Launch Of National Fisheries Strategy For Malta 2026-36

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo, together with the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, have launched the National Fisheries Strategy for Malta 2026–2036.

The strategy provides a long term national framework for the sustainable development of the fisheries sector over the next ten years. Its objectives include strengthening the resilience of the sector, protecting marine ecosystems and supporting fishing communities.

In his address, Minister Anton Refalo spoke about the importance of the fisheries sector for the Maltese Islands, describing it as one of the elements that makes Maltese identity what it is. He explained that the strategy is aimed at ensuring the sector, and the profession of fishing in Malta, remains sustainable both now and in the foreseeable future.

The minister stressed the importance of all stakeholders working together to ensure the strategy reaches its full potential and is successfully implemented. He highlighted the value of public consultation and encouraged all relevant stakeholders to participate over the next six weeks before the strategy is finalised and officially put into action. He added that work on the strategy has been ongoing for the past three years and that it is now ready for public consultation.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said said the strategy forms part of a government electoral manifesto measure that was originally intended as a wide consultation with fishermen. She explained that the process generated many valid points and proposals, leading to the creation of a national strategy.

She added that the strategy addresses key challenges facing the sector, including sustainability and generational renewal, while aligning with Vision Malta 2050.

She explained that the strategy places fishermen at the centre of fisheries policy, while looking to the future through sustainability and innovation. She expressed satisfaction that the government recognised the need for such a strategy and said she was proud of the continuous work carried out by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Bjorn Azzopardi, said the sector faces several challenges and that the strategy is based on an extensive consultation process.

This included 37 meetings with fishermen from different ports and fishing methods, as well as broad consultations with ministries and entities connected to the sector. The strategy is built on four strategic pillars: sustainable fisheries, generational renewal, investment in infrastructure and training for fishermen. These pillars include 20 strategic objectives and no fewer than 86 measures that will guide the sector’s development over the next decade.

Three public consultation meetings will be organised in different parts of the Maltese Islands in the coming weeks.

#MaltaDaily