Educational Campaign To Promote Lesser-Known Maltese Fish

The Minister for European Funds and Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, together with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, have launched an information campaign to promote lesser-known Maltese fish that are not as popular with consumers.

Minister Refalo said, “It is an honour to officially launch the national campaign ‘Discover the Variety, Eat Sustainable Fish,’ which embraces a clear vision to change how we view our seas, our fish, and what ends up on our daily plates.”

He explained that the initiative combines health, environment and the economy. “This is not just another campaign but one of awareness, education and action. It encourages consumers to choose local fish that are abundant but often overlooked, such as the Aċċola, Sawrell and Kubrit,” he added.

Minister Refalo noted that the perception that buying fish is always expensive is often incorrect. “Local fish is not only of excellent quality and fresher, but often cheaper than imported products. By choosing local, we eat well while supporting our fishermen and the local economy.”

Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi highlighted that the initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to sustainable fisheries through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). He said, “Our sea is an important resource, and we have a duty to manage it wisely. EMFAF is an investment not only in finances but in the future of our seas and fishing communities.”

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said added that choosing local fish supports fishermen and promotes the wide variety of sustainable, high-quality species available in Malta. The campaign will also educate children about the health benefits of local fish and encourage broader consumption, benefiting both the environment and the fishing economy.

The Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture said the campaign aims to make fish more accessible, increase sales and ensure fishermen receive fair income for their work while promoting sustainable consumption of under-appreciated species.

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