and generational renewal, while aligning with the Malta 2050 Vision.
“This strategy places fishermen at the centre of fisheries policy, while also addressing sustainability and innovation in the sector. As a Government we recognised the need for this strategy and are satisfied that with continuous work also from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, we have come to launch it for public consultation,” said Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said.
The Director General of the Department for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Bjorn Azzopardi, explained that this strategy is built on an extensive process of 37 consultation meetings with fishermen from different ports and who fish different fisheries and which continued with a wide consultation with Ministries and entities that in some way touch on the fisheries sector.
“The strategy that we are proposing is built on four strategic pillars – sustainable fishing, generational renewal, investment in infrastructure, and training of fishermen. From these pillars emerge 20 strategic objectives and no less than 86 measures that will guide the development of the sector over the next ten years,” explained Mr Azzopardi.
Three public consultation meetings will be organised in different parts of the Maltese islands in the coming weeks. One can submit their suggestions by visiting: https://www.gov.mt/mt/publicconsultation/Pages/2026/NL-0002-2026.aspx
Photos (MAFA)
