Pilot project announced that continues to strengthen monitoring at sea against illegal fishing
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Supply Anton Refalo announced that during this year a pilot project of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) was launched, through which a drone in the form of a small aircraft is being used for surveillance purposes. Previously, this drone would take off from Sicily or other locations in Italy; this year, at the insistence of the Maltese authorities, it began to take off from Malta. This technology allows the authorities to react more quickly to reports of illegal fishing and strengthens the monitoring capacity at sea.
This was announced during a visit where the Minister joined a group of Maltese fishermen at sea, as part of the ‘100 days thanks to you’ campaign, in order to closely follow their work during the lampuki season.
During this visit, Minister Refalo accompanied the fishermen on one of the shoots allocated for lampuki fishing, where he was able to follow the entire process carried out by the fishermen, from arrival on the shoots and the grids to the catch of the lampuki. This was also an opportunity for the Minister to hear directly from the fishermen about their work, as well as about the challenges and needs of the sector.
Lampuki fishing is an important tradition in the Maltese and Gozitan fishing sector. Fishermen use trellises, made, among others, of palm leaves, to create a shadow on the sea surface that attracts lampuki. The shoots are allocated by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture so that this fishing is carried out in an organised manner and in accordance with the applicable regulations.
The Government is committed to continuing to support fishermen through various initiatives and schemes designed to strengthen the sector. Among these are the distribution of palm fronds to fishermen in preparation for the lampuki season, along with other schemes and investments aimed at improving working conditions, sustainability and resilience of the fishing sector.
At the same time, Malta continues to work at European and regional level to strengthen enforcement against illegal fishing by third-country vessels. In this context, over the past few years the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) has allocated a vessel specifically for control operations in the Mediterranean.
The Maltese authorities, through the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, are also continuing to present evidence, including that provided by Maltese fishermen, in relevant international fora. This is in order to continue to put pressure on third country authorities to take action against illegal practices and, where necessary, to take sanctioning measures, including the listing of vessels caught engaging in illegal fishing.
Minister Anton Refalo remarked, “During this visit I was able to see up close the work, experience and dedication that goes into every catch. Our fishermen are an important part of our country’s maritime identity and play an essential role in providing fresh and local food. Therefore, as a Government we will remain close to them, listen to their needs and provide the necessary assistance to continue strengthening and protecting this sector.”
Minister Refalo also appealed to Maltese and Gozitan fishermen to continue to observe fishing laws and regulations, as well as the directions issued by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. He stressed that compliance with the rules is essential for Malta to continue to strengthen its position and credibility in European and international forums where the interests of the Maltese fishing sector are discussed and protected.
The Minister also thanked the Armed Forces of Malta for their work, protection and continuous coordination with the competent authorities, particularly during this important period of the year for Maltese and Gozitan fishermen.
Minister Refalo reiterated the Government’s commitment to continue investing in the fisheries sector, while working to protect the interests of Maltese and Gozitan fishermen and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.
The visit also served to give visibility to the daily work carried out by fishermen at sea and to the knowledge passed down from generation to generation. The Government will continue to work together with the sector so that traditional Maltese fishing remains sustainable, competitive and a living part of our country’s maritime heritage.
