The Plant Health Directorate said fishermen wanting palm tree fronds for use in fishing for the dolphin fish, lampuki, can collect them only from the premises of the Environmental Landscapes Consortium at Wied Incita and, in Gozo, from the Afforestation Section.

The directorate said that Malta and other European countries are facing a major pest problem in the Red Palm Weevil, a palm tree borer which can kill palm trees within months. Preventive treatment should be applied to the spot where a frond is removed.

The primary focus is on the Canary Palm (Phoenix canariensis) which is one of the most susceptible palm trees found locally. This is the largest among the palms, having long bright green fronds with sharp thorns at the base.

It is important that any palm fronds to be used for fishing purposes have to originate from Red Palm Weevil-free trees to prevent the spreading of the pest.

Detailed information about regulations are obtainable from the Plant Health Directorate of the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs on tel. 2339-7100 or freephone 8007-2310.