Meetings were successfully held as part of the public consultation that will lead to the first National Strategy for the Fisheries Sector. The consultation meetings, organised by the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, were held on 19 February in Gozo, 24 February in Marsaxlokk, and 3 March in St Paul’s Bay.
These sessions brought together fishermen, sector representatives and community members, where they had the opportunity to directly contribute to the development of a long-term strategic framework for the sector.
Minister Anton Refalo stated that the first National Strategy for the Fisheries Sector will be built on clear principles of economic sustainability, environmental responsibility and social justice, with concrete measures that address today’s realities and the challenges of the coming years. He emphasised that Gozitan and Maltese fishermen have a central role in the design of a modern policy that safeguards the competitiveness of the sector, strengthens access to investment and improves the regulatory framework.
“This strategy is not just a vision document, but an action plan with concrete tools that support our fishermen in daily practice. The Government remains ready to provide the necessary assistance, both through financial support schemes and investment in infrastructure. Our commitment is to ensure that the Maltese fishing sector remains viable, resilient and sustainable, while protecting the livelihoods of the families who depend on it and our maritime heritage,” said Minister Refalo.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said expressed her satisfaction with the strong level of participation recorded throughout the three meetings, noting that the commitment of the participants remained consistent throughout the process. She added that all this will lead to a strategy based on the real needs of the sector.
“The fact that fishermen and stakeholders attended the three consultation sessions demonstrates the commitment that exists within our fishing communities to build a sustainable and resilient future for the sector. Their participation was not just symbolic but was concrete, detailed and targeted towards solutions in the sector. This strategy is not being designed behind closed doors, but is being built together with fishermen themselves. Every comment, every proposal and every concern raised during these consultations will contribute to a framework that balances economic sustainability, environmental responsibility and social resilience,” said Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said.
The National Strategy for the Fisheries Sector is aimed at providing long-term stability to the sector, strengthening its competitiveness and ensuring that the Maltese fishing heritage continues to grow for future generations. Further updates on the publication of the draft strategy will be announced in the coming months.
The Public Consultation is open until 13 March and one can submit their suggestions by visiting: https://www.gov.mt/mt/publicconsultation/Pages/2026/NL-0002-2026.aspx
Photos: DOI/MAFA
