Decade-Long Study Sheds Light On Malta’s Dolphinfish Fishery

Aquatic Resources Malta has unveiled the results of its latest scientific study, The FAD Fishery of Coryphaena hippurus (dolphinfish) in the Maltese Islands, offering valuable insight into one of Malta’s most significant seasonal fisheries. The findings were officially presented on 20 October to Minister Anton Refalo, Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said, Permanent Secretary Sharlo Camilleri, and representatives from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture within the Ministry for Agriculture, as well as the Koperattiva Nazzjonali tas-Sajd Malta.

The extensive study, carried out over a ten-year period, was led by Luca Pisani, Executive Officer for Marine Biology and Conservation, and Sina Anna Kröbel, Officer for Data Analytics and Reporting, both from Aquatic Resources Malta. Their research focused on understanding the ecological and socio-economic dynamics of the Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) fishery targeting the dolphinfish, a key species in Malta’s traditional fishing sector.

By analysing long-term data, the project provides a clearer picture of catch trends, stock sustainability, and the environmental factors influencing the species. The study represents a major step towards ensuring the responsible management of Malta’s marine resources, highlighting the importance of data-driven decisions in supporting both the fishing community and the wider marine ecosystem.

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