Applications Open For Recreational Lampuki Fishing Season

Applications are now open for recreational fishers wishing to take part in this year’s lampuki fishing season, as announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, and Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said. For another year, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture is offering the opportunity for amateur fishers to fish for lampuki, using authorised lines and Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in Maltese and Gozitan waters.

Minister Refalo emphasised that lampuki fishing is a long-standing tradition among many Maltese and Gozitan families. He stated that the Government has continued to listen to the fishing community and introduced measures that support both professional and recreational fishers. This initiative allows enthusiasts to practise their hobby in a legal and structured manner.

He also highlighted the Department’s official mobile app, which provides fishers with free authorisation and allows them to declare their catches. This encourages greater accountability, sustainability and transparency in recreational fishing.

Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said underlined the cultural and historical value of the lampuki season. She noted that by opening applications each year, the Government ensures that thousands of hobby fishers can participate safely and responsibly in one of Malta’s most popular seasonal activities.

This year, authorised FADs will be located in zones managed by fishing associations based in Birżebbuġa, Marsaskala, Valletta, Sliema, Buġibba, Ġnejna and Gozo. Fishers who prefer trolling in open waters rather than fishing from FADs may also apply through the mobile app. Authorisations will be issued from 1 August 2025 and sent by email.

All recreational fishers must declare their catches through the app. This system plays a vital role in monitoring fishing activity and managing marine resources sustainably. Applications will be accepted until Monday 4 August 2025.