We would like to comment on an article entitled Burgeoning barracuda killing the sport published on the TMID 19 August edition.

The gist of the article is that the fishermen and/or divers are complaining that they are catching less fish because the fish are being eaten by the barracudas. Though this affirmation is not logically justifiable, the first sentence of your article goes further by claiming that an increase in barracudas seen locally is attributable to the fish farms operating in Malta. With all due respect this is nothing better than idle speculation. First of all there is absolutely no scientific basis to the claim that the number of barracudas is increasing; secondly any theoretical increase in barracudas cannot be simply attributable to the presence of fish farms. Your article in fact quotes Prof. Patrick J. Schembri as stating that there is no basis for speculating on any increase in barracuda populations unless clear scientific data is gathered. The comments on residue of fish meal are also without basis. Any successful commercial activity including a fishfarm requires strict control over the stock of consumables used since this has a direct effect on profitability. A significant amount of residual fish meal would have an effect on the profitability of the concern so it is in the interests of the farms themselves to control the release of fish meal. Another aspect which cannot be forgotten is that fish farms are required to comply with very stringent standards and regulations at a local and international level.

Ultimately what the amateur fishermen/ divers fail to mention is that they do not seem to want any limits on their ability to catch what would otherwise be the prey of the barracuda. They would do well to remember that the Government has introduced detailed regulations for amateur and sport fishermen regulating among other things allowable sizes and weights and establishing quotas for certain species. Perhaps increased regulation will help increase the catches for fishermen and divers, while leaving something for the poor barracuda too.

Dr John Refalo

Federation of Maltese Aquaculture Producers