The annual blessing of the tackle used during the lampuki season appears to have paid off, with Maltese fishermen landing no less than 2,077,087kg of the migratory fish, amounting to a value of Lm1,860,143 in the past five years.
However, a more significant catch is the fact that the fishing industry as a whole has benefited from Lm1,270,000 in aid since 2003.
These and other statistics were revealed by Frans Agius, parliamentary secretary within the Rural Affairs Ministry, during this year's blessing ritual which took place at Marsaxlokk on Thursday.
"The government is doing its best to help Maltese and Gozitan fishermen improve competitiveness," Dr Agius said, adding that the lampuki season is very important for fishermen since, together with tuna and swordfish, it forms the backbone of the fishing sector in Malta and Gozo.
Dr Agius explained that of the 130 Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD) at the fishermen's disposal, 113 were subscribed. Some FADs were also given to amateur associations. Other tangible signs of the ministry's pledge to help fishermen include the maintenance of slipways, as well as financial aid in order to improve health and safety conditions on Maltese fishing vessels. These measures have cost Lm1.8 million. Until now, 117 contracts have been concluded, while 81 applications are being processed. Lm160,000 will be distributed in order to close a number of contracts, while other contracts are expected to be drawn up shortly.
Dr Agius explained that Lm83,263 has been granted through the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG), 80 per cent of which has already been paid. One application for the renewal of a vessel was also accepted through FIFG. Elsewhere, 10 applications for the modernisation of vessels were filed, eight of which have been accepted. Three of these have been concluded and are expected to be paid shortly, while the others are still being inspected. These eight projects will together cost Lm67,000.
The parliamentary secretary added that 10 applications were filed in accordance with the Adjustment of Fishing Effort. Of the three which were eligible, one has been finalised, one is about to be financed, and the third is still under review. This project amounted to Lm219,000. Total aid for the Maltese fishing fleet amounted to Lm368,000.
Dr Agius said that Lm53,000 were given as aid to the aquaculture sector. This money was invested in equipping the pens' environmental surveillance systems. He also referred to three projects which received Lm211,000 to help the processing and the marketing of fish. These projects aim to increase the quality and hygiene of the product.
Dr Agius said that the fishing port facilities project is currently accepting tenders, and work will commence once the tendering process is concluded. This e2m will help fishermen to improve maintenance of their vessels.
The lampuka (coryphaena hippuris) is a migratory fish which passes through Maltese waters between mid-August and November. It is also known as "dolphin" in English, a fact which has given rise to many misconceptions about Maltese eating habits. Americans refer to the fish by its Spanish name, dorado, while in Hawaii it is known as mahi-mahi. At the end of its life cycle, it can reach weights of 45 kg; however, on its way past Malta, the lampuka tends to be much smaller, averaging at around one kilo per fish.