THOMAS BAJADA CALLS FOR EU ACTION AHEAD OF MALTA’S LAMPUKI SEASON

Gozitan MEP Thomas Bajada has called on the European Commission to take action ahead of the upcoming lampuki (Common Dolphinfish) season, urging stronger measures to protect Maltese and Mediterranean fishers who follow sustainable fishing rules.

Speaking during a European Parliament session, Bajada called on EU Commissioner Costas Kadis to engage in discussions with third countries before the start of the season, strengthen fisheries controls in the Mediterranean through the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), and ensure that responsible fishers are protected.

Bajada argued that Maltese fishers enter the season having respected regulations designed to protect fish stocks and secure the future of the industry. However, he warned that sustainable fishing efforts cannot succeed if other countries sharing the Mediterranean are not held to the same standards agreed through the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM).

“The Common Fisheries Policy remains fundamental,” Bajada said, while stressing that legislation alone cannot achieve its environmental goals if countries operating in shared waters do not commit to the same principles of sustainable fishing.

As Parliament’s rapporteur on strengthening EU action against countries allowing non-sustainable fishing practices, Bajada highlighted the need for Europe to use available tools more effectively and demonstrate stronger political commitment.

He called for increased monitoring, decisive action against illegal fishing practices, and greater protection for fishers who operate responsibly, stating that sustainability can only succeed when it is applied fairly across all parties.

#MaltaDaily