Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said Visits Annual MEDITS Survey

Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said, visited the workers and scientists of Aquatic Resources Malta currently carrying out the annual MEDITS (Mediterranean International Trawl Survey).

This survey, conducted simultaneously across several Mediterranean countries, gathers essential data on the state of fish stocks and the wider marine ecosystem.

The MEDITS programme is considered vital as it provides precise information on the abundance and distribution of fish species. This data is then used by both the European Union and Maltese authorities to guide decision-making on the sustainability of fisheries.

Bugeja Said underlined that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable fishing in line with Malta’s 2050 Maritime Vision.

She explained that such research not only helps protect the marine environment and biodiversity but also ensures a better future for Maltese fishermen and upcoming generations.

She thanked Aquatic Resources Malta staff for their ongoing contribution to fisheries and aquaculture.

CEO Francis Fabri explained that the euro-Mediterranean research is carried out aboard a vessel fully equipped with advanced technology, effectively turning it into a scientific laboratory.

Beyond the survey’s core requirements, the agency also collects water and seabed samples to study microplastics, further strengthening Malta’s efforts to safeguard its marine ecosystem.

Photo Credits: DOI Clifton Grima

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