The new fisheries building in Marsa will start operating on Monday. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes inaugurated the €3.8 million project yesterday.

The facility will replace the old fisheries building in Valletta, which was built in 1911.

Speaking during the inauguration, Mr Galdes spoke about how the fisheries sector was forced to invest and keep up with EU competition following Malta's accession to the EU in 2004. The new fisheries building, he said, was part of the ongoing modernization process in the fisheries and agricultural industries.

The Parliamentary Secretary said the project had started under the previous administration but the location was far from ideal, seeing that it lacked access to the sea. The building has since been made more accessible to fishermen and a new fish landing facility is being developed nearby.

Mr Galdes said the new facility would raise hygiene standards and introduce more modern practices. He also lauded the results of a recent campaign, saying that fish consumption had increased.

Dr Muscat said the new fisheries building would increase standards for consumers, fishermen. While the sector was small, representing only around 0.2% of GDP, it was important for traditional and symbolic reasons.

"The project will lead to change in long standing traditions and practices. Fishermen need to realise that there are rules that need to be followed but the authorities need to realise that this is a transition that will take some time."

In the meantime a government official said the fish processing facility, which is situated just above the fish market, has yet to be completed. A separate request for proposals will be issued shortly.