Labour leader Dr Alfred Sant, accompanied by EU spokesperson Dr George Vella, held a meeting yesterday with EU Commissioner for Fisheries Joe Borg.

Dr Borg, on a visit to Malta, was accompanied by the Head of the EU Commission’s Permanent Representation, Joanna Drake.

Dr Borg spoke at length about his work at the European Commission and said that Malta should have a more active share in EU Fisheries policy to secure further economic benefits.

Asked by Dr Sant on the situation regarding the proposed fish farms at Marsascala, Dr Borg said this did not fall under his competence as each country had its own policy on aquaculture.

The Commissioner said the EU insists that each fish farm must comply with rigorous sanitary conditions. He said a fund will shortly be set up to encourage aquaculture and the need for more research to develop the concept of fish farming.

Dr Borg said the EU is preparing a Green Paper on fish farming that will eventually be moved for approval by the European Commission. After that a consultation process will begin.

Dr Borg yesterday also met Maltese fishermen.