Launch of the third edition of the 'Fishing for Recipes' competition

Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said announced the third edition of the 'Fishing for Recipes' competition during an activity held at Żejtun Primary School. This initiative is being jointly organised by the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights and the Ministry for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation, as well as the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and focuses on education, sustainability and community involvement. The competition is open to students aged 9 to 15 and encourages the use of local fish, with an emphasis on less used species, while promoting creative cooking and healthier eating habits. Participants are required to create an original recipe using fish from an approved list and submit it along with photos of the process and the final dish. Applications are open between 24 March and 13 April 2026 and should be sent to [email protected] . A professional jury will select the top ten finalists who will participate in a live final phase during the Malta Agrifair at the MFCC on 19 April 2026, where they will be evaluated on taste, presentation and originality. All participants will receive certificates, while the best participants will be awarded prizes. Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said said that this initiative continues to encourage more sustainable consumption and appreciation for local produce. “Through this initiative we are giving children an opportunity to develop their creativity while better understanding the value of local fish and the importance of sustainable consumption. It is important that from a young age we teach our children to consume nutritious food that is beneficial for their health.” Director of Fisheries Services Dennis Sciberras stressed the importance of increasing awareness of underutilized fish species. “This competition helps to raise awareness of the variety of fish we have in our waters and encourage more diversified and sustainable consumption, while increasing appreciation for the local fishing sector.” This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to encourage children and students to explore Malta's fishing traditions and develop new skills through practical and creative experiences.